People on the Move: RI Psychological Assn. Member Wins National Award
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People on the Move: RI Psychological Assn. Member Wins National Award
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Dr. Erin Alexander, the chair of the Committee of State Leaders (CSL), one of the many APA committees, noted that “each year, CSL presents the State Leadership Award to a psychologist who has shown outstanding leadership in their SPTA, demonstrated significant efforts in local and national advocacy and legislative efforts, and has made efforts to promote the fair representation of SPTAs within APA.”
Dr. Wolter was recognized because of her commitment to local and national advocacy efforts, not only as a member of two state psychological associations but also through her engagement in divisions focused on issues related to practice at the state level and to independent practice. Dr. Wolter has been the chair of the Behavioral Healthcare Advocacy Committee for the New Hampshire Psychological Association (NHPA), has led the effort to develop an annual New Hampshire Mental Health Workforce Survey to gather data about practice trends.
She has collaborated with leaders of other mental health associations to be sure that the psychological perspective has been included in their work and has shared with stakeholders the results of the survey to effect legislative and policy changes.
Her actions resulted in the elimination of the requirement for prior authorizations for testing and the increase of New Hampshire Medicaid reimbursement rates for certain mental health services. Dr. Wolter works as the Director of Professional Affairs for NHPA but also serves in the role of Federal Advocacy Coordinator for the Rhode Island Psychological Association (RIPA), sharing with the members the need for action to advocate for issues related to the access to care and reimbursement.
Dr. Wolter has been described as someone who “…works tirelessly to advance our profession via legislative gains and nurturing partnerships. She serves as a bridge between two SPTAs and APA, increasing the power of their advocacy efforts
Her accomplishments exemplify how psychological expertise and relationship-building skills can influence policy and improve mental healthcare delivery systems at local, state, and national levels.”