Massachusetts State Representative Ruth Balser, PhD, Recognized for Her Commitment to Mental Health Issues By the American Psychological Association Practice Organization
Posted on: Monday, 6 March 2006, 15:00 CST
WASHINGTON, March 6 /PRNewswire/ -- Representative Ruth Balser, PhD, a strong mental health advocate for Massachusetts' citizens and the psychology profession, was recognized for her leadership on mental health issues by the American Psychological Association Practice Organization (APAPO). Rep. Balser, the first psychologist to serve in the Massachusetts legislature, was presented with APAPO's 2006 State Legislator of the Year Award.
"My clinical background as a psychologist has helped shape my public policy perspective. I have been able to advance an agenda that includes protecting behavioral health benefits in insurance plans and public programs, and defending the value and role of mental health professionals. It means a lot to me that my work in the public arena is recognized by my professional organization," Rep. Balser said.
Rep. Balser has worked to protect the privacy of patients in therapy. She sponsored legislation enacted into law in 2004 that provides psychologists the same employment protection as doctors and nurses. In addition, she has supported laws that remove obstacles to providing mental health services by psychologists and by doctoral students in training. Rep. Balser has expressed intentions to amend the current Massachusetts mental health parity law to a full parity law, which would place insurance coverage for mental health services on par with physical health services.
"Rep. Balser has been instrumental in efforts to improve access to psychological services for the people of Massachusetts," said Russ Newman, JD, PhD, APAPO's executive director for professional practice. "We are delighted to present this award to someone who has not only spearheaded efforts to expand mental health services in her state, but who has time and again fought for what she believes is right."
Rep. Balser has represented the 12th Middlesex District since 1998 and serves as chair of the joint Committee on Mental Health and Substance Abuse. As a clinical psychologist, she has worked in community mental health, private practice and managed care settings.
APAPO's State Legislator of the Year Award is given annually to a state legislator who has prominently championed the goals of professional psychology.
The American Psychological Association Practice Organization is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association, the largest scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. APA's membership includes more than 155,000 researchers, educators, clinicians, consultants and students.
American Psychological Association Practice Organization
CONTACT: Peter Wilson, +1-202-336-5910, pwilson@apa.org, or LuanaBossolo, +1-202-336-5899, lbossolo@apa.org, both of the American PsychologicalAssociation Practice Organization
Source: PRNewswire
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