Chairman Takano Introduces Resolution to Commemorate ‘VA Psychology Recognition Week’

WASHINGTON, D.C. – House Committee on Veterans’ Affairs Chairman Mark Takano (D-Calif.) introduced H.Res. 337, a resolution to celebrate the 75^th anniversary of VA training psychologists and designate this week-- April 19 through April 23, 2021-- as ‘‘VA Psychology Recognition Week.’’ Following the introduction, Chairman Takano, Association of VA Psychology Leaders (AVAPL) President Kenneth R. Jones, PhD, and American Psychological Association (APA) President Jennifer F. Kelly, PhD, ABPP released the following statements. Read the full text of the resolution here.

“I strongly support VA psychologists and am honored to introduce this resolution in recognition of their service to our nation’s veterans,” said Chairman Takano. “For 75 years, VA psychologists have provided high-quality, evidence-based care to veterans within the Department of Veterans Affairs and communities across the country. Guided by science and their advanced clinical training, they have provided culturally competent healthcare to veterans from all backgrounds and have been an integral part of efforts to reduce veteran suicide. As researchers, their cutting-edge scientific work has revolutionized how VA and the rest of the country prevent, assess, and treat everything from post-traumatic stress disorder to traumatic brain injury and chronic pain.

This week—and every week—I am grateful for the work of our talented VA psychologists and all they do to ensure veterans can access the mental healthcare they’ve earned and deserve.”

“The stressors related to serving one’s country through military service often results in long-term psychological consequences that impact Veterans, their families, and their communities,” said AVAPL President Kenneth R. Jones, PhD. “VA psychologists are committed to the mission of working with Veterans and our healthcare colleagues to assist Veterans in achieving a high quality of life after military service and managing the challenges and risks of carrying a psychological burden of their service to their country. We strive to provide compassionate, readily accessible, effective, and Veteran-centric care. Psychologists are proud of our history of  contributing to Veteran health through our clinical care, preparation of VA professionals through training opportunities, Veteran-specific research, and our partnerships with others to meet the needs of Veterans.”

“APA is honored to support the thousands of psychologists who work at the Department of Veterans Affairs as clinicians, researchers, administrators, and mentors,” said APA President Jennifer F. Kelly, PhD, ABPP. “For 75 years, VA and APA have partnered to advance the discipline of psychology by training the next generation of psychologists, improving access to mental health care for millions of veterans, and researching mental health conditions that impact veterans. APA deeply appreciates the work that these psychologists perform and thanks Congressman Takano for recognizing their contributions.”

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