About Us

BRIEF HISTORY OF NCAPP

In 1994, Licensed Psychological Associates (LPAs) across the state of North Carolina became concerned about their continued ability to maintain employment and provide services. Insurance companies had begun paying only independent practitioners for services rendered, and the rising expense for employers to pay for the supervision of LPAs was an increasingly pressing problem. Consequently, twenty or so LPAs met during the North Carolina Psychological Association’s annual convention to discuss their concerns. After much lively interaction it was decided that the LPAs were losing ground vis-a-vis other master-degreed providers—social workers, LPCs, etc.—and the ability to achieve independent practice was apparent. Subsequently, LPAs decided to form new organization to address these concerns.

A month later fifteen or so LPAs gathered to form strategy. It was eventually agreed that a state-wide convention was necessary to address the issue and allow everyone to express their opinions. This was arranged, and sixty or so participants from all over the state attended. It was decided that the LPAs should form an organization,  temporarily called the LPA Advocates. Officers were nominated and voted upon. Henry Tonn was voted president, Tom Haifley, vice president, Nancy Webb, secretary, and Katherine Ridley (now Smith) treasurer. LPAs from various localities agreed to assume support positions and the first board meeting was arranged in Greensboro, because of its central location.

Shortly thereafter, twelve to twenty people met in Greensboro every month, during which time a constitution was created with the necessary bylaws. After much debate and numerous suggestions, it was decided to re-name the organization the North Carolina Association of Professional Psychologists, which won out by one vote over “the North Carolina Society of Psychologists.” Money was raised through generous contributions, Al Adams, a prominent lobbyist, was hired, and a bill for independence was drafted with considerable effort by Flora Dunbar, legislative representative. A legislative sponsor was found and the bill was introduced the following year.

Despite the dedicated efforts of many LPAs who canvassed the legislature in 1995, and contacted their personal legislators back home, the bill never reached the floor of the House to be voted upon. The bill was argued before a subcommittee and a full committee, passing on both occasions, however, it died in the Finance Committee without a vote. Two years later NCAPP launched another bill in the legislature, with the same results.

In the early 2000’s NCPA launched a Task Force to examine the question of independence for LPAs. Nine LP’s and nine LPAs across the state met regularly in Raleigh to discuss the issue and it was determined that the LPAs should be provided the opportunity to achieve independent practice in the state of North Carolina. Work began on a new bill, however, despite valiant efforts, the bill lacked sufficient support from all stakeholders to move forward to the legislature.

Over the years NCAPP continued as a group dedicated to the professional practice of psychology, with periodic attempts to develop a new direction. That new direction was reinvigorated in 2015, when a new approach began development, culminating in the current petition. NCAPP, which has existed now for twenty-five years, is continuing the work of advocating for, and assisting Licensed Psychological Associates to practice and compete fairly in the mental health field.

In recent years, NCAPP has been solidly focused on ending career long supervision. While supervision hours have been reduced to a mere 4 hours per year, supervision is still a barrier that results in a restricted license, the inability to secure credentialing with insurance providers, and an overall barrier to the citizens of North Carolina with regard to access to psychological services.

Thank you for your support.