College of Psychology Instrumental in Creating APA Specialty Board

As a result of the efforts of College of Psychology faculty, alumni, and students, the American Board of Professional Psychology’s (ABPP) Board of Trustees has recently approved Addiction Psychology as the 16^th ABPP Specialty Board.

This remarkable achievement was due to a three year effort led by College of Psychology professors Linda Sobell, Ph.D., ABPP and Mark Sobel, Ph.D., ABPP, both past APA Division 50 presidents. They were assisted in this endeavor by College of Psychology alumni / adjunct faculty Lori Eickleberry, Ph.D., ABPP and Jessica Ruiz, Psy.D. as well several past presidents of Division 50 (APA).

The significance of establishing this specialty certification board means that Addiction Psychology will now be on par with the treatment of other psychiatric disorders. Per the Society of Addiction Psychology (American Psychological Association, Division 50), the growth in the field has made it clear that a credential is needed in order to differentiate doctoral level psychologists from other addiction professionals.

In highlighting the significance of this achievement, Linda Sobell remarked that the American Board of Addiction Psychology is the first ABPP specialty board established in the past 7 years. Her next step is to work with licensed psychologists, specializing in addictions, to encourage them to submit their applications for board certification.

Linda Sobell, Ph.D., ABPP is a President’s Distinguished Professor / Associate Director of Clinical Training / Co-Director of the Healthy Lifestyles Guided Self-Change Clinic. She is a full-time faculty in the College of Psychology’s Department of Clinical and School Psychology.

Mark Sobell, Ph.D., ABPP is a President’s Distinguished Professor / Co-Director of the Healthy Lifestyles Guided Self-Change Clinic. He is a full-time faculty in the College of Psychology’s Department of Clinical and School Psychology.

Posted 05/22/22