I left the APA decades ago when I realized that as a clinician the APA was not my friend and certainly was not worth the expense to remain a member.  I joined NAPPP as soon as I could.  Nevertheless, the APA still plagues me.

For more than a quarter century I have presented workshops across the country to Mental Health associations on how to develop, manage and market a thriving, cash-pay private practice.  I did it quite successfully for 45 years in Phoenix, studied the topic, learned a few things, wrote a book on the subject and desired to share my knowledge and experience with other mental health practitioners—especially with my fellow psychologists.  Interestingly, though, I find my best customers are marriage and family therapist (MFT) and counseling associations.  While I have presented to a number of psychological associations over the years, the primary reason I hear why most psychological associations choose not to hire me is because they believe the APA will not approve CE credits for the program.  The powers that be that oversee MFT and counseling apparently have no problem with their membership learning how to effectively run a private practice and make a decent living doing it.  Our APA, on the other hand, apparently wants psychologists to practice ethically and competently–and be poor.

Curiously, some state and local psychological associations have no problems with this issue.  It seems random to me but it seemingly depends on the nature of the relationship that association has with their APA representative.  What is particularly vexing, though, is that while the APA essentially prevents most state associations from sponsoring practice development workshops, the APA itself sells those very programs on their website and offers CE’s as well!  I fail to comprehend why the topic of private practice management remains taboo.

I enabled every psychological association that wished to work with me obtain CE accreditation.  The necessary topics, lingo and buzzwords for certification are well known to me, but many state associations, fearing their “parent,” don’t take it that far.  The APA, thus, continues to treat practitioners like second-class citizens– which only reaffirms why I left years ago.

Larry F. Waldman, Ph.D., ABPP is a licensed clinical, forensic psychologist who practiced in Phoenix for 45 years.  He worked with children, adolescents, parents, adults, and couples in s solution-focused manner.  He also provided forensic consultations in the areas of family law, personal injury, and estate planning.  He is a Mental Consultant to Social Security and teaches graduate courses for the School Psychology and Counseling Departments for Ottawa University.  He is the author of “Who’s Raising Whom?  A Parent’s Guide to Effective Child Discipline;” “Coping with Your Adolescent;” “How Come I Love Him But Can’t Live with Him?  Making Your Marriage Work Better;”  “The Graduate Course You Never Had:  How to Develop, Manage, Market a Flourishing Private Practice—With and Without Managed Care;” “Too Busy Earning a Living to Make Your Fortune?  Discover the Psychology of Achieving Your Life Goals.” and “Overcoming Your Negotiaphobia:  Negotiating Your Way Through Life.”   Dr. Waldman speaks professionally to educators, corporations, chiropractors, attorneys, and mental health associations on the topics of private practice management and development, parenting, marriage, and wellness.   His contact information is:  602-418-8161; email: LarryWaldmanPhD@cox.net; Website:  TopPhoenixPsychologist.com.

Originally Published on https://topphoenixpsychologist.com/

Dr. Larry F. Waldman Psychologist-Retired

Dr. Waldman is a recently semi-retired licensed clinical, forensic psychologist in Phoenix, Arizona. He conducted a highly successful private practice of 45 years working with children, teens, parents, couples, and adults in a solution-focused manner. He also consulted with family, personal injury, immigration and estate planning attorneys. His BS in Education/Psychology was from the University of Wisconsin; his MS in School Psychology was at the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee; his Ph.D. in Educational/School Psychology was earned at Arizona State University; and his Diplomate (ABPP) was received in 2003.

Waldman was the past president of the Maricopa Psychological Society, the Director of Psychological Services for Charter Psychiatric Hospital of Glendale, an “Official Guide” (top expert) on Parenting for SelfGrowth.com and was a Medical Consultant for the Social Security Office in Phoenix. He continues as an adjunct graduate professor in counseling and serves on the professional advisory board of Stepping Stones of Hope, a charitable organization serving children whom have lost a parent. Waldman also was the co-chair of the Early Career Psychologists Committee with the Arizona Psychological Association (AzPA) for five years. He is certified by the American Council on Exercise (ACE) as a (senior) fitness specialist and is a yoga instructor, certification in process, offering “yoga for seniors.”

In addition to numerous articles which have been published in the local Phoenix media and in the national press, Waldman has (thus far) written seven books: Who’s Raising Whom? Coping with Your Adolescent; How Come I Love Him But Can’t Live with Him? The Graduate Course You Never Had, 2nd Edition; Too Busy Earning a Living to Make Your Fortune? Overcoming Your Negotiaphobia: Negotiating Through Your Life; and Love Your Child More Than You Hate your Ex.

Dr. Waldman trained as a public speaker and has presented for PESI. His signature presentations are: The Business of Private Practice—The Graduate Course You Never Had and Teaching Parents to Parent. He has made over 150 paid presentations in his career to attorneys, chiropractors, psychologists, family therapists, counselors, social workers, school psychologists and school counselors. To the community Waldman speaks on parenting, marriage, stress, depression and anxiety, wellness, grand parenting and psychotherapy. He also is a seasoned podcast guest. His seminars are organized, practical and entertaining—offering “edutainment.”