Wellness Program: Details & Frequently Asked Questions
The Board has established the Alabama Psychology Professionals Wellness & Monitoring Program to encourage voluntary reporting and assist with evaluation and treatment referrals for impaired psychology professionals. The goal of the Wellness Program is to combat professional impairment by helping to identify and intervene when a licensee is struggling with real or potential dependency issues to support a licensee's wellness and re-entry into the profession.
You may reach the Program at the link below or by calling the Wellness Program Manager, Dr. Michael C. Garver, DMD: (251) 605-2883. Email the Wellness Committee.
Separate from the Board, the Wellness Committee is comprised of representatives from the psychology community volunteering their time and expertise to assist with the Program’s operations. Voting Committee members are licensed Alabama Psychologists and Psychological Technicians who are knowledgeable about addiction, impairment, and dependence. The Committee's goal is to provide support to fellow providers who find themselves in need.
Committee Members for 2024 - 2025
Gregory S. Vender Wal, Ph.D. – Chair; Merida M. Grant-Garcia, Ph.D. – Outgoing Chair; Dale Wisely, Ph.D. – Non-Voting Board Member Representative; Michael C. Garver, DMD - Program Manager, Non-Voting Ex Officio Member; Shannon L. LaFramboise, M.A. – Psychological Technician Member; Denton M. "Beau" Scott, Psy.D. – Member; Daniel J. Sullivan – Member; and, DeLisa A. West, Ph.D. – Member. Currently, there is a Vacant Seat for a Committee Member.
The Committee’s work largely involves intervention for addiction; however, those facing physical and emotional impairments may also receive assistance. With the guidance and oversight of the Wellness Program Manager, the Committee monitors the participating psychology professional through successful completement of treatment through ongoing support and monitoring which, in the interest of public protection, enables the Committee and the Board to allow individuals to return to work safely, and to work safely. Typically, a psychology professional in need of assistance may be identified and referred to the Wellness Committee by peers, family, or friends. Reports are also received through other healthcare and mental healthcare providers such as physicians and pharmacists. If a self-report qualifies, the psychology professional may enter into the Wellness Program and enjoy anonymity and other deferral advantages. You are encouraged to contact the Wellness Committee with any questions.
A Message from Dr. Merida M. Grant-Garcia, Ph.D., the Wellness Committee's inaugural & outgoing Chair: A Word from the Chair
F A Q 's
The goal of the Wellness Program is to combat professional impairment by helping to identify and intervene when a licensee is struggling with real or potential dependency issues so as to support a licensee's wellness and re-entry into the profession.
By self-disclosing concerns to the Committee, you are more likely to benefit from the improved outcomes associated with early identification and intervention for concerns that may impair your ability to function as a licensed psychologist. Self-disclosure can also help prevent a likelihood of greater consequences before the Board of Examiners.
All communications with the Wellness Committee and Program Manager, Dr. Mike Garver, are confidential. Details are shared with the appropriate board liaison only when required by law or rule. The Committee must talk with the Board about ongoing disciplinary cases, or if the Committee determines that a participant is unable to practice with reasonable skill and safety because of their impairment, or if a participant who is in need of intervention, treatment, or rehabilitation has failed or refused to follow and participate in the Committee's recommendations.
Admitting to a concern or problem that impairs your ability to function effectively is a difficult step to take. However, we, as psychologists, are ethically required to seek help when personal problems interfere with our work. By taking the initiative to preemptively seek help, you may prevent the likelihood of greater consequences and sanctions from the Board. The longer you take to open up about a concern and seek help, the more likely that concern will interfere with your work - leading to ethical violations, complaints, and more severe repercussions.
By Rule, the Board has empowered the Wellness Committee with the ability to help licensees engage in early identification, receive early intervention, and receive help identifying treatment options when necessary. Engaging with the Wellness Committee shows the Board that you proactively self-reported because you hold a commitment to finding a path toward recovery and resolution of your personal concerns.
The Committee can help you engage in early identification of concerns, connect with intervention and treatment options, find peer support and accountability, and establish a clear path toward recovery and the ability to continue your work as a psychologist.