Clinical Child & Adolescent Practice SIG Update

Clinical Child & Adolescent Practice SIG Update

By Megan Lawson, PsyD, ABPP
Chair, Clinical Child and Adolescent Practice SIG

We’re excited to share a mid-summer update from the Special Interest Group (SIG) on Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology!

We kicked off the season with two engaging virtual events. In June, we hosted a 1-hour informal clinical conversation on Neurodiversity, focusing on how clinicians can thoughtfully respond to the growing number of questions surrounding autism and other neurodevelopmental conditions. Facilitators Leslie Musgrove, PsyD, and Megan Lawson, PsyD, ABPP, led a discussion on how to navigate clinical care amidst a flood of media coverage, trends, and political influence.

In July, we welcomed Anna Lisa Valdez Martinez, a Licensed School Psychologist, for a 1-hour CEU focused on understanding the school-based perspective in psychoeducational evaluations. Dr. Valdez Martinez shared practical insights into what schools are looking for from outside evaluations, how psychologists can align their assessments with school needs, and how to foster stronger collaboration between clinical and educational settings. 

Looking ahead, we’re planning even more ways to connect and learn:

• Upcoming Clinical Conversations (Dates TBD):
  • How to Talk with Parents About Sensitive Topics When There Isn’t a Script with Alecia Zalot, PhD, and Priscilla Morrison, PsyD
  • The Business Side of Practice with Jacqueline Herrera, PsyD, and Mary Collins, PsyD
• Upcoming Formal CEU Offerings:
  • Motivational Interviewing with Kids – Presented by David Roberts, PhD, licensed psychologist and tenured professor – October 17, 2025
  • Dialectical Behavioral Therapy for Youth – Details and presenter to be announced

We’re also still welcoming new leadership to join our SIG! If you’re interested in getting more involved and building community with others in the field of child and adolescent psychology, please reach out to Megan Lawson at DrLawson@alliancepsychologytx.com.

Current SIG Leadership Team:

• Chair: Megan Lawson, PsyD, ABPP
• Secretary: Mary Collins, PsyD
• Student Representative: Leslie Musgrove, PsyD
• Members at Large: Priscilla Morrison, PsyD & Alecia Zalot, PhD
• Liaison to SCCAP Practice Committee: Jacqueline Herrera, PsyD

We look forward to the year ahead! Please don’t hesitate to reach out with any questions or ideas!