Expanding Psychology Training Pathways for Public Policy Preparedness Across the Professional Lifespan

Psychological and behavioral health policies are critical in the successful public health responses to the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychologists trained in policy and advocacy can lead efforts to integrate psychological science and mental health considerations into policy responses to the pandemic. The authors summarize existing opportunities and propose expanding training opportunities, including undergraduate and graduate coursework, seminars, online, one-time trainings, continuing education, and postdoctoral fellowships. Public Significance Statement Behavior change is key to controlling the COVID-19 pandemic. Psychological science must be included in policymaking in order to design effective and humane policies. The likelihood that psychological science is included is increased when psychologists are trained to translate science to policy and then to advocate for these policies. This article provides a detailed description of how to educate and train psychologists in public policy and advocacy across the professional lifespan. This training is accessible and scalable for a wide variety of academic institutions, associations, and individuals at different career stages. Policy training for the psychology workforce expands our society's access to essential expertise and enables psychologists to contribute fully to the public good.