Kaiser Permanente’s Mental Health Training Program (MHTP) proudly participated as a Tier 3 Sponsor at the APA 2025 Convention, one of the most influential gatherings in the field of psychology. Held in Denver and virtually, this year’s event brought together 9,589 attendees—including clinicians, educators, researchers, and students—for three days of learning, connection, and inspiration under the theme “Perspectives, Power, and Possibilities.”
Showcasing Our Commitment to Mental Health Workforce Development
As part of our sponsorship, Kaiser Permanente hosted a Professional Headshot Booth at Booth 304, offering APA members a chance to refresh their professional profiles while engaging with our team about training opportunities and careers in mental health. The booth served as a vibrant hub for conversation, networking, and visibility.
Throughout the event, the MHTP Leadership Team—Kathryn Wetzler, PsyD; Jennifer Thom, PhD; and Supra Gill, PhD—played a central role in representing Kaiser Permanente’s nationally recognized training program. Their presence helped introduce MHTP to many attendees for the first time, sparking meaningful dialogue around clinical training, professional development, and the future of mental health care.
Supporting the leadership team were Project Managers Angela Payton, MBA, and Hayley Ho, PMP, along with a dedicated group of Clinical Supervisors: Joanne Lam, PsyD; Matthew Holland, PsyD; Grayson Lewis, PhD; Mary Vertinski, PsyD; and Ana Zdravkovic, PhD. This dynamic team was on-site each day to welcome visitors, answer questions, and offer in-depth insights into the structure and impact of the MHTP. Their collective expertise and warmth helped foster connections with students, early-career professionals, and seasoned psychologists alike.
APA 2025 by the Numbers: A Convention of Influence
Total Attendees: 9,589
- In-Person: 7,947
- Virtual: 1,642
Attendee Demographics:
- 30% Students (26% graduate, 4% undergraduate)
- 29% Clinicians/Practitioners
- 16% Educators/Faculty
- 8% Researchers
Work Settings:
- 42% from colleges/universities
- 11% private sector/nonprofits
- 7% hospitals/VA/military medical centers
Highest Degree Earned:
- 42% PhD
- 17% other advanced degrees (e.g., MSW, EdD, MD)
- 12% PsyD
Career Stage:
- 47% Licensed Psychologists
- 28% Early Career Professionals
Looking Ahead to APA 2026
The APA 2025 Convention served as a powerful platform for MHTP to highlight its commitment to mental health education, clinical excellence, and community impact. The team’s collaborative spirit and professionalism left a lasting impression on attendees, reinforcing Kaiser Permanente’s role as a national leader in mental health training and innovation.
We look forward to continuing this momentum at APA 2026, taking place August 6–8 in Washington, D.C. There, the MHTP team will once again engage with professionals, trainees, and thought leaders to further elevate the conversation around mental health and workforce development.
Contributed by: Angela Payton, MBA
