Throughout many years of the history of our profession contextual variables, such as SES, were not part of the interest of mainstream psychology, with notable exceptions. Organized psychology, embodied by the American Psychological Association, emphasized the intrapsychic individual factors over the influence of natural and social environmental impinging on the individual.

The last 25 years have witnessed a new Zeitgeist in psychology, with a re-awakening of contextual interests from the classic body of psychological knowledge and renewed awareness of our social justice mission as a social science and a profession. APA is becoming significantly more sensitive to environmental factors and their effects on personality and intrapsychic phenomena.

These changes have been driven in a large measure by grassroots movements within the rank and file of APA. Professionals and aspiring professionals in psychology, like each one of you, have been exposed to academic and practice training in multicultural approaches to research and interventions in graduate schools throughout the United States.

You reading this brief introduction to the topic of SES indicates that you have chosen to work with a population of clients served by public sector agencies. Congratulations on your choice. It is a meritorious one. I hope that this presentation serves to prepare you better for the work that needs to be done to contribute in making the discipline of psychology a shining example of inclusiveness and a leading force in the development of a more egalitarian society.

Continuing Education (CE) Credits:

These online training modules were developed by CAPIC under a contract with the California Department of Mental Health (DMH) funded by the Mental Health Services Act (MHSA). As such, these online modules are available to the public free of charge.

However, besides their use as general training resources, these online modules are also approved for Continuing Education (CE) credits for California-licensed Mental Health Clinicians. This online module is approved for 2.0 hours of CE credits. Again, only CA-licensed Mental Health Clinicians are eligible for these CE credits.

CAPIC is authorized to charge $15 per module solely for the administration of CE credits, which is being done in partnership with Alliant International University. If you are not seeking CE credits, there is no CE administration fee and no cost for using these online training modules.

Participants seeking CE credits must complete all aspects of this module including passing the exam at the end of the module. At the start of the exam, you will be asked for your California license number (if you are seeking CE credits), as well as basic contact information, in order to process your CE credits. Once you have successfully completed all aspects of the module, you will be contacted regarding your CE credits, including payment of the $15 administrative fee and issuance of your CE completion certificate.

Regardless whether you are seeking CE credits, we hope the knowledge gained here will serve you well in your professional endeavors.