Why is there a psychologist at my YMCA?

If you happen to be at your local YMCA you may bump into a psychologist. You may think to yourself, "what is a psychologist doing at a YMCA?" Since 2008 the American Psychological Association and YMCA of the USA have been partnering to provide resources for individuals and families in communities across the country. Some psychologists volunteer their time in local YMCAs offering workshops, staffing health fairs, or being involved in various programs offered by the YMCA.

Recently the public education committee of the Iowa Psychological Association, an affiliate of the American Psychological Association has been making an effort to strengthen the partnership between the YMCA of Iowa and psychologists in Iowa. In the fall of 2013 they began working to make contact with Y directors across the state and facilitate partnerships between the YMCA and local psychologists.

This is an important initiative because it gets psychologists out of their offices and into communities. It can help to reduce the stigma surrounding mental health and mental health professionals. People out in the community also can learn more about what psychologists can offer and can take advantage of psychologists' expertise in a variety of areas. Psychologists can offer expertise on many topics important to the YMCA and their communities including:

Weight loss

Living healthy with illness

Goal setting

Making healthy choices for your family

Aging Issues

Children's Mental Health

Sport's psychology

Stress management

Work/Life balance

Since the new effort to partner with YMCA in Iowa the Iowa Psychological Association has provided multiple psychologists to speak at workshops and has become involved in one community's wellness initiative. The collaboration is continuing with future events being planned and hopefully more psychologists and communities getting involved. So next time you are at an event at your local Y don't be surprised if you bump into a psychologist!