Advocacy Work

Why I do this Work

Cody Thomas Rounds serves as Chair of the Vermont Grassroots Advocacy Committee, Vice President of the Vermont Psychological Association, and Federal Advocacy Coordinator for the American Psychological Association. This work is driven by a clear throughline: the conditions of practice are shaped by policy, and policy must reflect clinical reality. Across these roles, the focus remains consistent—removing unnecessary barriers to entry, strengthening workforce sustainability, securing fair reimbursement, protecting practice autonomy, and establishing meaningful safeguards for clinicians. This platform reflects a commitment to ensuring that the structure of the profession supports both those who practice and those they serve.

2026 Vermont Psychological Association

Grassroots Policy Platform

The Vermont Psychological Association’s advocacy priorities come directly from member feedback through the Grassroots Advocacy Survey. These priorities now form the foundation for the next phase of work: turning identified professional needs into meaningful policy change.

Active Policy Pillars

VPA’s current advocacy work is focused on five central pressure points identified by members.

Licensure Modernization

Updating outdated accreditation language and removing arbitrary 400-hour in-person requirements that create barriers to entry. VPA is advocating to make the existing moratorium on these requirements permanent, increase awareness of eligible programs for Vermonters, and improve Vermont’s reputation for educational accessibility.

Workforce Sustainability

Reducing CE requirements from 60 to 40 hours to align Vermont with national norms and reduce unnecessary practice burden. VPA has sent a formal letter to the Office of Professional Regulation, and the Board of Psychological Examiners has concurred with this request. The issue is now legislative and will be actively pursued.

Insurance & Reimbursement

Fighting for fair valuation of psychological assessments and reforming abusive clawback practices. Member concerns have led to the formal creation of the Insurance Reimbursement Committee.

Members are encouraged to complete the Strategic Initiative Survey to share priorities and volunteer for this or other committees.

Practice Autonomy

Supporting legislation that protects clinicians from restrictive non-compete clauses, preserving continuity of care and the right to independent practice. This grassroots initiative will require active member support.

Retaliation Protections

Establishing enforceable state-level protections and a dedicated ombudsman function for clinicians. This work is grounded in clinical reality and depends on member voices to move forward.

Member Voice Directs This Work

The Grassroots Advocacy Survey is VPA’s primary tool for policy-shaping. Member responses inform how resources are allocated and how legislative language is drafted.

ACCESS THE GRASSROOTS SURVEY HERE

Member Resources & Support

As we fight for system-level change, we remain committed to your individual success:

Self-Advocacy: Access our Ultimate Guide to Insurance Negotiation to strengthen your ability to navigate existing payer constraints.
Member Benefits: Don’t forget to utilize your access to Member Benefits, from ethics consultations, CE discounts, to dedicated professional support.