Texas Psychological Association (TPA)

The Texas Psychological Association was founded on September 28, 1947, when its first slate of officers met. A constitution was drafted and adopted by the membership at the first annual meeting in February 1948. The TPA's declared purpose is to advance psychology as a science and as a means of promoting human welfare.

Soon after its inception the TPA became a state affiliate of the American Psychological Association; hence its membership requirements reflect those of the national organization. Membership includes all specialties of psychology, though since the mid-1960s clinical and counseling psychology has had the strongest representation in the organization. Full members must have a doctoral degree in psychology, and associate memberships are available for those with master's degrees in the profession. Psychology students may join as nonvoting affiliates.

To advance psychology as a science, profession and as a means of promoting human welfare by the encouragement of psychology in all its branches in the broadest and most liberal manner; by the promotion of research in psychology and the improvement of research methods and conditions; by the improvement of the qualifications and usefulness of psychologists through high standards of professional ethics, conduct, education, training and achievement; by the increase and diffusion of psychological knowledge through meetings, professional contacts, reports, papers, discussions and publications; thereby to advance scientific interest and inquiry, and to foster the application of psychology in the promotion of the public welfare.