About SMCPA

The San Mateo County Psychological Association grew from a small collegial gathering of psychologists who wished to establish a formal voice for their profession in the community.  One of those esteemed colleagues was a member of the California State Psychological Association (CSPA) Task Force on Reorganization (TFR), which developed a plan that encouraged the formation of both local Chapters and Divisions.  To provide an incentive for the formation of these groups, CSPA offered a seat on the CSPA Board of Directors for each Chapter and Division.  There were 6-8 Chapters at this time, however, with this incentive the numbers more than doubled to 15 Chapters over a five year period in the mid 1970’s.

In 1976 SMCPA became a chapter of the California Psychological Association (CPA), a state association of the American Psychological Association (APA).  The APA is the national association with over 150,000 members in the United States and Canada.  SMCPA has adopted the ethical standards and guidelines for professional practice of the APA and the State of California. 

Through the years our organization has grown and changed with the times.  We hope you enjoy browsing through our website, learning about this organization, the field of psychology and the many resources available to the public and our members, professionals in the mental health community and the county of San Mateo.