About PSWC

The Academy’s Psychologists, Social Workers & Counselors (PSWC) Section specializes in the provision of psychosocial services to meet the biopsychosocial care needs of individuals affected by spinal cord injury/dysfunction (SCI/D) and their families. Our members have the opportunity to work collaboratively with many of the finest interdisciplinary leaders specializing in SCI/D, while developing their own skills through active participation in the Academy. We provide high quality educational and training opportunities in SCI/D; promote the use of empirically-based psychosocial interventions, while also facilitating awareness of any new treatments; develop research and scientific inquiry into improving the quality of life for persons affected by SCI/D; and recognize exceptional health care professionals devoted to optimizing the psychosocial health of individuals living with SCI/D and their families.

Goals:

• Establish and maintain standards of care for psychologists, social workers, and counselors working in the field of SCI/D rehabilitation.
• Promote participation in the Academy’s journal, The Journal of Spinal Cord Medicine, by encouraging members to submit manuscripts.
• Facilitate education, leadership, research opportunities and resources for trainees and early career professionals.
• Recognize individuals who have demonstrated outstanding leadership and accomplishments in the field of SCI.
• Provide a biopsychosocial perspective for issues related to SCI/D and contribute within the interdisciplinary Academy from our area of expertise and competence.
  

In Memoriam: Michael Dunn, PhD

Michael died suddenly 8/5/21 as he was being discharged at Stanford where he had been treated for a UTI. Although he was in a hospital and intervention was swift, he could not be revived.

Michael was President of PSWC for 1989-90. He received the Essie Morgan Excellence Award (now called The Essie Morgan Lecture) in 1998.

Michael was enrolled in an experimental psychology graduate program when he suffered a SCI in a motorcycle accident. He switched to clinical psychology after being inspired by a rehabilitation psychologist during his own rehabilitation.

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Chuck Merbitz Honored at 2017 ASCIP Conference

PSW Changes Name to PSWC