Why Join the Illinois Psychological Association (IPA)

Empower Your Practice. Strengthen Your Profession.

In today’s fast-changing mental health landscape, it’s not enough to work in isolation. The Illinois Psychological Association (IPA) connects you with a statewide network of peers, advocates, and experts dedicated to advancing psychology and improving the well-being of individuals and communities across Illinois. Whether you’re a practicing clinician, researcher, educator, or student, IPA membership gives you the tools, resources, and collective voice to thrive—professionally and personally.

Professional Connection & Networking

• Join a vibrant network of psychology professionals in Illinois through IPA membership. 

• Gain access to the IPA members-only website section, which includes a membership directory, referrals, practice support resources and articles. Stay informed on job postings, referrals, professional questions and relevant issues in the field.

• Become part of special interest Sections (for example: Academic, Clinical, Health & Rehab, Early Career Psychologists) and tap into community and peer support tailored to your niche. 

Practice Support, Ethics & Continuing Education

• Receive free ethics consultations and best-practice tips via IPA—helpful for navigating complex professional issues. 

• Access significant discounts on IPA-sponsored continuing education opportunities (workshops, annual convention) and stay current with licensure and training requirements. 

• Get support on health care reimbursement, including assistance with billing and insurance issues—IPA has a committee focused exclusively on reimbursement advocacy. 

Advocacy & Professional Representation

• The IPA actively advocates for psychologists in Illinois. It works on legislative issues, licensure protection, reimbursement parity, and more — so you don’t have to shoulder all the advocacy alone. 

• By being a member, you help strengthen the professional voice of psychologists in Illinois, supporting high-quality mental health services and research. 

Member-Exclusive Resources & Discounts

• Enjoy member-only discounts at selected vendors (for office supplies, practice materials) as an IPA member. 

• Access exclusive job listings and the IPA classifieds/career center. Members get early access to these professional opportunities. 

• Purchase professional liability insurance through IPA’s endorsed partner with a discount (members may be eligible for a 15 % discount when using the endorsed policy) . 

Benefits for Graduate Students & Early Career Psychologists

• Students and early-career psychologists have tailored support: membership in the Illinois Psychological Association of Graduate Students (IPAGS) is automatic for student members. 

• Access workshops and mentoring specifically designed for license preparation, early-career transitions, and navigating professional practice. 

• Opportunity to engage in leadership, presentations, committee service and peer networking early in your career — great for building visibility and professional growth. 

Why It Matters to be an IPA Member

In a time when policy pressures, reimbursement challenges, and evolving professional demands are changing the field of psychology, membership with IPA ensures you have strong organizational support.  IPA membership is not just a “nice-to-have” but an essential strategic professional investment: for networking, advocacy, practice management, continuing education, and career development.

By becoming a member, you join a community of peers, gain resources, and have a voice in shaping the future of psychological practice in Illinois. Click on the button below to review membership types, application instructions and current dues. Start leveraging member benefits (discounts, ethics consultations, resources) right away and integrate IPA membership into your professional strategy.