Latest News: 

The New Jersey Inter-Mental Health and Psychological Associations Coalition (IMPAC) Recognizes the 400th Anniversary of the first Africans who arrived in 1619, ushering in the Era of American Slavery
by IMPAC - the New Jersey Association of Black Psychologists (NJABPsi), the Latino Mental Health Association of New Jersey (LMHANJ) and the New Jersey Psychological Association (NJPA)

In 1619, the first twenty Africans were forcibly taken from Africa and brought to Jamestown, Virginia, to be used as slaves. This set into motion 250 years of human chattel slavery and was followed by nearly another 100 years of Black Codes, Jim Crow, and lawful race-based violent oppression. It is widely accepted that much of the early economic growth and development of this country was the direct result of the widespread use of slavery. It is painfully apparent that while the Civil Rights Act of 1964 intended to outlaw race-based discrimination, today we stand in the wake of yet another 50 years of oppression largely due to structural racism, a modern form of racial oppression that psychologically shackles the propensity toward self-determination in the same way that the chains of chattel slavery fettered physical freedom.

As psychologists, social workers, professional counselors, and other mental health professionals it is crucial in our roles as healers, and researchers to develop a deep understanding of the emotional, psychological, and physical consequences of this legacy. The New Jersey Association of Black Psychologists (NJABPsi), the Latino Mental Health Association of New Jersey (LMHANJ) and the New Jersey Psychological Association (NJPA) recognize the intergenerational and interpersonal trauma caused by the heritage of slavery and by the inequalities that continue to exist. Together as equals, IMPAC stands in remembrance of those who suffered from slavery and the vicissitudes of slavery. We maintain hope and commitment that the next 400 years will be wrought with healing, equality, justice, and freedom for all.

Through the New Jersey Inter-Mental Health and Psychological Associations Coalition (IMPAC), NJABPsi, LMHANJ, and NJPA join together as equal partners to contribute their unique educational acumen, expertise, experience, and perspectives to obtain synergy as a resource to promote equality in mental health care and to zealously advocate for the mental health needs for the diverse population of the state of New Jersey. This will be accomplished by our respective organizations working together to develop initiatives to educate the public, as well as healthcare providers through training, professional presentations and mobilizing resources as needed to provide counseling and psychological services under emergent circumstances. 

New Jersey Inter-Mental Health and Psychological Associations Coalition (IMPAC) Leaders help the New Jersey Chapter Association of Black Psychologists (NJABPsi) proudly celebrate over 45 years of community service! 

NJPA Endorses the Statement of APA President in Response to Mass Shootings in Texas, OhioThe New Jersey Psychological Association (NJPA) Celebrates Pride Month and the Progress Against the Oppression of Homophobia it Represents for Members of the LGBTQI+ Community 

Our legislation #A5307: NJ Licensing Act Legislation passed the Assembly Regulated Professions Committee by a vote 7-0!   

NJPA STATEMENT:  Addressing the mental health needs of refugees, immigrants, asylum seekers, and detainees. 

2019 Mental Health Stakeholder Forum