What is Community Psychology

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What is Community Psychology

Community psychology goes beyond an individual focus and integrates social, cultural, economic, political, environmental, and international influences to promote positive change, health, and empowerment at individual and systemic levels.

What Do Community Psychologists Do?

Depending on one’s training, experiences, and preferences, community psychologists can work as educators, professors, program directors, consultants, policy developers, evaluators, and researchers in community organizations, universities, or government agencies to promote mental health and community well-being.

  • We seek to expand “helping” beyond traditional psychotherapy to promote wellness.
  • We engage in action-oriented research to develop, implement, and evaluate programs.
  • We base our work on a scientific foundation to better understand the multiple influences of the social environment on health and wellness
  • We build collaborative relationships with community members, groups, and organizations to solve social problems.
  • We consult with and provide tools to organizations to build capacity to address social problems such as exploitation and victimization.
  • We analyze government, civic life, and workplace settings in order to understand and improve fair and diverse participation.
  • We fight oppression, work to reduce social inequalities, and work with marginalized people toward their empowerment.

Read more about the core competencies for Community Psychology practice.

Learn about educational opportunities in community psychology.

Want to connect with others interested in community psychology? Visit the Society for Community Research and Action at www.scra27.com.