Colleague Assistance & Support Program (CLASP):
Cultivating and Sustaining Wellness
and Healthy Self Care
Dani Beckerman, Psy.D., © 2003
CLASP is the Colleague Assistance & Support Program for Psychologists. The primary goal of the CLASP Program is to assist psychologists in reaching out for support anywhere along the continuum from wellness to crisis.
- Participation in the CLASP program offers chapters and all California psychologists the chance to encourage and enhance self-care in ways that can significantly contribute to the well being of you and your colleagues.
- There are multiple dimensions to CLASP.
- CPA CLASP EC Committee - over sees the CLASP programs throughout the State of California. We have monthly conference calls; present workshops throughout the state on wellness, prevention, burn out, normalizing inherent stressors, etc.; creating surveys to assess California Psychologist’s needs and obstacles; develop materials for CLASP Chapter Chairs and mentors, i.e., support groups, discussion groups, consultation groups, book clubs, collaboration with neighboring chapters, and trainings on CLASP related issues. We have a couple openings on this committee, please call us if you would like to join our efforts in creating a collaborative communities of support throughout California.
- We offer an Information and Referral Service which is monitored by the CPA CLASP Committee. The toll free number (888-262-8293) is confidential. It is a resource to any psychologist or doctoral level psychology student who may be seeking a referral for therapy, consultation, workshops, information on self care, or to get support around a colleague. You can utilize the service for yourself or a colleague if you are interested in finding a therapist or consultant for yourself. Research indicates that peer support, consultation, and personal therapy enhance self care and wellness for clinicians at all stages of development.
- You may also become a CLASP Provider and have the opportunity to receive referrals in your practice, with the client or consultee being a psychologist. Once you receive the referral, you would work within your own policies and procedures, fee structure, and limits of confidentiality.
- CPA CLASP CE Committee offers workshops on wellness, self care, resiliency, and burnout for psychologists, publish articles in the CP on topics related to colleagues support and enhancement and we are developing materials for chapters and psychologists on these topics. Consultation groups, workshops, and activities will also be developed.
- Chapter based programs - each chapter either has a chair or are soon to have a Chapter CLASP Chair. Call your local chapter to find out more about programs that will be offered, i.e., support groups, discussion groups, consultation groups, book clubs, collaboration with neighboring chapters, and trainings on CLASP related issues. If you are interested in joining your local CLASP Committee, contact your Chair and find out how to get involved.
- CLASP is working to destigmatize help-seeking behavior and take a preventive stance to our work and encourage psychologists to reach out for support anywhere along the continuum from wellness to crisis.
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