SDPA Annual Awards

The Distinguished Contribution to Psychology Award is presented to an individual who has made a profound contribution to the field of psychology and who has dedicated a significant portion of time and energy to helping others.  Considerations for this award would be given for pioneering efforts, sustained and exemplary service, or leadership in the field in other important ways.  Primary consideration is given to candidates whose efforts served the San Diego community, in particular.  SDPA members submit nominations for this award to the Nominations, Elections and Awards Committee that then submits the names to the Board for approval.

The Fellow Award is the highest level of membership in SDPA.  A Fellow is a psychologist who can serve as a model to others.  To meet the criteria of Fellow, a psychologist must excel in one of the following areas or a combination of those areas: exceptional service to a community (this could include service on Boards, developing community programs, helping shape policy, or being influential in some recognizable way); making a significant contribution to the profession of psychology (this could include outstanding performance in teaching, research, or writing); making a contribution to the local, state or national psychological associations (this could include filling leadership positions, creating programs, or being influential in some recognizable way).

The President's Award is an award is given by the current year's President to honor an SDPA member who made an especially great contribution to SDPA during the current year. 

The Dr. Cynthia A. Cotter Distinguished Volunteer Award is given by the Board to honor an individual who made an especially great contribution to SDPA above and beyond any obligation or role the individual had with the Association.  This individual saw a need within the Association and unselfishly stepped up to meet it.

The Media Award is presented each year to a member of the San Diego media who has made a significant contribution to the mental health community in the past year, as a result of their coverage of psychological and/or mental health issues.  The Public Education Media (PEM) Committee nominates the candidate for the Media Award.  

The Legislative Award honors a lawmaker or other individual who demonstrates through legislative activities the importance of psychology in improving the quality of life and whose advocacy efforts have been on behalf of mental health and psychology.  This award is intended to honor an individual or legislator on the state, county or federal level, that has impacted the lives of Californians through either authoring or actively promoting legislation that advances or protects the field of psychology.   

The Local Hero Award is presented each year to a lay person (i.e. a non-psychologist) in San Diego County who selflessly provides the community with the idealism and care needed to rekindle hope in today's world.  The Local Hero embodies the principles of service, community empowerment, humility, humor and a pioneering inspiration for moving some local problem to an exciting new clarification if not resolution.  The Men's Committee presents nominations for the Local Hero Award.