the effects of policies, attending legislative negotiations, helping
to organize congressional hearings, and many other activities.
He also worked with the office on confirmation hearings for
President Obama’s nominations for the U.S. surgeon general and
the secretary of health and human services.
His psychological training prepared him well for Capitol
Hill. Wolff’s research and statistics experience allowed him
“to understand the strengths and weaknesses of studies in the
stream of information from various groups and media.” His
background also helped him advocate within his office for
mental health issues within ongoing health-care conversations
and in policy recommendations.
Before his fellowship, Wolff viewed Congress as very partisan
and he expected little interaction with staff from across the
aisle. But he was surprised by the collegial relationships. “[I
learned about] negotiation, appropriate compromise and
improving communication with persons who may have
differing opinions,” he says.
After the fellowship, Wolff accepted a position as assistant
professor at the Adler School of Professional Psychology’s
Chicago Campus, where he continues to pursue work that
combines his clinical, research and public policy training. “I
now realize how important it is for mental health professionals
to make their voices heard in the political process,” Wolff says. n
Micah Haskell-Hoehl is a senior policy associate in APA’s Public
Interest Government Relations Office and administrator of the
Congressional Fellowship Program.
Apply for an APA fellowship
APA seeks applications for its Congressional
Fellowship and Executive Branch Science
Fellowship programs.
Congressional fellows work as special legisla-
tive aides in congressional member or committee
offices and engage in a range of policymaking
activities on vital issues.
Executive branch science fellows gain experi-
ence in science policy and research coordination
and funding in a federal science agency.
Both programs offer a yearlong stipend and
funds to support relocation, travel and the pur-
chase of health insurance.
For more information, visit www.apa.org/
about/gr/fellows.
Applications must be postmarked by Jan. 9.
continued from page 86
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