The Story of Psychology Week: Celebrating How Far We’ve Come and How to Get Involved
If you walk into a school, an office, or a local community centre today, you will find people talking openly about emotional resilience, burnout, and mental wellness. But it wasn’t always this way. For a long time, the vital role that psychological science plays in our everyday wellbeing remained locked inside clinic doors or academic journals.
That began to change over two decades ago when I had the privilege of serving as the President of the Australian Psychological Society (APS). During my tenure, I spearheaded the launch of National Psychology Week.
The goal was simple yet ambitious: to demystify our profession, take psychology to the public, and show how understanding the human mind can dramatically improve community wellbeing.
Today, Psychology Week has grown into a powerful annual event observed not just here in Australia but celebrated alongside global bodies like the American Psychological Association (APA). It stands as a vibrant reminder that mental health is a communal asset, and that taking care of our minds is a foundational part of thriving.
Your Guide to Participating in 2026
Whether you are a practicing clinician looking to expand your skills, a student stepping into the field, or a community member passionate about mental health advocacy, there are excellent ways to get involved this year.
1. Discover Local Campaigns and Seminars
The Australian Psychological Society (APS) coordinates annual Psychology Week campaigns that provide free public resources, webinars, and community-led seminars. It’s an ideal way to access evidence-based tips for managing modern stress, improving relationships, and building emotional strength.
- Get Involved: Keep an eye on the official Australian Psychological Society hub for upcoming event listings and free downloadable toolkits.
2. Attend Professional Events: The 2026 Clinical Conference
For practitioners, researchers, and students, the premier event on the calendar is the 2026 APS College of Clinical Psychologists Conference.
- Theme: “Clinical Psychology: Navigating change and embracing opportunity.”
- When: Friday 18 September – Sunday 20 September 2026.
- Where: The stunning waterfront at the Hotel Grand Chancellor, Hobart, Tasmania.
- Why it matters: This year’s conference focuses on integrating evolving digital and AI-enabled tools into clinical practice ethically, evaluating emerging treatments, and tackling workforce development challenges.
- Get Involved: Registrations are officially open. You can secure your spot and view the program planning updates directly on the APS Conferences & Events Portal.
3. Explore Global Perspectives on Modern Stress
Mental health doesn’t exist in a vacuum; it is shaped by the world around us. The American Psychological Association (APA) leads incredible global initiatives during their recognition periods, showcasing how psychological science can address macro-challenges like climate anxiety, systemic inequity, and digital burnout.
- Get Involved: Head over to the American Psychological Association to explore their deep-dive articles, global research summaries, and interactive toolkits designed to foster resilience in a rapidly changing world.
A Note from Amanda
Seeing an idea that started as a local initiative expand into a multi-decade tradition of global advocacy fills me with immense gratitude. Psychology isn’t just a clinical intervention for when things go wrong – it is a roadmap for helping us live steadier, more connected lives every single day.
Whether you join us in Hobart this September or simply take an hour to read through the latest community mental health resources, I encourage you to lean into Psychology Week this year. Let’s keep moving the conversation forward.
