The Connecticut Psychological Association (CPA) has chosen Derek A. Fenwick, PsyD, from Hartford HealthCare’s Institute of Living as their new president-elect at the recent 36th annual CPA Convention. He will serve as president-elect for 2023 and move into the president role in 2024.
“I have seen the impact a state organization has on change for psychologists. Many may not know the efforts spent on advancing legislation and supporting the field of psychology, but CPA works very hard to make voices heard so change occurs,” said Dr. Fenwick.
“I am also humbled to take on the presidency to help advance initiatives and support psychologists across the state. My hope is to continue to grow membership so we can continue all the work, and help expand upon diversity, equity and inclusion efforts.” he added.
Derek A. Fenwick, PsyD, is a licensed clinical psychologist that helps run The Right Track/LGBTQ Specialty Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) within Young Adult Services. This program focuses on the unique needs of the LGBTQ population who are at greater risk for psychosocial stressors, negative coping, and family rejection along with co-occurring mental health difficulties. Dr. Fenwick started out as a psychology intern at the Institute of Living in 2018, and then completed a postdoctoral fellowship in The Right Track from 2019-2020.
Dr. Fenwick received his doctorate in clinical psychology from Nova Southeastern University in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. His clinical interests include LGBTQ adolescents, young adults, and adults, the role of identity development, and understanding personality. Dr. Fenwick’s work focuses on the unique needs of the LGBTQ population with an aim to help clients struggling with significant emotional distress, minority stress, and identity formation.
Dr. Fenwick previously served as secretary at the CPA, and participated in its Early Career Psychologist Leadership Academy in 2020 and served as co-chair for the academy in 2021. He was also awarded in 2021 by CPA with the ‘Distinguished Contribution as an Early Career Psychologist’ Award. Dr. Fenwick also received the 2022 Hartford Hospital David Hull, MD Young Practitioner Award from the Hartford Hospital Medical Staff. This award is given in recognition of leadership, excellence in clinical care and research, innovation, teaching, advocacy and activism on behalf of the art and science of medicine and the Hartford Hospital community.
“We are so thankful to have leaders like Dr. Fenwick at the Behavioral Health Network who are stepping up in the community to bring better care to more people,” said John Santopietro, MD, DFAPA, senior vice president, Hartford HealthCare , and physician–in–chief, Behavioral Health Network.