Key points

Psychologists advocating alongside clients can provide hope and renewed passion for future clinical work.

Psychologists who practice integrity can reduce feelings of moral distress.

There are individual, researcher-policymaker, and discipline-specific types of advocacy.

By Ella Anderson, Psy.D., Maria J. Palmeri, Ph.D., and Robert M. Gordon, Psy.D.

As our healthcare system continues to evolve with growing inequities, the roles of advocacy and social justice have become critical healing forces. During this time of uncertainty, psychologists are confronted with the moral distress of witnessing or participating in changes in healthcare that are inconsistent with their core values of compassion, respect for the inherent dignity of others, and cultural humility (Rushton, 2018a).

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