Governor Greg Abbott has made a strategic move to shape the future of mental health services in Texas by appointing three professionals to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists, with terms that are set to expire on October 31, 2031. Austin's Chris Moose joins the board anew, alongside reappointees Jamie Becker, Ph.D., of Lewisville, and Sangeeta Singg, Ph.D., of San Angelo, in efforts to uphold the standards of psychological practice in the state.
Chris Moose has a notable background in healthcare and life sciences, serving as vice president at Wheel, and has worked with IBM and Price Waterhouse Coopers in the past. His past board roles for Any Baby Can and the Austin Healthcare Council signal a commitment to health services and the welfare of the Austin community. Moose boasts of educational credentials from The University of Texas at Austin and the University of Georgia, according to a statement released by the Governor's office.
Dr. Jamie Becker currently leads Psychiatry at Children’s Health Medical Center and edifies minds as a Clinical Professor at UT Southwestern Medical Center. Her expertise in child and adolescent psychology is well-established, given her stewardship over crucial mental health services and membership in various psychology societies. "Becker received a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from The George Washington University, a Master of Science and Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology from Rosalind Franklin University of Medicine and Science and completed a postdoctoral fellowship at Nationwide Children’s Hospital," the Governor's press release detailed.
Meanwhile, Dr. Sangeeta Singg brings to the table decades of academic excellence and leadership from Angelo State University. With her wealth of accolades—ranging from the ASU President's Award for Excellence in Leadership and Service to the outstanding leadership in psychology award—Singg is recognized as a significant voice and advocate in the field of psychology. Her extensive educational journey extends from Punjab University, Mississippi State University, to Texas A&M University – Commerce, emboldening her perspective in the realm of mental health, as outlined in the official announcement.
With these appointments, Governor Abbott seems invested in reinforcing the governance and oversight of psychological services in Texas. The fusion of Moose's business acumen, Becker's clinical expertise, and Singg's academic leadership promises a comprehensive approach to advancing the state's mental health agenda and regulatory frameworks guiding psychologists across Texas.
