SCHEDULE 14A INFORMATION

PROXY STATEMENT PURSUANT TO SECTION 14(A) OF THE SECURITIES

EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934 (AMENDMENT NO. )

Check the appropriate box:

PSYCHEMEDICS CORPORATION

(Name of Registrant as Specified In Its Charter)

PAYMENT OF FILING FEE (CHECK THE APPROPRIATE BOX):

Psychemedics
CORPORATION		BOSTON•LOS ANGELES•CHICAGO DALLAS•ATLANTA

  
  
  
  
April 5, 2010

Dear Stockholders:

We cordially invite you to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders, which will be held at the Seaport Hotel, 200 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA 02210 on May 20, 2010, at 3:00 P.M.

Details regarding the business to be conducted are more fully described in the accompanying Notice of Annual Meeting of Stockholders and Proxy Statement. In addition, I will report on current operations and discuss our plans for growth. We will also have plenty of time for your questions and comments. I believe that the Annual Meeting provides an excellent opportunity for stockholders to become better acquainted with the Company and its directors and officers. I hope that you will be able to attend.

Your vote is important. Whether or not you plan to attend the annual meeting, I hope that you will vote as soon as possible. Please review the instructions on each of your voting options described in the Proxy Statement.

Thank you for your ongoing support of, and continued interest in, Psychemedics Corporation.

  
Sincerely,

Raymond C. Kubacki
Chairman, Chief Executive Officer, and President

PSYCHEMEDICS CORPORATION
125 Nagog Park
Acton, Massachusetts 01720
978-206-8220

 

NOTICE OF ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS

April 5, 2010

The Annual Meeting of Stockholders will be held on May 20, 2010 at 3:00 P.M. at the Seaport Hotel, 200 Seaport Boulevard, Boston, MA 02210, for the following purposes:

The Board of Directors has fixed the close of business on March 22, 2010 as the record date for the determination of stockholders entitled to receive notice of, and to vote at, the Annual Meeting of Stockholders.

Important Notice Regarding the Availability of Proxy Materials for the Shareholder Meeting to Be Held on May 20, 2010:  We have elected to provide access to our proxy materials by: (i) sending you this full set of proxy materials, including the proxy statement, our Annual Report for 2009, and a proxy card; and (ii) notifying you of the availability of these proxy materials on the Internet that you may download and print by going to www.psychemedics.com/proxy.

We encourage you to review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials contained herein or accessed on our website at www.psychemedics.com/proxy before voting.

By order of the Board of Directors,
  
Edward S. Brewer, Jr.,
Secretary

The Company’s Annual Report for 2009 containing a copy of the Company’s Form 10-K (excluding exhibits) for the year ended December 31, 2009 is enclosed herewith.

Please fill in, date, sign and mail promptly the accompanying proxy in the return
envelope furnished for that purpose, whether or not you plan to attend the Annual Meeting.

PSYCHEMEDICS CORPORATION
125 Nagog Park
Acton, Massachusetts 01720

 

PROXY STATEMENT

ANNUAL MEETING OF STOCKHOLDERS
TO BE HELD ON MAY 20, 2010

You are receiving this communication because you hold shares in PSYCHEMEDICS CORPORATION (hereinafter, the “Company”). We have elected to provide access to our proxy materials by: (i) sending you this full set of proxy materials, including the proxy statement, our Annual Report for the year ended December 31, 2009, and a proxy card; and (ii) notifying you of the availability of these proxy materials on the internet that you may download and print by viewing www.psychemedics.com/proxy. We encourage you to review all of the important information contained in the proxy materials contained herein or accessed on our website at www.psychemedics.com/proxy before voting.

This statement is furnished to the stockholders of the Company in connection with management’s solicitation of proxies to be used at the Annual Meeting of Stockholders on May 20, 2010 and at any adjournment of that meeting. The approximate date on which this proxy statement and accompanying proxy are being sent to stockholders of the Company is April 5, 2010. Each proxy delivered pursuant to this solicitation, or any proxy that you may download from www.psychemedics.com/proxy, is revocable at the option of the person executing the same by written notice delivered to the Secretary of the Company at any time before the proxy is voted. A stockholder who attends the Annual Meeting in person may revoke his or her proxy at that time and vote his or her shares if such stockholder so desires.

Most stockholders of the Company hold their shares through a stockbroker, bank, trustee or other nominee rather than directly in their own name. As summarized below, there are some distinctions between shares held of record and those owned beneficially.

Stockholders of Record.  If your shares are registered directly in your name with the Company’s transfer agent, ComputerShare, you are considered the stockholder of record of those shares and these proxy materials are being sent directly to you by the Company. As the stockholder of record, you have the right to grant your voting proxy directly to the Company or to vote in person at the Annual Meeting.

Beneficial Owner.  If your shares are held in a stock brokerage account, by a bank, trustee or other nominee, you are considered the beneficial owner of shares held in street name and these proxy materials are being forwarded to you by your broker, trustee or nominee who is considered the stockholder of record of those shares. As the beneficial owner, you have the right to direct your broker, trustee or nominee on how to vote and are also invited to attend the Annual Meeting. However, since you are not the stockholder of record, you may not vote these shares in person at the Annual Meeting. Your broker, trustee or nominee is obligated to provide you with a voting instruction card for you to use.

The presence in person or by proxy of stockholders entitled to cast a majority of the outstanding shares, or 2,598,675 shares, shall constitute a quorum. Under Nasdaq rules, if your broker holds your shares in its name and does not receive voting instructions from you, your broker has discretion to vote these shares on certain “routine” matters, including the ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. However, on non-routine matters such as the election of directors, your broker must receive voting instructions from you, as it does not have discretionary voting power for these particular items. So long as the broker has discretion to vote on at least one proposal, these “broker non-votes” are counted toward establishing a quorum. When voted on “routine” matters, broker non-votes are counted toward determining the outcome of that “routine” matter. With respect to the election of Directors, the Company will treat votes withheld as shares that are present for purposes of determining a quorum. A plurality is required to elect Directors, so the four persons receiving the greatest number of votes will be elected. Withheld votes will not affect the outcome of the election. With respect to

the ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP, the Company will treat abstentions as shares that are present and entitled to vote. Since a majority of the shares represented at the meeting and entitled to vote is required for approval, abstentions will have the effect of a vote against approval of this proposal.

All shares represented by a properly executed proxy will be voted unless the proxy is revoked and, if a choice is specified, will be voted in accordance with such specification. If no choice is specified, the proxies will be voted FOR the election of the four nominees named under “Election of Directors”, unless authority to do so is withheld with respect to one or more of the nominees and FOR the ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP for the year ending December 31, 2010. In addition, the proxy will be voted in the discretion of the proxy holders with respect to such other business as may properly come before the Annual Meeting.

As of March 22, 2010, the Company had outstanding 5,197,349 shares of Common Stock. The Common Stock is the only type of security entitled to vote at the Annual Meeting. Each share of Common Stock entitles the holder of record thereof at the close of business on March 22, 2010 to one vote on each of the matters to be voted upon at the Annual Meeting.

ELECTION OF DIRECTORS

At the Annual Meeting, directors are to be elected to hold office for the ensuing year and until their respective successors are chosen and qualified. The Board of Directors has fixed the size of the Board at four and has nominated four persons, all of whom are now directors of the Company, to serve until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders and until their successors are elected and qualified. If the enclosed proxy, or any proxy that you may download from www.psychemedics.com/proxy is duly executed and received in time for the Annual Meeting, and unless authority to do so is withheld, it will be voted to elect as directors the following nominees: Raymond C. Kubacki, Harry F. Connick, Walter S. Tomenson and Fred J. Weinert. In the event that any of the nominees becomes unavailable, then the proxy holders shall have the right: (i) to vote for such substitute, if any, as the present Board of Directors may designate; or (ii) to leave a vacancy on the Board.

BUSINESS EXPERIENCE OF NOMINEES AND
EXECUTIVE OFFICERS

Following is a list of names, ages and positions with the Company of all nominees for election as directors and all executive officers of the Company.

Name		Age		Position
Raymond C. Kubacki		65		Chairman of the Board, Chief Executive Officer, President, Director and Nominee
Harry F. Connick		84		Director and Nominee, Member of Audit, Nominating and Compensation Committees
Walter S. Tomenson		63		Director and Nominee, Member of Audit, Nominating and Compensation Committees
Fred J. Weinert		62		Director and Nominee, Member of Audit, Nominating and Compensation Committees
William R. Thistle		60		Senior Vice President, General Counsel
Michael I. Schaffer, Ph.D.		65		Vice President, Laboratory Operations
Raymond Ruddy		41		Vice President, Controller

All directors hold office until the next Annual Meeting of Stockholders or until their successors are elected. Officers serve at the discretion of the Board of Directors.

Mr. Kubacki has been the Company’s President and Chief Executive Officer since 1991. He has also served as Chairman of the Board since 2003. He is a Director of Protection One, Inc. He is also a trustee of the Center for Excellence in Education based in Washington, D.C. As a result of these and other professional experiences, Mr. Kubacki possesses particular knowledge and experience in marketing and distribution that strengthen the Board’s collective qualifications, skills and experience. Mr. Kubacki has been a director of the Company since 1991.

Mr. Connick served as District Attorney for Orleans Parish (New Orleans, LA) from 1974 to 2003. In 2002, Mr. Connick received from Drug Czar, John P. Walters, the Director’s Award for Distinguished Service in recognition of exemplary accomplishment and distinguished service in the fight against illegal drugs. As a result of these and other professional experiences, Mr. Connick possesses particular knowledge and experience in law enforcement and the effects of drugs of abuse and their effect on society that strengthen the Board’s collective qualifications, skills and experience. Mr. Connick has been a director of the Company since 2003.

Mr. Tomenson is a Senior Advisor to Integro Ltd. From 1998 until 2004 he served as Managing Director and Chairman of Client Development of Marsh, Inc. From 1993 to 1998, he was Chairman of FINPRO, the financial services division of Marsh, Inc. He is a director of the Trinity College School Fund, Inc. He also serves on the Executive Council of the Inner-City Scholarship Fund. As a result of these and other professional experiences, Mr. Tomenson possesses particular knowledge and experience in marketing and distribution and human resources that strengthen the Board’s collective qualifications, skills and experience. Mr. Tomenson has been a director of the Company since 1999.

Mr. Weinert is an entrepreneur whose current business activities are concentrated in real estate development, theatre and film development. He is the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Bella Media, Inc. and Barrington Services Group, Inc. He has served on the Business Advisory Council for the University of Dayton for over 20 years. As a result of these and other professional experiences, Mr. Weinert possesses particular knowledge and experience in accounting, finance, capital structures, distribution and international operations that strengthen the Board’s collective qualifications, skills and experience. Mr. Weinert has been a director of the Company since 1991.

Mr. Thistle has been a Senior Vice President of the Company since 2001 and General Counsel of the Company since 1995. He was a Vice President of the Company from 1995 to 2001. From 1993 to 1995, he served as Associate General Counsel for MGM Grand in Las Vegas. Mr. Thistle is a board member of the Drug and Alcohol Testing Industry Association.

Dr. Schaffer has served as Vice President of Laboratory Operations since 1999. From 1990 to 1999, he served as Director of Toxicology, Technical Manager and Responsible Person for the Leesburg, Florida laboratory of SmithKline Beecham Clinical Laboratories. From 1990 to 1999, he was also a member of the Board of Directors of the American Board of Forensic Toxicologists. Dr. Schaffer has been an inspector for the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration’s National Laboratory Certification Program since 1989.

Mr. Ruddy joined the Company as Vice President and Controller in 2008. Prior to joining the Company, he served as International Controller for GSI Group Corporation from 2005 to 2008. From 2001 to 2005 Mr. Ruddy served as Director of Finance and Investor Relations of Concord Communications.

CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

General

The Company believes that good corporate governance is important to ensure that the Company is managed for the long-term benefit of its stockholders. The Board of Directors of the Company has responsibility for establishing broad corporate policies and reviewing the overall performance of the Company. The Company’s officers are responsible for day-to-day operations. The Board’s primary responsibility is to oversee the management of the Company and, in so doing, serve the best interests of the Company and its stockholders. The Board selects, evaluates and provides for the succession of executive officers and, subject to stockholder election, directors. It reviews and approves corporate objectives and strategies, and evaluates significant policies and proposed major commitments of corporate resources. It participates in decisions that have a potential major economic impact on the Company. Management keeps the directors informed of Company activity through regular reports and presentations at Board and committee meetings.

The Board of Directors has delegated certain of its oversight responsibilities to three separate subcommittees: an Audit Committee, a Compensation Committee and a Nominating Committee, each of which is comprised solely of independent directors (see “Independence” below). The Audit Committee operates under an Audit Committee charter and the Nominating Committee operates under a Nominating Committee charter, each of which has been approved by the Board of Directors of the Company and is posted on the Company’s web site at psychemedics.com. Each committee must review the appropriateness of its charter and perform a self-evaluation at least annually. Mr. Kubacki is the only director who is also an employee of the Company. He does not participate in any meeting at which his compensation is evaluated. All members of all committees are non-employee directors.

The Company has in place a comprehensive Code of Ethics and Conduct. You may obtain a copy of the Company’s Code of Ethics and Conduct by writing to the Company at Investor Relations, Psychemedics Corporation, 125 Nagog Park, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, or by viewing the Investor Information section of the Company’s website at www.psychemedics.com.

Independence

Under the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market, a majority of the directors and all of the members of the Audit Committee must qualify as independent directors. The Board of Directors of the Company conducts an annual review of the independence of the members of the Board and its committees. Three of our four directors are nonemployee directors (all except Mr. Kubacki). Although the Board has not adopted categorical standards of materiality for independence purposes (other than those set forth in the Nasdaq Stock Market listing standards), information provided by the directors and the Company did not indicate any relationships (e.g., commercial, industrial, banking, consulting, legal, accounting, charitable, or familial), which would impair the independence of any of the nonemployee directors.

Certain Relationships and Related Transactions

The Board of Directors has a adopted a policy whereby the Company’s Audit Committee is responsible for reviewing any proposed related party transaction. The types of transactions covered by the policy include payments for products or services to or indebtedness to or from, related parties, as defined in Item 404(b) of Regulation S-K under the federal securities laws. The Audit Committee has determined that there were no related party transactions with any related party in fiscal 2009 that would require disclosure under Item 404(a) of Regulation S-K.

Board of Directors Meetings and Committees

The Board of Directors met seven times in fiscal year 2009 (including teleconference meetings). In addition, the directors acted by unanimous written consent in lieu of meetings on two occasions during 2009. During fiscal year 2009, each of the directors attended at least 75% of the total number of meetings of the Board of Directors and the committees of which such director was a member.

The Company encourages all incumbent directors, as well as all nominees for election as director, to attend the Annual Meeting of Stockholders. All of the Company’s directors attended the Company’s Annual Meeting in May, 2009.

Audit Committee

The Audit Committee, whose members are Messrs. Connick, Tomenson and Weinert, reviews the appropriateness, quality and acceptability of the Company’s accounting policies and the integrity of financial statements reported to the public, and compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Board has determined that each member of the Audit Committee satisfies the requirements of the Nasdaq Stock Market regarding competency in financial matters. In addition, the Board of Directors has determined that Mr. Weinert, the Chairman of the Audit Committee, qualifies as an “Audit Committee Financial Expert” as defined by the Securities and Exchange Commission rules. None of Messrs. Connick, Tomenson or Weinert serves on the audit committees of any other public company. The responsibilities of the Audit Committee and its activities during fiscal year 2009 are described in the Report of the Audit Committee set forth below in this proxy statement.

Compensation Committee

The Compensation Committee, whose members are Messrs. Connick, Tomenson and Weinert, held three meetings during 2009. The Compensation Committee does not have a charter. The responsibilities of the Compensation Committee and its activities during fiscal year 2009 are described below under the caption “Executive Compensation”.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of Messrs. Connick, Tomenson or Weinert has ever been an officer or employee of the Company or any subsidiary of the Company and no executive officer of the Company serves on the board of directors of any company at which any of the Compensation Committee members is employed.

Nominating Committee

The Nominating Committee, whose members are Messrs. Connick, Tomenson and Weinert, held one meeting during 2009. The Nominating Committee is charged with identifying and screening candidates, consistent with criteria approved by the Board of Directors, and making recommendations to the Board of Directors as to persons to be nominated by the Board of Directors for election thereto by the stockholders or to be chosen by the Board of Directors to fill newly created directorships or vacancies on the Board of Directors. The Board of Directors has determined that each of the members of the Nominating Committee is independent as defined in the Nasdaq Stock Market’s listing standards.

The Nominating Committee identifies Board candidates through numerous sources, including recommendations from Directors, executive officers and stockholders of the Company. The Nominating Committee evaluates identified Board candidates based on the criteria established by and periodically reviewed by the Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee seeks to identify those individuals most qualified to serve as Board members and will consider many factors with regard to each candidate, including judgment, integrity, diversity, prior experience, the interplay of the candidate’s experience with the experience of other Board members, the extent to which the candidate would be desirable as a member of any committees of the Board, and the candidate’s willingness to devote the time and effort required for Board responsibilities. Selected candidates are interviewed by members of the Nominating Committee and certain other Board members. Based on the foregoing, the Nominating Committee makes recommendations to the Board with respect to director nominees.

The Company’s stockholders may recommend individuals to the Nominating Committee for consideration as potential director candidates at the Company’s 2011 Annual Meeting by submitting their names and appropriate background and biographical information to the Company’s Nominating Committee, Psychemedics Corporation, 125 Nagog Park, Acton, Massachusetts 01720 not later than December 3, 2010. Assuming that the appropriate information has been timely provided, the Nominating Committee will consider these candidates substantially in the same manner as it considers other Board candidates it identifies.

Board Leadership Structure, Risk Oversight, Executive Sessions of Nonemployee Directors, and Communications Between Stockholders and the Board

Board Leadership Structure

As noted above, our Board is currently comprised of three independent directors and one employee director. Mr. Kubacki has served as Chairman of the Board and Chief Executive Officer since 2003, and has been a member of our Board since 1991. We believe that the number of independent, experienced directors that make up our Board benefits Psychemedics and its stockholders.

We recognize that different board leadership structures may be appropriate for companies in different situations and believe that no one structure is suitable for all companies. We believe our current Board leadership structure is optimal for us because it demonstrates to our employees, suppliers, customers, and other stakeholders that Psychemedics is under strong leadership, with a single person setting the tone and having primary responsibility for managing our operations. Having a single leader for both the company and the Board eliminates the potential for confusion or duplication of efforts, and provides clear leadership for Psychemedics. We believe Psychemedics, like many U.S. companies, has been well-served by this leadership structure.

As part of an annual self evaluation, our Board of Directors conducts an evaluation in order to determine whether it and its committees are functioning effectively. As part of this annual self-evaluation, the Board evaluates whether the current leadership structure continues to be optimal for Psychemedics and its stockholders. When making recommendations of future Board candidates, our Nominating Committee, under the authority vested in it under our Nominating Committee Charter, is provided flexibility to modify or continue our leadership structure in the future, as it deems appropriate.

Risk Oversight

Our Board is responsible for overseeing the Company’s risk management process. The Board focuses on Psychemedics’ general risk management strategy, the most significant risks facing Psychemedics, and ensures that appropriate risk mitigation strategies are implemented by management. The Board is also apprised of particular risk management matters in connection with its general oversight and approval of corporate matters.

The Board has delegated to the Audit Committee oversight of Psychemedics’ risk management process. Among its duties, the Audit Committee reviews with management (a) Psychemedics’ policies with respect to risk assessment and management of risks that may be material to Psychemedics, (b) Psychemedics’ system of disclosure controls and system of internal controls over financial reporting, and (c) Psychemedics’ compliance with legal and regulatory requirements. The Audit Committee is also responsible for reviewing major legislative and regulatory developments that could materially impact Psychemedics’ contingent liabilities and risks. Our full Board also considers and addresses risk as it performs its responsibilities. All committees report to the full Board as appropriate, including when a matter rises to the level of a material or enterprise level risk.

Psychemedics’ management is responsible for day-to-day risk management. Our Vice President — Controller undertakes primary responsibility for monitoring and testing for company-wide policies and procedures, and manages the day-to-day oversight of the risk management strategy for the ongoing business of Psychemedics. This oversight includes identifying, evaluating, and addressing potential risks that may exist at the enterprise, strategic, financial, operational, and compliance and reporting levels.

We believe the division of risk management responsibilities described above is an effective approach for addressing the risks facing Psychemedics and that our Board leadership structure supports this approach.

Executive Sessions of Nonemployee Directors

The Board holds executive sessions of its nonemployee directors generally at each regularly scheduled meeting. The Chairman of the Audit Committee serves as the chairperson for these executive sessions.

Communications Between Stockholders and the Board

Interested parties, including stockholders, may communicate directly with the Chairman of the Audit Committee or the nonemployee directors as a group by writing to those individuals or the group at the following address: Psychemedics Corporation, 125 Nagog Park, Acton, Massachusetts 01720. If correspondence is received by the Corporate Secretary, it will be forwarded to the appropriate person or persons in accordance with the procedures adopted by a majority of the independent directors of the Board. When reporting a concern, please supply sufficient information so that the matter may be addressed properly. Although you are encouraged to identify yourself to assist Psychemedics in effectively addressing your concern, you may choose to remain anonymous, and Psychemedics will use its reasonable efforts to protect your identity to the extent appropriate or permitted by law.

Report of the Audit Committee

The Audit Committee of the Board of Directors is responsible for providing independent, objective oversight of the Company’s accounting functions and internal controls. Management has the primary responsibility for the financial statements and the reporting process, including the system of internal controls. The Audit Committee oversees the financial reporting process on behalf of the Board of Directors, reviews financial disclosures, and meets privately, outside the presence of management, with the independent auditors to discuss internal accounting control policies and procedures. In fulfilling its oversight responsibilities, the Audit Committee reviews the audited financial statements in the Annual Report on Form 10-K with management including a discussion of the quality, not just the acceptability, of the accounting principles, the reasonableness of significant judgments, and the clarity of disclosures in the financial statements. The Audit Committee reports on these meetings to the Board of Directors. The Audit Committee also selects and appoints the independent auditors, reviews the performance of the independent auditors in the annual audit and in assignments unrelated to the audit, and pre-approves the independent auditors’ services. The Audit Committee operates under a written charter adopted by the Board of Directors, a copy of which can be viewed on the Company’s website under “Corporate Governance”.

The Audit Committee is composed of three non-employee directors, Messrs. Connick, Tomenson and Weinert, each of whom is an “independent director” under the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market governing the qualifications of the members of audit committees. The Audit Committee held five meetings during 2009. Mr. Weinert qualifies as an “Audit Committee Financial Expert” under the rules of the Securities and Exchange Commission. In addition, the Board of Directors has determined that each member of the Audit Committee meets the minimum standards regarding competency in financial matters required under the rules of the Nasdaq Stock Market. None of Messrs. Connick, Tomenson and Weinert serves on the audit committee of any other public company.

The Audit Committee reviewed with the independent auditors their judgments as to the quality, not just the acceptability, of accounting principles and such other matters as are required to be discussed with the Audit Committee under the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States) (the “PCAOB”). In addition, the Audit Committee has received the written disclosures and the letter from the independent auditors required by the PCAOB Rule 3526, and has discussed with the independent auditors the independence of the independent auditors. The Audit Committee considered and determined that the provision of non-audit services by BDO Seidman, LLP was compatible with maintaining auditor independence.

Based on its review and discussions, the Audit Committee recommended to the Board of Directors that the audited financial statements be included in the Annual Report on Form 10-K for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009.

Members of the Audit Committee:

Harry F. Connick
Walter S. Tomenson
Fred J. Weinert

Fees Paid to the Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The following table presents fees paid to BDO Seidman, LLP for services rendered during fiscal years 2009 and 2008.

		Fiscal Year 2009				Fiscal Year 2008
Audit Fees(1)		$	174,950			$	160,000
Audit-Related Fees(2)			13,050				12,000
Tax Fees(3)			23,000				26,500
All Other Fees(4)			0				0
Total		$	211,000			$	198,500

Audit Committee Pre-Approval Policy of Audit and Permissible Non-Audit Services of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm

The Audit Committee’s policy is to pre-approve all audit and permissible non-audit services provided by the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm. These services may include audit services, audit-related services, tax services and other services. Any pre-approval is detailed as to the particular service or category of services and is generally subject to a specific budget. The Audit Committee may delegate pre-approval authority to one or more of its members when expedition of services is necessary. The independent registered public accounting firm and management are required to periodically report to the full Audit Committee regarding the extent of services provided, in accordance with this pre-approval policy, and the fees for the services performed to date.

Director Compensation

Mr. Kubacki receives no additional compensation for serving on the Company’s Board of Directors. Each of the Company’s outside (non-employee) directors receives cash compensation of $35,000. In addition, Mr. Weinert, the Chairman of the Audit Committee, receives additional cash compensation of $10,000. Each of the outside directors has also been granted from time to time equity awards under the Company’s equity compensation plans, most recently in March, 2008 when each outside director was granted 2,000 stock unit awards under the Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. The Directors elected to forego a grant of stock unit awards in 2009 to assist in the Company’s cost reduction program.

The following table shows, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, the compensation paid by the Company or accrued for such year, to the Company’s non-employee directors. The compensation paid to Mr. Kubacki for his service as Chairman, Chief Executive Officer and President, is reported in the Summary Compensation Table under the caption “Executive Compensation” below.

Director Compensation for Fiscal Year Ended December 31, 2009

(a)		(b)				(c)				(d)				(e)				(f)				(g)				(h)
Name		Fees Earned or Paid in Cash ($)				Stock Awards ($)(1)				Option Awards ($)(2)				Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation ($)				Non-Qualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)				All Other Compensation ($)(3)				Total ($)
Harry Connick			43,750				—				—				—				—				—				43,750
Walter Tomenson			43,750				—				—				—				—				—				43,750
Fred J. Weinert			56,250				—				—				—				—				—				56,250

EXECUTIVE COMPENSATION

Overview of Compensation Program

The Compensation Committee of the Board has responsibility for establishing, implementing and continually monitoring adherence to the Company’s compensation philosophy. The Compensation Committee ensures that the total compensation paid to the executive officers is fair, reasonable and competitive.

Throughout this proxy statement, the individual who served as the Company’s Chief Executive Officer during fiscal 2009, as well as the other individuals included in the Summary Compensation Table on page 13, is referred to as the “named executive officers”.

Compensation Philosophy and Objectives

The Compensation Committee believes that the most effective executive compensation program is one that is designed to reward the achievement of specific annual performance goals by the Company, and which aligns executives’ interests with those of the stockholders by rewarding performance with the ultimate objective of improving stockholder value. The Compensation Committee evaluates both performance and compensation to ensure that the Company maintains its ability to attract and retain superior employees in key positions and that compensation provided to key employees remains competitive relative to the compensation paid to similarly situated executives of similarly sized public companies. To that end, the Compensation Committee believes executive compensation packages provided by the Company to its executives, including the named executive officers, should include both cash and stock-based compensation and that its executives’ performance should be rewarded as measured against established goals.

Role of Executive Officers in Compensation Decisions

The Compensation Committee makes all compensation decisions for the Chief Executive Officer, but takes into account his recommendations when making compensation decisions with respect to the other executive officers.

The Chief Executive Officer annually reviews the performance of each other executive officer. The conclusions reached and recommendations based on these reviews, including with respect to salary adjustments and annual award amounts, are presented to the Compensation Committee. The Compensation Committee can exercise its discretion in modifying any recommended adjustments or awards to executives.

Setting Executive Compensation

Based on the foregoing objectives, the Compensation Committee has structured the Company’s annual and long-term incentive-based cash and non-cash executive compensation to motivate executives to achieve the business goals set by the Company and reward the executives for achieving such goals.

In making compensation decisions, the Compensation Committee compares each element of total compensation against what the Compensation Committee believes to be the average amount paid to similarly situated executives at publicly-traded and privately-held companies.

A significant percentage of total compensation is allocated to incentives as a result of the philosophy mentioned above. The Compensation Committee determines the appropriate level and mix of incentive compensation. Income from such incentive compensation is realized as a result of the performance of the Company or the individual, depending on the type of award, compared to established goals. Historically, the Compensation Committee typically granted a significant portion of each executive officer’s total compensation in the form of stock options. More recently, reflecting in part the recent change in the accounting treatment of option grants, the Company has typically awarded a significant portion of its total compensation payable to executive officers in the form of cash bonus awards tied to achievement of performance goals and to the award of restricted stock units that would become vested over a period of time.

2009 Executive Compensation Components

For the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, the principal components of compensation for named executive officers were:

Base Salary

The Company provides named executive officers and other employees with base salary to compensate them for services rendered during the fiscal year. Base salary ranges for named executive officers are determined for each executive based on his or her position and responsibility.

During its review of base salaries for executives, the Compensation Committee primarily considers:

Salary levels are typically considered annually as part of the Company’s performance review process as well as upon a promotion or other change in job responsibility. Merit based increases to salaries of executive officers are based on the Compensation Committee’s assessment of the individual’s performance. In May, 2009, acting on the recommendation of the Chief Executive Officer, the Compensation Committee made a determination to maintain base salaries for executive officers at the rates then in effect. As part of a cost cutting program, effective July 1, 2009, and continuing in effect until December 31, 2009, the Company reduced base salaries by ten percent across all levels, including the executive officers.

In September, 2009, for the third year in a row, DeMarche Associates, Inc., a leading investment research and financial consulting firm, recognized Mr. Kubacki as one of best chief executive officers in the nation, based on the amount of shareholder value generated over the prior 3-year period per unit of compensation paid to him during such period.

Incentive Cash Bonus Compensation

The Company typically provides its named executive officers with the opportunity to earn cash incentive bonuses. For most years, bonuses are determined based on a combination of qualitative and quantitative, company and individual measures, the details of which are established annually in the form of business objectives. The business objectives may vary for each executive based upon his or her responsibilities and may include financial and/or strategic measures. The Compensation Committee typically retains the discretion to amend the bonus program including the ability to increase or decrease any bonus payment and make changes to any financial and/or strategic measures. In the exercise of such discretion, for the 2009 fiscal year, as part of the Company’s cost cutting measures, no bonuses were paid.

Long-Term Equity Incentive Compensation

It is the philosophy of the Company to provide executives with incentives to receive equity in the Company and, thus, align their financial interests with those of the Company’s shareholders. The Company’s 2006 Equity Incentive Plan provides long-term rewards and incentives to the Company’s named executive officers, as well as other participants. The 2006 Equity Incentive Plan permits the grant of options, restricted stock, stock bonus awards, and other stock-based awards that may be denominated or payable in, valued in whole or in part by reference to or otherwise based on the Common Stock, including, but not limited to performance units, stock appreciation rights, restricted stock units or dividend equivalents, each of which may be subject to certain vesting requirements or to the attainment of certain pre-established performance goals.

Stock Unit Awards.

The Compensation Committee of the Company’s Board of Directors has typically granted annual equity awards in the form of stock unit awards (“Awards”) to most of its executive officers. The Awards represented a right to receive shares of the Company’s Common Stock in varying amounts subject to satisfaction of

certain time-based vesting requirements. The amount of stock unit awards granted to the named executive officers varied based upon their levels of responsibility. Each of the units provided for vesting over the four-year period following the date of grant and was convertible into shares of Common Stock of the Company upon vesting. As part of the Company’s cost cutting initiatives in 2009, however, the Company did not grant any Awards in such year. However, awards from prior years continued to vest in 2009, thus giving rise to a compensation expense for such prior awards in the Company’s Income Statement for 2009.

Stock Options.

Certain named executive officers continue to hold stock options granted in prior years under the Company’s 2000 Stock Option Plan which was discontinued in connection with the adoption of the 2006 Equity Incentive Plan. The stock options allow the named executive officers, as well as other key employees, the right to acquire shares of Company stock at a price equal to the fair market value of the Company’s stock on the date of grant. The stock options are subject to various vesting periods ranging from zero to four years. No stock options were granted to the named executive officers in 2009.

Retirement and Other Benefits

The Company maintains a 401(k) profit sharing plan for the benefit of all employees who have satisfied minimum age and service requirements. Employees have the opportunity to contribute to the plan on a before tax basis, subject to limits prescribed under the Internal Revenue Code. The Company has typically matched up to 50% of the first 6% of pay that has been contributed to the plan, subject to limits prescribed for highly compensated employees. All employee contributions to the 401(k) plan are fully vested upon contribution. If a matching contribution is made, it would vest ratably over a five year period. For 2009, however, as part of the Company’s cost cutting plan, no matching contributions were made with respect to the period July 1, 2009 through December 31, 2009. The Company does not maintain any separate non-qualified retirement plans.

Perquisites and Other Personal Benefits

Any perquisites or other personal benefits that the Company offers to its executive officers are below the threshold limit ($10,000 per executive, per annum) for reporting under SEC rules.

The Company has entered into Change of Control Severance Agreements with Messrs. Kubacki, Schaffer and Thistle. The Change of Control Severance Agreements are designed to promote stability and continuity of senior management. Information regarding applicable payments under such agreements for such executive officers is provided under the heading “Potential Payments upon Termination or Change in Control” on page 14.

Tax and Accounting Implications

Deductibility of Executive Compensation

As part of its role, the Compensation Committee reviews and considers the deductibility of executive compensation under Section 162(m) of the Internal Revenue Code, which provides that the Company may not deduct compensation of more than $1,000,000 per year to named executive officers except to the extent it constitutes performance-based compensation. The Company believes that all compensation paid to its executive officers is, or will be when paid, fully deductible for federal income tax purposes.

Nonqualified Deferred Compensation

On October 22, 2004, the American Jobs Creation Act of 2004 was signed into law, changing the tax rules applicable to nonqualified deferred compensation arrangements. The Company believes it is operating in good faith compliance with the statutory provisions.

Summary of Cash and Certain Other Compensation

The following tables show, for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2009, the total compensation earned by the Company’s Chief Executive Officer, as the Company’s principal executive officer, and the Company’s two most highly compensated executive officers other than the Chief Executive Officer (collectively the “named executive officers”) and outstanding equity awards held by them as of December 31, 2009.

Summary Compensation Table

(a)		(b)				(c)				(d)				(e)				(f)				(g)				(h)				(i)				(j)
Name and Principal Position		Year				Salary ($)				Bonus ($)(1)				Stock Awards ($)(2)				Option Awards ($)(3)				Non-Equity Incentive Plan Compensation				Change in Pension Value and Nonqualified Deferred Compensation Earnings ($)				All Other Compensation ($(4)				Total ($)
Raymond C. Kubacki Chairman, CEO, & President			2009				372,884				—				—				—				—				—				6,142				379,026
			2008				385,437				39,140				247,500				—				—				—				6,900				678,977
William R. Thistle Senior Vice President and General Council			2009				261,997				—				—				—				—				—				3,491				265,488
			2008				281,092				—				—				—				—				—				6,900				287,992
Michael I. Schaffer Vice President Laboratory Operations			2009				215,881				—				—				—				—				—				3,556				219,437
			2008				223,148				22,660				74,250				—				—				—				6,750				326,808

Outstanding Equity Awards at Fiscal Year-End

		Option Awards																				Stock Awards
Name (a)		Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Exercisable (#) (b)				Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Options Unexercisable (#) (c)				Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Securities Underlying Unexercised Unearned Options (#) (d)				Option Exercise Price ($) (e)				Option Expiration Date (f)				Number of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested (#) (g)				Market Value of Shares or Units of Stock That Have Not Vested ($)(1) (h)				Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Number of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested (#) (i)				Equity Incentive Plan Awards: Market or Payout Value of Unearned Shares, Units or Other Rights That Have Not Vested ($) (j)
Raymond C. Kubacki			77,300				—				—			$	14.40				05/24/2015
			10,000				—				—			$	11.85				05/13/2014				20,250	(2)			148,837.50				—				—
			8,751				—				—			$	13.68				05/09/2012
			—
William R. Thistle			40,600				—				—			$	14.40				05/24/2015
			5,000				—				—			$	11.85				05/13/2014				4,250	(3)			31,237.50				—				—
			1,442				—				—			$	13.68				05/09/2012
			7,540				—				—			$	13.68				05/09/2012
			8,750				—				—			$	19.76				05/11/2010
Michael I. Schaffer			16,600				—				—			$	14.40				05/24/2015
			3,000				—				—			$	11.85				05/13/2014				6,125	(4)			45,018.75				—				—
			2,500				—				—			$	13.68				05/09/2012
			6,250				—				—			$	19.76				05/11/2010

Potential Payments Upon Termination or Change in Control

The Company has entered into change-in-control severance agreements with each of Messrs. Kubacki, Thistle and Schaffer providing for severance benefits for a period of up to 12 months in the event of termination within 12 months following a change in control (as defined in the agreements). The agreements provide for severance benefits only if (1) the Company undergoes a change in control (as defined in the agreement) and (2) within 12 months thereafter either (a) the Company (or its successor) terminates the employee (other than termination for “cause”), or (b) the employee terminates his employment for “good reason” (as defined in his agreement). The agreements do not provide for severance benefits in the event of an employee’s death or disability, or in the event of his voluntary termination without good reason, or on account of termination for any reason if not preceded within 12 months by a change in control. The agreements provide that the

employee shall not compete with the Company during the period in which he is entitled to receive severance payments. Except for such change-in-control severance agreements, none of the named executive officers has an employment agreement with the Company.

Each of the stock unit award agreements with Messrs. Kubacki, Thistle and Schaffer described in the Summary Compensation Table above provide that the vesting would accelerate upon a change in control. In the event the Company had incurred a change in control on December 31, 2009 and terminated the employment of Messrs. Kubacki, Thistle and Schaffer on such date, the amounts paid out to such named executive officers would have been as follows:

Payments and Benefits Upon Separation and Change in Control

(a)		(b)				(c)				(d)				(e)				(f)
Name		Salary and Bonus Continuation ($)(1)				Accrued Vacation ($)(2)				Health Benefits ($)(3)				Acceleration of Equity Awards ($)(4)				Total ($)
Raymond C. Kubacki 12 month Change in Control Termination Payments(5)			412,024				33,871				24,403				148,838				619,136
6 month Change in Control Termination Payments (change of location only)(5)			206,012				33,871				12,202				148,838				400,923
William R. Thistle 12 month Change in Control Termination Payments(6)			261,997				38,370				24,403				31,238				356,008
Michael I. Schaffer 12 month Change in Control Termination Payments(6)			215,881				61,311				18,480				45,019				340,691

PRINCIPAL STOCKHOLDERS AND
STOCKHOLDINGS OF MANAGEMENT

The following table shows, as of March 22, 2010, the number of shares beneficially owned (i) by those stockholders who are known to the Company to own beneficially more than five percent of the outstanding Common Stock of the Company, (including their addresses) (ii) by each director and nominee for director of the Company, (iii) by each named executive officer, and (iv) by all directors and executive officers as a group.

Name		Amount and Nature of Beneficial Ownership(1)				Percentage Owned(2)
Royce & Associates, LLC 745 Fifth Avenue New York, NY 10151			598,231	(3)			11.51	%
H. Wayne Huizenga 450 E. Las Olas Blvd. Suite 1500 Fort Lauderdale, FL 33301			589,135	(4)			11.34	%
Cortina Asset Management, LLC 330 East Kilbourn Avenue Suite 850 Milwaukee, WI 53202			522,242	(5)			10.05	%
DePrince, Race & Zollo, Inc. 250 Park Ave South Suite 250 Winter Park, FL 32789			394,053	(6)			7.58	%
James H. Simons Renaissance Technologies LLC 800 Third Avenue New York, NY 10022			319,200	(7)			6.14	%
Raymond C. Kubacki			183,958	(8)(9)			3.24	%
Fred J. Weinert			142,484	(8)(9)(10)			2.73	%
William R. Thistle			70,698	(8)(9)			1.34	%
Walter S. Tomenson			36,250	(8)(9)			*
Michael I. Schaffer			34,861	(8)(9)			*
Harry F. Connick			22,038	(8)(9)			*
All Executive Officers and Directors as a group (8 persons)			491,025	(11)			8.97	%

Section 16(a) Beneficial Ownership Reporting Compliance

Based solely on its review of copies of reports filed pursuant to Section 16(a) of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, as amended (the “Exchange Act”), or written representations from persons required to file such reports (“Reporting Persons”), except as described below, the Company believes that all such filings required to be made by such Reporting Persons with respect to fiscal year 2009 were timely made in accordance with the requirements of the Exchange Act.

RATIFICATION OF APPOINTMENT OF INDEPENDENT
REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Company’s Audit Committee has appointed BDO Seidman, LLP as the Company’s independent registered public accounting firm for fiscal year 2010 and recommends ratification of such appointment by the stockholders. During the 2009 fiscal year, BDO Seidman, LLP served at Psychemedics’ independent registered public accounting firm and also provided certain tax and non-audit services as described above. Although the Company is not required to seek stockholder approval of this appointment, the board believes it to be sound corporate governance to do so. If the appointment is not ratified, the Audit Committee will investigate the reasons for stockholder rejection and will reconsider the appointment.

Representatives of BDO Seidman, LLP will be available at the Annual Meeting to respond to questions.

Psychemedics’ Board of Directors recommends a vote FOR the ratification of the Audit Committee’s appointment of BDO Seidman, LLP as the Company’s Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm.

STOCKHOLDER PROPOSALS

Proposals of stockholders intended to be presented at the 2011 Annual Meeting of Stockholders must comply with Rule 14a-8 of the Securities and Exchange Commission issued under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, and must be received at the principal executive offices of the Company not later than December 3, 2010.

OTHER MATTERS

The Board of Directors knows of no other matters which may come before the Annual Meeting. However, if any matter not now known is presented at the Annual Meeting, it is the intention of the persons named in the accompanying form of proxy to vote said proxy, or any proxy that you may download from www.psychemedics.com/proxy, in accordance with their judgment on such matter.

The Company will bear the cost of solicitation of proxies. Solicitations of proxies by mail may be followed by telephone or other personal solicitation of certain stockholders by officers or other employees of the Company.

GENERAL INFORMATION

The Company’s 2009 Annual Report is being mailed to shareholders with this Proxy Statement.

A copy of the Company’s Annual Report on Form 10-K for the year ended December 31, 2009 may be obtained without charge by writing to the Company at Investor Relations, Psychemedics Corporation, 125 Nagog Park, Acton, Massachusetts 01720, or by viewing the “Investor Information” section of the Company’s website at www.psychemedics.com.

BY ORDER OF THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS,

Edward S. Brewer, Jr.,
Secretary

April 5, 2010