Doctor of Psychology

Last updated

Karen Weaver is a Doctor of Psychology and former mayor of Flint, Michigan Karen Weaver, July 2018.jpg
Karen Weaver is a Doctor of Psychology and former mayor of Flint, Michigan

The Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D. or D.Psych.) is a professional doctoral degree intended to prepare graduates for careers that apply scientific knowledge of psychology and deliver empirically based service to individuals, groups and organizations. Earning the degree was originally completed through one of two established training models for clinical psychology. [1] However, Psy.D. programs are no longer limited to Clinical Psychology as several universities and professional schools have begun to award professional doctorates in Business Psychology, Organizational Development, Forensic Psychology, Counseling Psychology, and School Psychology. [2] [3]

Contents

Background

The initial guidelines for the education and training of clinical psychologists were established in 1949 at an American Psychological Association (APA)-sponsored Conference on Training in Clinical Psychology in Boulder, Colorado. Students would be prepared both to conduct experimental research and apply knowledge for clinical practice. This approach became known as the scientist–practitioner model, although it is often referred to as the Boulder model since the conference was held in Boulder, Colorado.

The difficulty integrating the education and training for both research and practice within the same degree has been long recognized. [4] [5] [6] [7] [8] [9] While the scientist-practitioner model ostensibly included clinical training, many argued that preparation for practice was often neglected. [10] [11] Some also argued that in trying to train students in both research and practice, not enough emphasis was placed on either. In regard to research, the mode (most common) number of publications by graduates of PhD. programs was zero. [7] In regard to practice, students were not being trained effectively for the needs of people seeking services. [12]

While the scientist-practitioner model “stood intransigent and impervious through the 1950s and 60s”, [13] the APA attempted to respond to pressure for more and better clinical training by forming the Committee on the Scientific and Professional Aims of Psychology in 1963. The Committee concluded that the scientist-practitioner model failed to do either of the jobs for which it was designed and recommended several important changes, including: establishing separate practice-oriented programs, potentially in locations other than university psychology departments; developing a practice-oriented training model; and using the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) degree to designate preparation for clinical practice. [14] [15] The Committee's conclusions and recommendations met with controversy. In particular, opponents said a different degree would impact the field's prestige and ignore science. Proponents, however, argued it would be informed by science and that other practice-oriented healthcare disciplines, such as medicine, had well-respected professional degrees.

In 1973, the APA sponsored the Conference on Levels and Patterns of Training in Vail, Colorado. Conference members concluded that psychological knowledge had matured sufficiently to warrant creating distinct practice-oriented programs. [16] Members also concluded that if the education and training for practice differs from research, then different degrees should reflect that: when emphasis is on preparing students for providing clinical services, the Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D) degree should be awarded; when the focus is on preparing students for conducting experimental research, the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) degree should be awarded. [16] This approach became known as the practitioner-scholar model, also known as the Vail model. Graduates of both training models would be eligible for licensure in all jurisdictions in the United States, and the licensing exams and renewal requirements would be the same for both degrees.

With the creation of the Doctor of Psychology degree, the APA confirmed that the Psy.D. is a credential that certifies attainment of the knowledge and skill required to establish clinical psychology as a profession. Furthermore, it follows the policies of both the Association of American Universities, and the Council of Graduate Schools: a professional doctorate (e.g., D.D.S., D.V.M., J.D., and M.D.) is awarded in recognition of preparation for professional practice, whereas the PhD. is awarded in recognition of preparation for research. [12]

Education and clinical training

The practice of clinical psychology is based on an understanding of the scientific method and behavioral science. The focus of the Doctor of Psychology training model is on the application of this knowledge for direct clinical intervention. This includes the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, as well as cognitive and emotional impairments in which psychological approaches may be of use. Compared to P.hD., the Psy.D. places less of an emphasis on research. Students from Psy.D. programs receive about the same number of clinical training hours as students from Ph.D. programs prior to internship. [17]

Doctor of Psychology programs take four to seven years to complete, and are typically slightly shorter than Ph.D. programs (due to the lesser focus on research training and approximately equivalent clinical training requirements). Students in these programs receive a broad and general education in scientific psychology and evidence-based treatment. [18] Coursework includes: Biological bases of behavior; cognitive-affective bases of behavior; social-cultural bases of behavior; lifespan development; assessment and diagnosis; treatment and intervention; research methods and statistics; and ethical and professional standards. Specialized training (e.g., neuropsychology, forensic psychology, psychodynamic psychology) is also available in some programs.

Students in doctoral psychology programs receive extensive clinical training through placements in various settings (e.g., community mental health centers, hospitals, juvenile hall, college counseling centers). These placements provide direct patient contact that is supervised by a licensed psychologist. Clinical training culminates in a 1,750–2,000 hour (1-year full-time or 2-year half-time) supervised internship.

In order to complete the Psy.D. degree, students typically must demonstrate several competencies: 1) knowledge mastery through passing comprehensive exams, and 2) clinical skill through successful completion of a pre-doctoral internship, and 3) scholarship through a doctoral research project.

Regional accreditation is available to doctoral programs in clinical psychology.

The doctoral degree allows for a broader range of career options in schools, private or independent practice, clinics, hospitals, or research/academia. Individuals with doctoral degrees may experience greater eligibility for various credentials.

As stated above, there are three different doctoral degrees for school psychology--Ph.D., Psy.D., and Ed.D. Career options for those with a Ph.D. may include being a school psychologist with a license at any level (preschool, primary, secondary or after), a professor for school psychology graduate students and/or screening for possible recruits for a school psychology program or a postdoctoral resident. Overall, those with a Ph.D. have more opportunities for leadership positions. Those with this degree can work in settings other than schools. [19] Those with a Ph.D. are more likely to create student development workgroups and review proposals for conventions. They have been known to become editors for Best Practices, work with the editors in chief of journals, members of the NASP Communique Editorial Board, reviewers for the National School Psychology Certification Board and part of NASP's Social Justice Committee. Some school psychologists choose to continue practicing in a K-12 setting but encourage more trained school staff for professional development i.e for functional behavioral assessments and behavior intervention plans. Those who have obtained a PhD. have a greater opportunity to conduct comprehensive neuropsychological evaluations for educational and forensic purposes, review medical/legal records for forensic evaluations, and see clients for therapy. These individuals may even develop new rating scales to the field. Those with this degree have the opportunity to be recognized as a member of the American Psychological Association. [20]

Career options for those who attain an Ed.D. may include becoming a university professor, creating school policy, focusing on administration, educational technology and district-wide leadership, and assisting in adult education, curriculum and instruction. Overall these areas can be broken up into three subgroups; research and academia, management and influence. If the individual chose to be involved in research and academia they could teach at public/private universities and conduct/publish research. The knowledge and experience gained through the doctorate program is imperative in having a successful career in academia. A doctorate is not required for management in some school districts; however, the degree, experience, and education can help in competitive positions. All of the experience and knowledge acquired helps with understanding education from a different perspective.

For those training in school psychology programs, Psy.D. training usually takes four to six years to complete and is, like in clinical and counseling programs, generally slightly shorter than Ph.D. training. Once the Psy.D. is earned, the school psychologist becomes eligible for licensure as a psychologist from an APA approved program. Psy.D. career options may include private practice, working in university based settings (undergraduate teaching or other practitioner scholar Psy.D programs), working in community based mental health centers (behavioral health, disorders, i.e.), working in outpatient settings- clinics for individual or group therapy, or working for juvenile justice programs (work with incarcerated youth). It is recommended to work in the field before pursuing a school psychology doctoral degree.

Doctoral training programs may be approved by NASP and/or accredited by the American Psychological Association. In 2007, approximately 125 programs were approved by NASP, and 58 programs were accredited by APA. Another 11 APA-accredited programs were combined (clinical/counseling/school, clinical/school, or counseling/school) programs. [21]

Licensing

A license to practice as a clinical psychologist is required in the United States as well as all over the globe. While specific requirements vary by jurisdiction, every state mandates: 1. Successful completion of either a 1-year full-time or 2-year half-time supervised clinical internship totaling 1,750–2,000 hours; and 2. Passing the national and state licensing exams. Most states require an additional postdoctoral year of supervised training after earning the doctorate, in order to become eligible to take the national and state licensing exams. [22]

Maryland and Washington have removed the one year postdoctoral experience in place of requiring two years of supervised experience, both of which can be completed prior to graduation. [23] In February 2006, the American Psychological Association Council of Representatives adopted a statement recommending that this change also be made to the licensing requirements of other states since the nature of training has changed dramatically in the last 50 years. [24] Previously, doctoral-level students accrued most of their clinical hours during internship and postdoctoral fellowships. Now, students accrue most of their clinical hours in the course of their training and internship. Thus, they are ready to begin practice upon graduation. Next, there are considerably fewer positions available for recent graduates and providing the training before graduation facilitates early career psychologists. [25]

Licensing Exam [EPPP]

In the United States, a doctoral degree from a program acceptable to the licensing board is required, including the PhD., Psy.D., and Ed.D. are among the doctorate degrees that make individuals eligible to sit for the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP; CA Board of Psychology). The EPPP is the national licensing examination and its completion is required in order for one to obtain a license to practice psychology.

While there is an increasing number of university-based Psy.D. programs, [26] [27] [28] [29] [30] [31] [32] many Psy.D. programs are at newer professional schools of psychology. [33] [34] [35] [36] [37]

See also

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Psychologist</span> Professional who evaluates, diagnoses, treats and studies behavior and mental processes

A psychologist is a professional who practices psychology and studies mental states, perceptual, cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior. Their work often involves the experimentation, observation, and interpretation of how individuals relate to each other and to their environments.

School psychology is a field that applies principles from educational psychology, developmental psychology, clinical psychology, community psychology, and behavior analysis to meet the learning and behavioral health needs of children and adolescents. It is an area of applied psychology practiced by a school psychologist. They often collaborate with educators, families, school leaders, community members, and other professionals to create safe and supportive school environments.

Clinical psychology is an integration of human science, behavioral science, theory, and clinical knowledge for the purpose of understanding, preventing, and relieving psychologically-based distress or dysfunction and to promote subjective well-being and personal development. Central to its practice are psychological assessment, clinical formulation, and psychotherapy, although clinical psychologists also engage in research, teaching, consultation, forensic testimony, and program development and administration. In many countries, clinical psychology is a regulated mental health profession.

Counseling psychology is a psychological specialty that began with a focus on vocational counseling, but later moved its emphasis to adjustment counseling, and then expanded to cover all normal psychology and psychotherapy. There are many subcategories for counseling psychology, such as marriage and family counseling, rehabilitation counseling, clinical mental health counseling, educational counseling, etc. In each setting, they are all required to follow the same guidelines.

The California School of Professional Psychology (CSPP) was founded in 1969 by the California Psychological Association. It is part of the for-profit Alliant International University where each campus's Clinical Psychology Psy.D. and Ph.D. program is individually accredited by the American Psychological Association. The school has trained approximately half of the licensed psychologists in California.

The scientist–practitioner model, also called the Boulder Model, is a training model for graduate programs that provide applied psychologists with a foundation in research and scientific practice. It was initially developed to guide clinical psychology graduate programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

A mental health professional is a health care practitioner or social and human services provider who offers services for the purpose of improving an individual's mental health or to treat mental disorders. This broad category was developed as a name for community personnel who worked in the new community mental health agencies begun in the 1970s to assist individuals moving from state hospitals, to prevent admissions, and to provide support in homes, jobs, education, and community. These individuals were the forefront brigade to develop the community programs, which today may be referred to by names such as supported housing, psychiatric rehabilitation, supported or transitional employment, sheltered workshops, supported education, daily living skills, affirmative industries, dual diagnosis treatment, individual and family psychoeducation, adult day care, foster care, family services and mental health counseling.

Palo Alto University (PAU) is a private university in Palo Alto, California that focuses on behavioral health disciplines like counseling, psychology, and social work. It was founded in 1975 as the Pacific Graduate School of Psychology and became Palo Alto University in 2009.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Chicago School</span> Private university with its main campus in Chicago, Illinois, United States

The Chicago School is a private university with its main campus in Chicago, Illinois. Established in 1979, The Chicago School was primarily focused on the professional application of psychology. It currently has about 6,000 students across all campuses and online. The university offers more than 30 academic programs in professional fields such as psychology, business, health care, health services, education, counseling, and nursing.

The prescriptive authority for psychologists (RxP) movement is a movement in the United States of America among certain psychologists to give prescriptive authority to psychologists with predoctoral or postdoctoral graduate-level training in clinical psychopharmacology; successful passage of a standardized, national examination ; supervised clinical experience; or a certificate from the Department of Defense Psychopharmacology Demonstration Project; or a diploma from the Prescribing Psychologists Register to enable them, according to state law, to prescribe psychotropic medications to treat mental disorders. This approach is non-traditional medical training focused on the specialized training to prescribe for mental health disorders by a psychologist. It includes rigorous didactics and supervised clinical experience. Legislation pertaining to prescriptive authority for psychologists has been introduced over 180 times in over half of the United States. It has passed in seven states, due largely to substantial lobbying efforts by the American Psychological Association (APA), the largest professional organization of psychologists in the world with over 157,000 members. Prior to RxP legislation and in American states where it has not been passed, this role has been played by psychiatrists, who possess a medical degree and thus the authority to prescribe medication, but more frequently (60-80%) by primary care providers who can prescribe psychotropics, but lack extensive training in psychotropic drugs and in diagnosing and treating psychological disorders. According to the APA, the movement is a reaction to the growing public need for mental health services, particularly in under-resourced areas where patients have little or no access to psychiatrists.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">David Shakow</span>

David Shakow (1901–1981) was an American psychologist. He is perhaps best known for his development of the Scientist-Practitioner Model of graduate training for clinical psychologists, adopted by the American Psychological Association in 1949.

Adler University is a private university, with two campuses in North America. The university's flagship campus is in Chicago, Illinois, and its satellite campus is located in Vancouver, British Columbia. The university also offers online classes and degree programs online for both masters and doctoral students.

The practitioner–scholar model is an advanced educational and operational model that is focused on practical application of scholarly knowledge. It was initially developed to train clinical psychologists but has since been adapted by other specialty programs such as business, public health, and law.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">William James College</span> Private school of psychology in Newton, Massachusetts, U.S.

William James College, formerly Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology (MSPP), is a private university focused on psychology and located in Newton, Massachusetts. It enrolls more than 750 students and offers graduate academic degree and certificate programs across four departments: Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Organizational and Leadership Psychology, and School Psychology, as well as a Bachelor of Science completion program in Psychology and Human Services.

The degree of Doctor of Clinical Psychology (DClinPsy/DClinPsych/ClinPsyD) is a professional doctorate in clinical psychology, awarded mainly in the United Kingdom and Ireland. The degree has both clinical and research components, and qualifies the holder to practice as a clinical psychologist in Britain's National Health Service and other clinical settings. It bears some similarities to the Doctor of Psychology degree in the United States.

Patrick Henry (Pat) DeLeon is an American psychologist, former chief of staff for United States Senator Daniel Inouye and past president of the American Psychological Association (APA). He became an aide for Senator Inouye in 1973, when Inouye served on a committee investigating the Watergate scandal, and remained on the senator's staff for 38 years. After DeLeon's daughter survived meningitis in 1984, he was involved in the establishment of the Emergency Medical Services for Children program. DeLeon helped to create the nursing and pharmacy schools at the University of Hawaiʻi at Hilo.

Everett Lowell Kelly was an American clinical psychologist, professor of psychology at the University of Michigan, president of the American Psychological Association (1954–55), and chairman of the Executive Committee for the Boulder Conference on Graduate Training in Clinical Psychology (1948–49).

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Divine Mercy University</span>

Divine Mercy University (DMU) is a private Catholic graduate university of psychology and counseling located in Sterling, Virginia.

Cynthia D. Belar is a scientist known for her contributions to clinical psychology with specific focus on health psychology, clinical service, and education. She is a Professor Emerita at the University of Florida Health Science Center.

References

  1. ↑ "Frequently Asked Questions About Graduate School". Apa.org. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  2. ↑ "Graduate Training Program". SIOP.org. Retrieved 13 July 2012.
  3. ↑ "Accredited Programs in School Psychology". American Psychological Association. 19 November 2013. Retrieved 13 January 2014.
  4. ↑ Frank, G. (1984). "The Boulder model: History, rationale, and critique". Professional Psychology: Research and Practice . 15 (3): 417–435. doi:10.1037/0735-7028.15.3.417. S2CID   145449834.
  5. ↑ Himelein, MJ; Putnam, EA (2001). "Work activities of academic clinical psychologists: Do they practice what they teach?". Professional Psychology: Research and Practice . 32 (5): 537–542. doi:10.1037/0735-7028.32.5.537.
  6. ↑ Hoch, EL; Ross, AO; Winder, CO. "Conference on the professional preparation of clinical psychologists". American Psychologist . 21: 42–51. doi:10.1037/h0021107.
  7. 1 2 Levy, LH (1962). "The skew in clinical psychology". American Psychologist . 17 (5): 244–249. doi:10.1037/h0048838.
  8. ↑ Peterson, DR (1968). "The doctor of psychology program at the University of Illinois". American Psychologist . 23 (7): 511–516. doi:10.1037/h0026199. PMID   5660352.
  9. ↑ Peterson, DR (2006). "Connection and disconnection of research and practice in the education of professional psychologists". Training and Education in Professional Psychology . S: 47–57. doi:10.1037/1931-3918.s.1.47.
  10. ↑ Albee, GW; Loeffler, E (1971). "Role conflicts in psychology and their implications for a reevaluation of training models". The Canadian Psychologist. 12 (4): 465–481. doi:10.1037/h0082154.
  11. ↑ Peterson, DR (1997). Educating professional psychologists: History and guiding conception . Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
  12. 1 2 Peterson, D.R. (1997). Educating professional psychologists: History and guiding conceptions. Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association.
  13. ↑ McConnell, SC (1984). "Doctor of psychology degree: From hibernation to reality". Professional Psychology: Research and Practice . 15 (3): 363. doi:10.1037/0735-7028.15.3.362.
  14. ↑ American Psychological Association (1965). "Committee on the scientific and professional aims of psychology: Preliminary report". American Psychologist . 20: 95–100. doi:10.1037/h0021714. PMID   14255568.
  15. ↑ American Psychological Association (1967). "The scientific and professional aims of psychology". American Psychologist . 42 (1): 49–76. doi:10.1037/h0024248. PMID   6034983.
  16. 1 2 Korman, M (1976). Levels and patterns of professional training in psychology. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
  17. ↑ "Applicant Survey - 2015 - Part 3". www.appic.org. Retrieved 9 September 2024.
  18. ↑ Zlotlow, S.F.; Nelson, P.D.; Peterson, R.L. (2011). "The History of Broad and General Education in Scientific Psychology: The Foundation for Professional Psychology Education and Training". Training and Education in Professional Psychology . 5 (1): 1–8. doi:10.1037/a0022529.
  19. ↑ Chartoff, M. B., & Bardon, J. I. (1974). "Doctoral school psychology program graduates in the United States: The first seventeen years". Journal of School Psychology. 12 (2): 102–113. doi:10.1016/0022-4405(74)90003-X.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  20. ↑ Crespi, T. D., & Fischetti, B. A. (2000). "The post-doctoral residency in school psychology: Reflections, training, and professional practice in the schools". The Clinical Supervisor. 19 (2): 147–159. doi:10.1300/J001v19n02_08.{{cite journal}}: CS1 maint: multiple names: authors list (link)
  21. ↑ American Psychological Association (2007). Accredited internship and postdoctoral programs for training in psychology: 2007. American Psychologist, Vol 62(9), December 2007. pp. 1016–1040.
  22. ↑ "Handbook Review". Asppb.org. Archived from the original on 19 January 2016. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  23. ↑ "Psychologist Licensing – Washington State Dept of Health". Doh.wa.gov. 22 September 2011. Archived from the original on 16 October 2011. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  24. ↑ Loftis, Christopher W.; Sands Van Sickle, Kristi. "Supporting Early Career Psychologists: Advocating for Licensure Upon Completion of Doctoral Degree" (PDF). www.apa.org. Florida Psychological Association. Archived (PDF) from the original on 15 July 2021.
  25. ↑ "The postdoc trap". Apa.org. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  26. ↑ "Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology". Wheaton College . Archived from the original on 7 November 2014.
  27. ↑ "Professional Psychology Program – The George Washington University | Professional Psychology Program". Gwu.edu. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  28. ↑ "GSPP | University of Denver". Du.edu. Archived from the original on 25 January 2012. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  29. ↑ "Graduate School of Applied and Professional Psychology". Gsappweb.rutgers.edu. 3 October 2011. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  30. ↑ "Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology | APA Accredited Doctor of Psychology Post Masters Program | California-West Los Angeles | Graduate School of Education and Psychology | Pepperdine University". Gsep.pepperdine.edu. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  31. ↑ "Antioch University Seattle |Graduate Schools in Psychology – Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology". Antiochseattle.edu. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  32. ↑ "PsyD Clinical Psychology – Loma Linda University PsyD Clinical Psychology". Llu.edu. 1 June 2009. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  33. ↑ "American School of Professional Psychology - Argosy University". Archived from the original on 11 August 2011. Retrieved 6 August 2011.
  34. ↑ "The School of Professional Psychology | Forest Institute". forest.edu. Archived from the original on 7 November 2014. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
  35. ↑ "Massachusetts School of Professional Psychology". mspp.edu. Archived from the original on 7 November 2014. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
  36. ↑ "PGSP-Stanford Psy.D Consortium | Palo Alto University". Paloaltou.edu. Retrieved 17 October 2011.
  37. ↑ "The Wright Institute | Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology Program". wi.edu. Retrieved 6 November 2014.
This page is based on this Wikipedia article
Text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 license; additional terms may apply.
Images, videos and audio are available under their respective licenses.