I, wholeheartedly, agree with Mr. Young’s statement that he wishes that the discussion of differences in training would occur primarily among mental health professionals. However, as my grandmother would say, “that ship has sailed” with the publication of the articles in Newsweek, the Washington Times, and on NPR a couple of weeks ago.

It is now critically important for us all, as psychologists from every field, whether it be clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, etc. to ensure that the public knows that psychologists are well trained mental health professionals with several years of training in research and practice.

Unfortunately, the articles that have been published have implied and, in some, outright stated that psychologists are not paying attention to the research on effective practice and are using highly alternative (e.g., dolphin-assisted therapy) methods of therapy as a matter of general practice. This kind of misinformation is not only inaccurate and misleading but, of course, can serve to undermine the public’s confidence in mental health services and willingness to seek those services when needed. In a country where a large proportion of people who need mental health services are already not utilizing them, it is time that practicing psychologists let the public know that we are highly trained professionals providing effective services for a variety of mental health conditions! The public needs to know that they can reach out and we will be there with effective help to provide.

I encourage all of us to share information about the training and effectiveness of psychologists and our psychological interventions with our local communities.

Have a great Holiday everyone!

Warren Phillips

I applaud your efforts to respond to recent criticisms of psychology practice from our colleagues in APS and the medical profession. As a doctoral candidate in an empirically and research-grounded counseling psychology program, I wanted to share a few thoughts I had on this issue.

While I whole-heartedly agree that practicing psychologists have a responsibility to make use of treatments supported by available research, I would remind us that “empirically-supported treatments” in the classic sense is but one way to use research-informed treatment. While Division 12’s lists of the known “empirically-supported treatments” for a given disorder are useful, other tracks have been also proposed to “empirically support” either common factors (cf., Norcross, 2002) or principles to evaluate the strength of research on given treatments for specific local populations (cf., Wampold, Lichtenberg, & Waehler, 2002).

Thus, I would humbly submit that “using the most appropriate evidence-based treatment” is likely a source of contention among many professionals, not because they disagree about the value of research-informed treatment, but rather because they disagree about the manner in which treatments are to be empirically-evaluated. Thus, I feel it necessary to suggest that our colleagues in APS may be taking a position on “empirically-supported treatments”, which only a portion of professional’s share. To some, any therapy with a measurably-strong therapeutic alliance and a bonafide treatment approach is “empirically-supported” whether or not it appears on Division 12’s list.

I would also comment on the sentiment expressed by Dr. Giurleo, that discussion of our differences is needed for growth as a profession. It is my hope that my comments might be seen as part of such a discussion; however, I must confess to a frustration with “discussing” our differences in a public forum targeted at the general population rather than psychologist. I fear that the criticisms expressed recently in the media will harm the very clients the authors purport to protect, by making them doubt the effectiveness of their practicing psychologist and treatment. Thus, I would close by echoing the statements made by Drs. Agazzi and Molitor that most licensed school, counseling, and clinical psychologists are both well-versed in research and well-suited to help clients change! We as a profession would do well to remember that and to make certain our clients do as well.

Scott Young – Iowa State University.

Thanks for your clarifying comment! I focused on the term “clinical psychologist” because that was the term used in the Post and Newsweek articles and wanted to be consistent . But of course, you are correct, a psychologist who is licenced to practice in their state can come from a variety of programs such as school and counseling psychology , as well as clinicial.

Nancy Molitor