Reconsidering the Integration of Science and Practice in Training in Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology as a field has fallen short of its potential to ameliorate the tremendous, ever-growing burden associated with mental disorders. This article provides an overview of how current approaches to training in clinical psychology contribute to this shortfall. First, an overview of the development of training in clinical psychology and the scientist-practitioner model in the United States and Canada is provided, followed by a discussion of the limitations of this model, which remains the predominant approach to doctoral training in clinical psychology in Canada. An alternative approach to clinical training is proposed in which clinical psychologists take the lead in developing evidence-based curricula for applied training that is implemented at the master's level. Under this approach, doctoral training would be reserved for trainees interested in research and other relevant aspects of clinical science. This approach to training could produce a large number of evidence-based clinicians quickly and efficiently and would potentially create more jobs for those with PhDs in clinical psychology, among other important benefits.