PhD training in clinical psychology: Fix it before it breaks

During the past 60 years clinical psychology training programs have made remarkable changes as psychologists' professional roles and scientific contributions have emerged. Yet, there are a number of issues that have implications regarding the quality of research training in PhD programs. Current PhD programs are encouraged to offer a joint PsyD/PhD training program when their goal is to train researchers and clinicians who would be eligible for licensure. It is recommended that the PhD serve only as a research degree. A joint PsyD/PhD addresses many of the identified problems and issues. It conserves resources for research training and explicitly identifies, recognizes, and rewards the training that is required. It may best serve to advance the knowledge base of clinical psychology.