Accelerating the rate of progress in reducing mental health burdens: Recommendations for training the next generation of clinical psychologists

Abstract

Despite criticisms dating back to the 1950s, and minimal progress reducing mental health burdens, the dominant training model in clinical psychology has not changed. We argue that for clinical psychologists to reduce mental health burdens, they (collectively) need to devote a much larger proportion of their professional efforts to a broader range of activities, particularly prevention. We propose a highly flexible two-phase model for clinical psychology training. The initial Foundational Knowledge and Competency Phase focuses on foundational concepts in the science of clinical psychology and direct client care. During the Focused Competency Phase, students may continue training for traditional roles in providing direct client care or, alternatively, develop other roles for using psychological science to address mental health conditions.