Scientist-Practitioner Model of Clinical Psychology

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The Scientist-Practitioner model of Clinical Psychology traces its roots to the Boulder Conference on Graduate Education in Clinical Psychology (1949) held in Boulder, Colorado, USA. The conference developed a model of training and education leading to professional practice in which Clinical Psychologists adhere to scientific methods, procedures, and research in their day-to-day practice. Some (e.g., Francine Shapiro) have reframed the model as Clinical Psychologists as applied scientists.^{[citation needed]} The goal of the training, educational model, and eventual practice is for Clinicians to be use scientific methodology in their practice-decision; to work with clients using scientifically valid methods, tools, and techniques; to inform their clients of scientifically-based findings and approaches to their problems; and to conduct practice-based research.

Core tenets of the Scientist-Practitioner model include:

delivering psychological assessment (Psychological testing)and psychological intervention procedures in accordance with scientifically-based protocols;
accessing and integrating scientific findings to inform healthcare decisions;
framing and testing hypotheses that inform healthcare decisions;
building and maintaining effective teamwork with other healthcare professionals that supports the delivery of scientist-practitioner contributions;
research-based training and support to other health professions in the delivery of psychological care;
contributing to practice-based research and development to improve the quality and effectiveness of psychological aspects of health care.

from: http://www.uvm.edu/~psych/programs/graduate/clinical/scientist-practitioner.pdf

Some have questioned if is possible, in today's climate, to continue to expect practicing Clinical Psychologists to be able to adhere to the ideals and tenets of the Scientist-Practitioner model. Many clinicians find it difficult to complete their practical duties let alone conduct research (which often goes unfunded) or to remain up-to-date with cutting edge science.

Those Clinical Psychologists who do adhere to a scientist-practitioner model of practice are likely to utilize techniques that have been scientifically validated through extensive research. It is widely accepted, for example, that cognitive-behavioral therapy has the greatest efficacy in treating a host of mental illnesses.

[edit] Further reading

Hayes, Steven C., Barlow, David H., & Nelson-Gray, Rosemery O. The Scientist Practitioner Research and Accountability in the Age of Managed Care (Second Edition). Boston: Allyn & Bacon, 1999. 438pp.

Soldz, Stephen, & McCullough, L. (Eds). Reconciling Empirical Knowledge and Clinical Experience: The Art and Science of Psychotherapy Washington, DC: American Psychological Association, 1999. 286pp.