Self-assessment in clinical health psychology: A model for ethical expansion of practice.

Abstract

Society expects autonomous professions to ensure the competency of it practitioners, and professions should facilitate the continuing education and training of its members. Given the shift from psychology as a mental health profession to that of a health profession, the authors propose a self-assessment model for the individual practitioner to gauge his or her readiness to provide professional service in expanded areas of practice. This model could also be useful to the American Psychological Association, state psychological associations, and other purveyors of continuing education programs in systematically developing postgraduate experiences. A template for self-assessment that reflects well-accepted core domains of knowledge and skills is presented.

Being fit: The ethics of practice diversification in performance psychology.

“…As the diversification of practice occurs, formal training also assists psychologists in recognizing both what they know and do not know (Belar et al, 2001;Brown, 2001;Glueckauf, Pickett, Ketterson, Loomis, & Rozensky, 2003). For example, even though a consultant might not be hired-or want-to conduct family therapy, the psychologist still needs to understand the particular ways in which family systems operate.…”

“…Build on what you know; broaden and deepen what you have yet to learn in the field to which you are heading. The many paths to effective performance consultation suggest that graduate education alone will rarely suffice (Belar et al, 2001;Glueckauf et al, 2003).…”

“…Proficiency, particularly in developing fields, is also gained through informal means (Belar et al, 2001;Brown, Gould, & Foster, 2005;Glueckauf et al, 2003;Hays & Brown, 2004). One often learns through relevant reading, observation, or direct experience in the domain.…”

“…This may occur through conferences, courses, or workshops; via colleagues; or through self-directed reading and training. Some of the literature will even provide you with a checklist or questions you can use to help shape accurate self-reflection (e.g., Belar et al, 2001;Brown, 2001;Glueckauf et al, 2003;Moore, 2003;Pope & Vasquez, 1998Younggren & Gottlieb, 2004).…”

“…Standards 2.01(a), (c), and (e) are especially pertinent. Standard 2.01(a) says, "Psychologists provide services, teach, and conduct research with populations and in areas only within the boundaries of their competence, based on their education, training, supervised experience, consultation, study, or professional experience" (APA, 2002(APA, , p. 1063 Belar et al (2001) provided a template in relation to readiness for delivery of services to patients with medical-surgical problems, followed by a specific, detailed application of readiness for delivery of services to women with breast cancer. Glueckauf et al (2003) offered a self-study framework in relation to the delivery of telehealth services, while Hays and Brown (2004) made recommendations specific to performance consultants.…”