Scientist-Practitioner Model of Training

The integration of professional practice with scientific thinking and research has been a defining characteristic of professional psychology since its inception, although it was first formally articulated as part of the doctoral training model at the Boulder conference in 1949. The scientist-practitioner model has been central to counseling psychology identity and training since its endorsement at the Greyston conference in 1964 and reaffirmation at the Georgia conference in 1987. In 1990, The National Conference on Scientist-Practitioner Education and Training for the Professional Practice of Psychology reaffirmed the scientist-practitioner model as a true integration of science and practice in which each activity continually informs the other. In spite of the professional consensus that psychologists should approach their practice scientifically and base their practice activities on scientific evidence, there is an equally strong consensus that counseling psychology (and other areas of professional psychology) have fallen short of realizing the scientist-practitioner model.

Now, more than ever, a true integration of science and practice is needed. Changes in the healthcare system, increasingly demanding managed care entities, and competition with other mental health professions have created greater demand for proof that psychologists' activities and interventions are effective. Traditional fee-for-service psychological activities are being replaced by activities such as program development and administration, training and supervision of other mental health professionals, evaluating the effectiveness of behavioral healthcare and educational programs, and influencing public policy.