Exploring unique roles for psychologists.

Area of Science:

• Clinical Psychology
• Behavioral Science

Background:

• Commentary on D. H. Barlow's "Psychological Treatments".
• Highlights unique roles for psychologists in mental health service delivery.
• Emphasizes psychologists' qualifications in designing and delivering psychological treatments.

Discussion:

• Draws on clinical practice with severe mental illness and behaviorally disordered youth.
• Illustrates potential unique roles for psychologists in specialized populations.
• Argues psychologists are uniquely trained in research design, behavior analysis, learning theory, and behavior change.

Key Insights:

• Psychologists are uniquely suited to design individualized functional behavioral analysis protocols.
• Training in research design and behavior analysis underpins this unique qualification.
• Psychologists possess specialized skills for creating, implementing, and evaluating therapy techniques.

Outlook:

• Reinforces Barlow's suggestions on specialized therapy techniques.
• Suggests expanded roles for psychologists in advanced mental healthcare.
• Advocates for leveraging psychological expertise in novel treatment development.