Related Experiment Video
Updated: Aug 9, 2026

A Naturalistic Setup for Presenting Real People and Live Actions in Experimental Psychology and Cognitive Neuroscience Studies
Published on: August 4, 2023
A naturalistic comparison of the effectiveness of trainee and qualified clinical psychologists
Jessica V Buckley1, David W Newman, Stephen Kellett
1Psychological Services, St Luke's Hospital, Huddersfield, UK. jessica.buckley@swyt.nhs.uk
Objective:
To compare the effect of clinician type on the outcome for adult mental health clients treated by trainee and qualified clinical psychologists.
Design:
Naturalistic, non-random between-participants group design: a group of 60 adult mental health out-patients treated by trainees and a matched group of 60 patients treated by qualified clinical psychologists.
Method:
Participants completed a range of established measures at assessment and outcome of their treatment during routine clinical practice.
Results:
Significant improvements in mental health were made for both groups from assessment to outcome; however, no significant effect of clinician type was evident.
Conclusions:
A variety of factors (e.g. quantity of supervision) contributing to trainee effectiveness are identified and discussed.
Related Concept Videos
Treatment Strategies for Psychological Disorders
Psychological therapies focus on modifying emotions, thoughts, and behaviors through talking, interpreting, listening, rewarding, challenging, and modeling. Clinical psychologists, counselors, and social workers commonly practice psychotherapy. Clinical...
Elements Crucial for Effective Psychotherapy
The Therapeutic Alliance
The therapeutic alliance refers to the relationship between the therapist and the client. The alliance strengthens when the therapist and the client engage in a nurturing, supportive, trusting, empathetic, and respectful relationship, improving therapeutic outcomes. Therapists must monitor this relationship...
Naturalistic Observations