Clinical PhD graduate student views of their scientist-practitioner training

The goal of the scientist-practitioner (S-P) training model is to produce clinical psychologists equipped to integrate and utilize both science and practice in the clinical and research domains. However, much has been written regarding the possible shortcomings of S-P training and whether clinical psychology graduate students are actually gaining the knowledge and skills to integrate science and practice during graduate training and beyond (Chang, Lee, & Hargreaves, 2008; Gelso, 2006; Merlo, Collins, & Bernstein, 2008; Phillips, 1993).

As such, the present study assessed ratings of satisfaction, perception of ability, and use of the S-P training model within 653 clinical psychology graduate students enrolled in programs that are members of the Council of University Directors of Clinical Psychology.

Findings suggest that students are consistently trained in the integration of science and practice and have confidence in their abilities to apply the S-P integration to research and clinical work. However, despite understanding the ways in which science can influence practice, over one third of students reported that they rarely use science-based decisions when informing clients of the clinical services they will be providing.

The implications of these results support the need for a more detailed evaluation of clinical psychology graduate students as well as the use of research-informed practice and the process of providing clients with information they need to make informed choices about treatment.