Competencies for psychology practice in primary care.

Area of Science:

• Psychology
• Primary Care Medicine

Background:

• Primary care psychology is an evolving field.
• Competency delineation is crucial for professional development.

Purpose of the Study:

• To define core competencies for primary care psychology.
• To inform education, practice, and research in this area.

Main Methods:

• A presidential initiative by the American Psychological Association (APA) in 2012.
• Delineation of competencies across six domains: science, systems, professionalism, relationships, application, and education.
• Description of essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes for each competency.

Main Results:

• Six broad domains of primary care psychology competencies were identified.
• Essential knowledge, skills, and attitudes were detailed for each competency.
• Behavioral examples and clinical vignettes illustrate competencies in action.

Conclusions:

• The defined competencies provide a framework for primary care psychology.
• This framework supports the advancement of education, practice, and research.
• It also aids in developing team-based competencies within primary care settings.