Working Group to Recommend an Appropriate Master’s Title and Scope in Health Service Psychology

APA has discussed the role of master’s training in psychology through numerous initiatives dating as far back as 70 years with no consensus. However, in August 2017 the APA Council of Representative voted that:

“Current issues and developments have risen to the level that APA should consider options related to master’s level training and/or practice and that staff and governance should identify and explore options for APA to consider.”

In March 2018, the Council was provided this information and voted to approve pursuing accreditation of master’s level programs in areas where APA already accredits (clinical, counseling, school). Council directed staff and governance, in particular the Board of Educational Affairs (BEA), to take steps to develop an accreditation system. A task force was formed to develop competencies for those who attain master’s degrees in health service psychology (HSP). This work was overseen and guided by both the BEA and the Board of Professional Affairs (BPA).

The working group is tasked by the BPA to develop recommendations on the appropriate title and scope of practice for those who attain a terminal master’s degree in HSP. Recommendations initiated by this group will not constitute APA policy and will be subject to formal review in accordance with association rules.

In this regard, the working group will be asked to:

• Develop specific recommendations or options for an appropriate title, as distinguished from doctoral level practice and not to include “psychologist.” Recommendations should include an appropriate professional title for master’s level, psychology-trained practitioners that is (a) clearly distinct from that of a doctoral psychologist, but (b) accurately conveys the profession’s base within psychology as a discipline.

• Develop recommendations for an appropriate scope of practice for master’s level practitioners, which will be distinguished from doctoral psychologists who practice and supervise with a scope of greatest breadth and depth.

To accomplish this charge, the working group is reviewing APA efforts to date and summary documents of discussions relevant to master’s level issues, including recommended competencies of individuals completing accredited master’s programs in these specific areas. The working group is also reviewing how other doctoral and master’s level professions determine how master’s level, psychology-trained practitioners will continue to fit into health care roles.

In accomplishing this charge, the working group might also identify activities that are performed by a doctoral level psychologist distinct from those activities that may be performed with or without supervision if the master’s level person has the requisite knowledge and experience. The working group may suggest possible next steps, including stakeholder engagement and messaging. This work will also serve to inform policies relevant to accreditation of master’s programs in health service areas (clinical, counseling, school) of psychology, and other activities relevant to master’s level issues.

Work is planned to begin January 2022 and not to exceed 1.5 years. Work will be conducted via virtual meetings in Zoom and email.

Note: This working group will not be engaged in establishing new policy, rather its recommendations will be forwarded to the BPA and may serve to inform activities and initiatives relevant to doctoral and master’s level programs and practice.

• Chair: Margaret (Peggy) Brady-Amoon, PhD
• Kristen Abraham, PhD
• Gayle L. Chesley, PhD
• Lynett Henderson Metzger, JD, PsyD
• Gordon I. Herz, PhD
• Alice Ann Holland, PhD, ABPP
• Susan Hurt, JD, PhD
• Peter M. Oppenheimer, PhD
• Don Rogers, MA
• Seyma N. Saritoprak, PhD
• Ara J. Schmitt, PhD
• Jeffrey C. Toepler, MA
• LaTonya Wood, PhD

• Timothy A. Cavell, PhD (Board of Educational Affairs)

• Robin R. McLeod, PhD, LP (Board of Professional Affairs)

• Kendra J. Westerhaus, PhD (Board of Professional Affairs)

• Donica Harper, MA, LCPC (American Psychological Association of Graduate Students)

• Scott Sperling, PsyD (Committee on Early Career Psychologists)

• Radhika Krishnamurthy, PsyD, ABAP (Committee on Psychological Tests and Assessment)

• Daniel A. Sachau, PhD (Exploratory Committee on Applied Psychology)

• Royleen J. Ross, PhD (Ad Hoc Committee on Health Equity)

• Lisa R. Grossman, JD, PhD, ABPP (APA Division 31, State, Provincial and Territorial Psychological Association Affairs)

• Bhupin Butaney, PhD (APA Division 42, Community for Psychologists in Independent Practice)

• David R. Cox, PhD, ABPP (American Board of Professional Psychology)

• Alex M. Siegel, JD, PhD (The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards)

• Michael Martin, PhD (Association of VA Psychologist Leaders)

• Lynn F. Bufka, PhD, ABPP
• Deborah C. Baker, JD
• Alan Nessman, JD
• Sarah A. Rose

For all questions or to contact the Working Group or associated staff, please email the Office of Practice Transformation and Qualityopens in new window.