Professional doctorates in clinical psychology: Current status and future opportunities

Abstract

The current status of doctoral level professional training in clinical psychology in Australia and overseas is assessed. Developments in clinical psychology training in the United Kingdom have resulted in a compulsory three-year program of training with a heavy emphasis on clinical practicums and course work and a less substantial research thesis. The trend in Australia is towards an increase in professional doctorate courses in clinical psychology; about half of our postgraduate programs offer either DCIinPsych (or equivalent) or combined Clinical Masters / PhD courses in clinical psychology. However, less than one third of universities offer “true” professional doctoral-level courses that emphasise advanced course work and additional practicums; the majority still emphasise the research component. The need for professional doctorates is presented in light of current professional and industrial developments in Australia and overseas, and potential problems and benefits are explored.