The Context of Professional Psychology

Abstract

From the time we start as undergraduate majors in psychology, we are taught the theories, methods, and findings that are the substance of the science of psychology. As graduate students, we learn of the professional aspects of this substance and become proficient in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental disorder if clinical is our specialty. The pattern is similar for the other recognized specialties—counseling, industrial-organizational, and school psychology. Thus, as professional psychologists,¹ we are typically very well trained in how to best provide primary psychological services to our clients.