The Public Psychology Doctoral Training Model: Training clinical psychologists in community mental health competencies and leadership.

Abstract

National reports have illuminated problems within the public mental health system such as fragmented care for serious mental illness, mental health care disparities for underserved populations, a dearth of data-driven evidence-based practices, and inadequacies in policy and advocacy work (President’s New Freedom Commission on Mental Health, 2003; U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, 2001). Chu et al. (2012) established the public psychology competencies that would create the foundation needed for psychology leadership to assist in the transformation of the community mental health system. Yet, systematic doctoral-level training efforts in these competencies appear sparse. This article presents key components of a Public Psychology Doctoral Training Model that trains psychologists in the competencies needed for leadership in community mental health. Key components include the following: (a) a focus on public psychology foundational and functional competencies, (b) collaborative partnerships between academic, community, and county/state/federal entities, and (c) group case–method learning beyond the classroom. The Diversity and Community Mental Health (DCMH) emphasis area is presented as an example, and recommendations are provided for other doctoral programs endeavoring to establish similar programs.