A model for training psychologists to provide services for children and adolescents.

Abstract

Center for Mental Health Services Background and rationale for a comprehensive model of training for psychologists to provide services to children and adolescents are outlined. Eleven integrated aspects of training are described with respect to training topics, justification for the training, and ways to implement the training. The model described addresses the need for guidance in training specialists in psychologically based mental health services for children, adolescents, and their families. Practitioners can use this model to assess their own backgrounds, knowledge, and skills in working with these populations. Children, adolescents, and their families represent a large segment of the population whose mental health needs are un- derserved (Markel-Fox & Stiles, 1996; Saxe, Cross, & Sil- verman, 1988). The relative lack of psychologists adequately trained to provide assessment, treatment, and prevention ser- vices to these groups pose s a major obstacle to providing more and better services. Over many years, professionals have in- creasingly recognized the need for an updated, comprehensive, and integrated outline of training components in the area of THE GENESIS OF THIS MODEL