What are the benefits of longer training in psychology? A comment on Helmes and Wilmoth (2002)

Helmes and Wilmoth (2002) assert that the Australian model of educating psychologists is inadequate. They advocate adoption of the North American model. Their advocacy ignores the fact that the effectiveness of advanced professional training in psychology has not been demonstrated, and the fact that psychology practitioners from all parts of the world value supervised work with clients above formal courses as a positive influence on professional development. If we wish to increase the competence and effectiveness of psychologists, it is more appropriate that we restructure our entry-level education so that it emphasises real-world problem solving and hands-on work with clients than that we increase the duration of entry-level education.