Empirically validated treatments in clinical psychology

For the protection of clients and the long-term survival of their profession, clinical psychologists are being urged to take a leading role in the promotion of empirically validated treatments. Recently, the American Psychological Association's Division of Clinical Psychology (Division 12) established a Task Force on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures to define empirically validated treatment and make recommendations in relation to methods for educating mental health professionals, third party payers and the public about effective psychotherapies. Predictably, the task force report has a somewhat controversial status but continues to be an influential “blueprint” for the improvement of clinical psychology in various countries including Australia.