Responsibility
If one is to be responsible and find respect as a psychologist in the United States, then several responsibilities must be fulfilled.
Reports
First, there is paperwork. This is a particularly important responsibility in a clinical setting. However, responsibility also must be assumed in virtually all areas of professional psychology. Reports must be prepared whether conducting an assessment, providing psychotherapy, engaging in organizational consultation, or serving as a school psychologist. Notes are usually taken, and a formal written description of the outcomes (and often the original diagnosis and ongoing processes) must be prepared.
The report is prepared even if it remains confidential (as is the case with most psychotherapy reports). For those doing psychotherapy and school counselling, the report is prepared as a record for the therapist/counsellor’s use in preparing for future work with a client/patient. It is also prepared as a source of legal protection for the therapist/counsellor if a suit is brought against the practitioner (all too common today). A report on the diagnostic assessment of the client/patient’s status is particularly important for mental health service providers to prepare if they are requesting third-party payment for their work with a client/patient. This report is delivered to the third party.
In the case of assessments and organizational consultations, the report (or at least a portion of it) is given to the client/patient. This report is an integral part of the service being rendered. Borrowing from the work of Chris Argyris and Don Schon (two psychologists engaged in organizational development), the psychological engagement should be guided by a commitment to “action science” (Argyris, 1985). Information collected and observations made by the psychologist are shared with the client/patient. The new information and observations will challenge assumptions made by the client/patient and “unfreeze” views of their current behavior. The client/patient is encouraged to reflect on the information and observations. This sets the stage for new learning and new behavior.
Lifelong Learning
Reflection on current assumptions and engaging in new learning is relevant not just for a client/patient, but also for the psychologist. A “Doctor” is expected to be open to lifelong learning, keep up with advances in their field, and engage in ongoing monitoring of their own performance. This typically means that psychologists in the United States must accumulate a certain number of continuing education hours each year if they are to retain their license. In most states, at least 36 hours of continuing education per year are mandated. Usually, at least 24 of these hours must be allotted to clinically related issues, while 3 of the hours must concern the ethics of clinical practice.
