Scientific Competence and Health Service Psychology Master's Training: An Outline for an Applied Methodology Course

As the American Psychological Association approaches the accreditation of master's programs in health service psychology (HSP), an examination and reconsideration of training needs and goals is necessary. Considering the scientific standards that distinguish HSP from other master's-level mental health fields, it is imperative that training programs produce similarly scientifically minded master's-level practitioners. Furthermore, as clinical training moves toward a competency-based model, we put forward that scientific competence becomes imperative to ethical and effective master's-level practice. However, few resources are available to structure programs and curricula to achieve the needed competencies. Therefore, we outline an applied methodology course designed to achieve scientific competence at the master's level. Public Significance Statement With nearly 300 disorders, hundreds of possible interventions, and thousands of clinical trials, master's-level trainees in health service psychology must demonstrate scientific competence in order to provide ethical and effective clinical care. This article outlines a methodology course designed to inform clinical practice that can be implemented by health service psychology master's programs.