I had to administer the Personality Assessment Inventory (PAI) today and was reminded of how poorly worded some of the questions are. There are so many questions that are phrased as “I never do x”, but then are supposed to be rated on a four-point scale. It just doesn’t make sense.

If an item says “I never eat chocolate” (not a real item), the only possible answers are “false” if I ever eat any chocolate at all, or “true” if I literally never eat any amount of chocolate. It makes no logical sense to say that it is “mostly true” that I never eat chocolate. It’s a binary question with non-binary answer choices.

And then if a client answers the questions in a literally accurate way, it risks invalidating the test due to inconsistent patterns of responding.

There are also items worded in a really confusing, negative way, like “It would be unlike me to never eat chocolate.” It’s like doing a logical reasoning puzzle just to figure out what the question means.

Am I being unreasonable/overly literal, or is this a real problem?

I’ve spent much of my career (PhD from 1997) trying to figure out precisely where to draw the line in my professional activities to avoid crossing into neuropsychological practice. I did a pretty strong neuropsych track during my FT APA internship, then co-authored work (as the data analyst to be clear) that is cited in Lezak and other major text books. I taught the intro psych testing class for 10 years at a major R1 including cognitive and a few standard neuropsych measures as well as major literature on what the tests can and cannot do. Routinely I get asked in my work to do things that seem on the border of neuropsych.

A. Is an adhd evaluation neuropsychology? Does it become neuropsychology if I use a neuropsych test?
B. Is the diagnosis of dementia neuropsych? (I’ve got significant on the job experience here and an influential publication)
C. A client who underwent a series of ECT procedures is worried about her memory. If I test her memory is it a neuropsych case?

I’d appreciate help from those of you with Houston conference training. I never know where the line is.

Hi there,

I am an adjunct professor and have been roped into teaching a psychological disorders course this year--but I don't have any good media examples or articles that I know of (as usually I only teach forensic classes.) So, starting from scratch here, could you please share documentaries, example videos, articles, etc, that would be good to give students?

Thank you in advance!

Alberta CAP provisionals: Has anyone had their 5-year provisional registration expire and continued working as a CCC while reapplying?

I am a Registered Provisional Psychologist with CAP and also independently hold an active Canadian Certified Counsellor (CCC) designation, and I have since day one. I received my CCC designation before my academic credentials were approved by CAP. In 2021 I asked them about a possible conflict of interest and they said that as long as I'm clear with clients about when I'm working as a Psychologist and when I'm working as a Counsellor. I still have this email.

My five-year provisional period is expiring before I have completed the EPPP requirement. That's a story all on it's own for another day. I am eligible to reapply to CAP's provisional register but there will be a gap between the expiry of my current practice permit and approval of the new one.

I'm trying to determine what happens to my ability to earn a living during that gap.

I understand that without an active CAP practice permit I cannot practise or represent myself as a psychologist/Registered Provisional Psychologist, use the protected title of psychologist, or perform specialized, "restricted activities".

Has anyone in this situation continued providing ordinary, non-restricted counselling in Alberta solely as a CCC, while waiting for CAP provisional re-registration?

If you've been through this:

• Did CAP tell you that you had to stop seeing clients completely?

• Did CAP permit you to continue counselling solely as a CCC?

• Did you obtain legal advice regarding the Health Professions Act and "Mandatory Registration"?

• Did you have to change your website, consent forms, billing, title, documentation, etc. during the gap?

• How long did the reapplication/registration gap actually last?

• Did continuing to practise as a CCC have any effect on your CAP reapplication?

I'm aware that ordinary counselling is currently practised by CCCs in Alberta and that is exactly what I did when I graduated with my master's degree while I was waiting to be registered as a provisional

Thank you — even a DM would be helpful if you'd rather not discuss your registration history publicly.

My local VA recently rolled out the ambient AI scribe. At first it was only available to PCPs, but they’re now issuing software licenses to other specialties, including psychologists.

I’m curious if any VA psychologists (or other Feds, if a similar program exists at other agencies) can weigh in. I know there are some ethical considerations to mull over (e.g., obtaining and documenting informed consent), but I’m wondering if anyone has had actual experience with it. I’d also be open to hearing from private sector folks using similar programs.

I’ve been running into the same type of experience when working with Gen Z clients. Many of them, of course, are chronically online and disillusioned with society. I understand and share many of their views. However, several of them do not work or go to school. Their parents support them financially and with housing, though they often have poor relationships with their parents. Many of them say they don’t want to participate in capitalism. I understand this too, however, they are happy to let their parents participate on their behalf. Many of them exist this way because they don’t care about living that much at all and usually have at least chronic, passive SI.

I truly understand why they feel hopeless given the impact of the pandemic on their development and because of the state of the world right now. I’m just not sure what my role is as a therapist. I’m sure they get enough validation from each other and from the internet AND I’m sure they get enough push back from their parents and other adults. I too feel the existential dread of existing in such a world while my job is to help others to keep on going.

So what is the approach? Because I feel like them just staying at home, smoking weed, and hanging out with friends is going to put them in a pattern that will be very hard to break out of. It’s hard to watch. My urge is to tell them to at least go to community college, volunteer, or get a service industry job but I’m often met with a shrug.

Let me know what you think or what you’ve found to be helpful.

I have a PhD in experimental/developmental psychology. Graduated last year. Top school. I really wanted to be a professor, but my husband (whom I met in school) and I decided that we really need to move back to Massachusetts where our families are from. I 100% agree with this decision, I miss my family, and I think the odds of finding a professor job are quite slim anyways. I was idealistic when I started, amazing advisor, etc., but the market is terrible. I also have realized that I love working with children, and that I really don't want to just have a desk or office job. I am also very interested in working on ADHD, Autism, and other neuropsych assessments. But again you need a license.

Rather than investing in another career like finance or law (which I have considered), I would like to explore all possible options to become a licensed psychologist in Rhode Island, Massachusetts, New Hampshire, or Connecticut. Maybe even New York or New Jersey since it's not toooo far a drive from family. I don't care if this takes many years, especially if I can earn some money, even just $15/hr, for clinical practicum or whatever. What I do not have the money for is a PsyD. Widener University has a 'respecialization program', but honestly I am not even sure it would be recognized by every state, and it's far too expensive.

I have contacted the licensing boards in those states, but honestly what I would love is to connect with anyone who has somehow succeeded in getting licensed after completing a nonclincial PhD. If this is not possible, then that's fine, but I need to make sure of that before I start making other plans. Also, yes, I know there are many jobs out there in industry that potentially could be a good fit for me, but realistically none of them require a PhD and the market is flooded. I feel like this is the best possible path for my future, and I need to at least find out if its possible before I move on mentally.

Does anyone have any advice for me or experiences to share? Or anyone you could connect me with? Thanks so much!

Hi,

i’ve been a psychologist for over 20 years, mainly administratively working at hospitals. I recently started a small group practice with some part-time W-2 employees. Between the three of us, I think we will max out at about 30 clients a week. things picked up pretty well since I launched, but I don’t have a good handle on costs, expenses, profits. I’ve been mainly looking at my business bank account to get a good sense of money coming in and going out. But I realize this does not count for the 30% in taxes I’d pay at the end of the year.

I’m using therapy notes and I don’t think it has any good functions for this

Can anyone recommend some low cost options, I guess this is something like financial software, but I feel like I’m operating on a small scale. But still need to have a more precise way to be handling this.

thank you!

What are things you wish you knew or were happy you did when you started your private practice? Any book recommendations or things to consider? Private pay, sliding scale and Telehealth is the current starting idea. I do not have anything set in stone so it’s all planning stages and dreams at this point. Thanks in advance.

Anyone have first hand knowledge about the process? Is it legal or advisable? I have a US citizen college student going to school in Scotland. They need ongoing telehealth therapy either from me or someone local with the college. I have researched as much as I can. I will plan to call the COSCA and Professional Standards Authority tomorrow to see if it is legal for me to continue working with them. I will also call the TRUST to see if my liability insurance covers me for telehealth while working with someone in the UK. (Self pay client, stable, no SI)

Hi all,

I’m in the process of obtaining licensure to practice Psychology in the state of Pennsylvania. After filling out the application, involving letters of readiness, proof of relevant work history, and schooling, I received a letter today that says my application was denied on the following basis:

Your supervisory forms call into question your ability to assume independent practice with the requisite skill and safety to patients under your care. Particularly, there are documented struggles with professional conduct and respecting hierarchical roles in a large agency. Additionally, there are documented inconsistencies in professional reliability, responsiveness, and follow-through with workplace responsibilities. Therefore, the Board voted to provisionally deny your application because you have not demonstrated that you meet the qualifications or standards for a license in the Practice Act and Board regulations.

When I received this letter I felt blindsided, here is relevant history:

I graduated with my PhD in counseling psychology, and was hired at one of my training sites, which is a State Psychiatric Center in NYC. I had worked starting in 2022. During my time there, all of my progress reports were excellent. I was in charge of running specific programs and was an active member of my team. I followed all the policies and procedures while working there. It was a violent place, and I had continued through being assaulted.

In Dec 2024, I had a series of unfortunate life events that led to me being voluntary psychiatrically hospitalized, and I needed to take FMLA.

I’ll save what happened in between, but it has been a long year and I’m stable and sober. I stayed on FMLA and eventually left after understanding the stress and its impact on my mental health, and physical health. It was a very difficult and sad decision.

I’m very confused, ashamed, and scared upon receiving this letter. It feels like I was performing really well at work, I took the time that was legally allowed for me, and realized I couldn’t come back.

In order to appeal, I have to go to court and appear in person and testify.

Any advice or where to start is greatly appreciated. I received the letter today, so I apologize if I left some things out, I’m a bit frazzled.

I’m familiar with how testing, evals, and accommodations work within the public school system. I’m doing some research and am looking to connect with anyone who has knowledge of/experience with testing models within independent high schools. Thank you!

I have been studying quizlet and the provided MA psychology jurisprudence book, but still feel unclear on what exactly the 20 questions will focus on most. It feels like information overload. I am not sure if I am significantly over studying (I've been studying for 3 weeks now), or if I need to have everything memorized this well. I am coming from out of state, so I do not have any mentors or colleagues who have taken it to talk to. Any guidance on your experiences would be great (study approaches, level of depth needed on the exam, style of multiple choice questions). Thanks in advance!

I know there are some companies that hire psychologists as experts for the purpose of record reviews for IME's. I know 3Hab and MRG are two of those companies. Are there any other companies that psychologists here have had success in working with that hire psychologists for IME Record Reviews?

Hi everyone! I’m hoping to get some advice from anyone who has gone through the CPBAO registration process, particularly the supervised practice year.

I applied with the CPBAO to be considered competent in both Clinical Psychology and School Psychology. I completed a Master's in Clinical Science & Psychopathology at Western, but all of my research and practicum experiences were child/school based. They determined that I am only competent in Clinical Psychology (assessment/intervention with children, adolescents and adults), not School Psychology.

The tricky part is that I have been working in a school board for the past 4 years as a psychoeducational consultant/psychometrist, primarily conducting psychoeducational assessments and related consultation.

So, although CPBAO is not recognizing School Psychology as one of my areas of competence for registration, school-based psychological assessment is essentially my current career and the work I want to continue doing.

My current supervisor at the board is not registered/competent in Clinical Psychology, only School Psychology, so I'm trying to figure out how to approach the authorized supervised practice requirement.

From what I understand, I need to complete 1,500 hours of supervised practice over at least 12 months, but I'm unclear about how those hours can be structured when your current employment is in a different practice area from the competency CPBAO has approved.

My questions:

1. Do you think I should request a re-evaluation of my competencies? Does anyone have a similar experience?
2. Could my current supervisor (School Psychology competent) still be my primary supervisor if I was able to find an alternate supervisor with Clinical Psychology competency?
3. Could I complete the year of supervised practice while working for the school board full-time (primary supervisor) and getting involved with a Clinical Psychologist on a part-time basis (secondary supervisor)? Are there a certain number of hours I need specifically under 'Clinical Psychology' activities (e.g., intervention, therapy)?

I have also contacted CPBAO, but I'd really appreciate hearing from people who have actually gone through the process. Thanks!

Hey everyone!

Landing a paid AP role is tough, and I want to see what it's like if possible. I've worked in a few mental health services for the past 3 years, in support worker roles and I want to work up slowly to more experience for the DClinPsych.

Is it appropriate to contact psychologists near me to ask if I could volunteer with them as an assistant psychologist? If so, would Linkedin or their practice email be best?

Many thanks!

I recently applied for a license in NY. There were no issues with my education, as that was equivalent to a PSY.D. Unfortunately Im coming up short on the 3500h/2y supervised training requirement. (Standard where I’m from is about 1.5y). How do I go about obtaining supervised training in NY? Is it even possible without being affiliated with an (US)university? TIA

hello, hoping people can help me out

i’m a fairly new group practice owner. I’m in the process of adding a new employee in the gusto payroll system.

I’m presented with an option called compensation type, and there’s an option to choose commission not eligible for overtime, and commission eligible for overtime.

if I choose commission only no overtime, I get a big warning that says federal laws say that employees in this category should be paid at least $684 a week per year

if I choose commission only and eligible for overtime than a big warning, pops up, saying that this person must earn at least the minimum wage

Of course, in the group practice, we are working on a feast split basis, and this employee is working only to see 10 clients per week. There’s no way that she would earn $684 per week. Or the minimum wage.

Any ideas? What’s my best course of action here? I feel like gusto is not capturing the practicalities of working for a group practice that has a feast split model. Plus we a startup and very few patients and referrals coming in at this time.

Not sure what to select here if you have any ideas, please let me know!

thanks

Hi! I'm a licensed psychologist and specialist in psychoanalytical clinic in Brazil.

I'm interested to know the acceptance of North Americans/European people on doing online therapy with foreign psychologists (in english, obviously).

I see that the prices for these services in North America (NA) and Europe are quite high and not everyone can afford it.

For exemple, U$40- U$60 a session is not much for an NA Person, but it might be A LOT in other countries.

Not only that, I see that the main type of therapy that is offered in NA is CBT and I think some people are quite disappointed with CBT's techniques and are wanting to try some other types of therapy like psychoanalytic.

I've recently started a channel in english about psychological themes in a accessible way to try to help some people and promote my one-on-one sessions. I'm asking you all this to know if I keep investing my time and energy into the channel or I just focus on my practice here in Brazil.

I would love to know the comunity's thoughts on this... if it is possible, if it's not and why.

Much appreciated!

BTW, I don't think I'm promoting my sessions or myself with this post, since this is a community of therapists and not clients.

I am aware that feeling lost, less competent, and imposter syndrome can run rampant in this field, with early career in particular. This is something I am struggling with a lot lately, being approximately 5 months post registration.

Aside from regular supervision what have you found to be helpful to break the cycle of imposter syndrome? I love this field and work but I am struggling to find my place and area of practice that I want to head in.

The request is for qualified psychologists.

Thanks a lot ❤️