Make no mistake, these are the same psychology training programs that are part of the first problem pertaining to overproducing psychologists. For example, in current ads seen in Chicago newspapers and in APA's own trade paper, the Monitor, some programs offer all levels of degrees in psychology, with the implication being that all levels of degrees are marketable and result in employment as psychologists. One wonders whether the doctoral level students enrolled in the Psy. Recent discussions with doctoral students from these programs suggest that truth in advertising is nowhere to be found. But it is not enough to think about communicating to graduate students more accurately regarding what is truly available in the way of internship and career opportunities.
Clinical psychologists are doctoral level practitioners, licensed by the state.
Counselors may have bachelor's or master's degrees in psychology, but are not clinical psychologists. Counselors are also licensed by the state. Let us not confuse these types of practitioners. Counselors should not be trained within psychology training programs. The quality of training needs to be increased, such that graduates can remain competitive with other well-trained disciplines and, based on scientific and fiscal accountability, integral in modern healthcare delivery systems.