Learning Objectives:
This course is designed to introduce and practice the following Profession Wide Competencies (PWCs) in
Health Services Psychology as outlined by the American Psychological Association.
1) PWC ii (Ethical & Legal Standards):
● Be knowledgeable of and act in accordance with each of the following:
● the current version of the APA Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct;
● Relevant laws, regulations, rules, and policies governing health service psychology at the
organizational, local, state, regional, and federal levels; and
● Relevant professional standards and guidelines.
● Recognize ethical dilemmas as they arise, and apply ethical decision-making processes in order to
resolve the dilemmas.
● Conduct self in an ethical manner in all professional activities.
2) PWC iii (Individual & Cultural Diversity):
● Demonstrate an understanding of how their own personal/cultural history, attitudes, and biases
may affect how they understand and interact with people different from themselves;
● Demonstrate knowledge of the current theoretical and empirical knowledge base as it relates to
addressing diversity in all professional activities including research, training,
supervision/consultation, and service; and
● Demonstrate the ability to integrate awareness and knowledge of individual and cultural
differences, including intersectionality, in articulating an approach to working effectively with
diverse individuals and groups.
● Demonstrate the ability to work effectively with individuals whose group membership,
demographic characteristics, or worldviews differ with their own.
3) PWC iv (Professional, Values, Attitudes, & Behavior):
● Behave in ways that reflect the values and attitudes of psychology, including integrity, deportment,
the integration of science and practice, professional identity, accountability, and concern for the
welfare of others.
● Engage in self-reflection regarding one’s personal and professional functioning; engage in
activities to maintain and improve performance, well-being, and professional effectiveness.
● Actively seek and demonstrate openness and responsiveness to feedback and supervision.
4) PWC v (Communication & Interpersonal Skills):
● Develop and maintain effective relationships with a wide range of individuals, including
colleagues, communities, organizations, supervisors, supervisees, and those receiving professional
services.
● Produce and comprehend oral, nonverbal, and written communications that are informative and
well-integrated; demonstrate a thorough grasp of professional language and concepts.
● Manage difficult communication well.
5) PWC vi (Assessment):
● Demonstrate current knowledge and application of knowledge of diagnostic classification systems,
functional and dysfunctional behaviors, including consideration of client strengths and
psychopathology.
● Select and apply assessment methods that draw from the best available empirical literature and
that reflect the science of measurement and psychometrics; collect relevant data using multiple
sources and methods appropriate to the identified goals and questions of the assessment as well as
relevant diversity considerations and contextual influences (e.g., family, social, societal, and
cultural) of the service recipient.
● Interpret assessment results, following current research and professional standards and guidelines,
to inform case conceptualization, classification, and recommendations, while guarding against
decision-making biases, distinguishing the aspects of assessment that are subjective from those
that are objective.
● Communicate orally and in written documents the findings and implications of the assessment in
an accurate and effective manner sensitive to a range of audiences.
6) PWC vii (Intervention):
● Establish and maintain effective relationships with the recipients of psychological services.
● Develop and implement evidence-based intervention plans specific to the service delivery goals
informed by the current scientific literature, assessment findings, diversity considerations, and
contextual variables. This includes the ability to modify and adapt evidence-based approaches
effectively when a clear evidence-base is lacking.
● Evaluate intervention effectiveness and adapt intervention goals and methods consistent with
ongoing progress evaluation.