Empirically validated treatments in clinical psychology

For the protection of clients and the long-term survival of their professio n, clinical psychologists are being urged to take a leading role in the pro motion of empirically validated treatments. Recently, the American psycholo gical Association's Division of Clinical Psychology (Division 12) establish ed a Task Force on Promotion and Dissemination of Psychological Procedures to define empirically validated treatment and make recommendations in relat ion to methods for educating mental health professionals, third party payer s and the public about effective psychotherapies. Predictably, the task for ce report has a somewhat controversial status but continues to be an influe ntial "blueprint" for the improvement of clinical psychology in various cou ntries including Australia.