Toward (More) Inclusiveness

The Society of Clinical Psychology should be an inclusive and welcoming place for clinical psychologists of all theoretical orientations, practice settings, and demographic characteristics. Division 12 is already inclusive in many respects, but we must appreciate it and cultivate it further.

We are theoretically pluralistic, as seen in Figure 1, which summarizes the prevalence of theoretical orientations from 1960 to 2005. Eclecticism/integration (29% of us) remains the modal orientation, with cognitive therapy a close second (28%). Next most popular are psychodynamic at 15% and behavioral at 10%. We are short on adherents of the humanistic orientation, with only 1% endorsement among the Division 12 membership. Fully 16 theories are represented in the “other” category.

In addition, Division 12 clinical psychologists are employed in every conceivable work setting. Figure 2 displays these historical trends in primary employment settings. In 2005, private practice was the most common employment setting, accounting for 39% of the membership. The next most frequent sites were universities (18%), medical schools (8%), and various hospitals and clinics, each averaging about 4% of the membership. Another 15% of psychologists selected “other” as their primary employment setting. Of those Division 12 members not employed full-time in independent practice, 51% provide some clinical services in the private sector on a part-time basis.

The percentage of women in Division 12 has been continually increasing since 1960, from 16% up to the present figure of 36%. By contrast, the percentage of racial/ethnic minorities in Division 12 has slowly climbed; it was only 8% in 2007.

In 2009, we shall implement in the Society plans to (1) enhance its diversity, (2) increase membership, and (3) recruit proponents of all theoretical orientations. Division 12 should be a natural and valued home for a remarkably diverse cadre of clinical psychologists.