Master's-Level Psychology Training in Substance Use Disorder Treatment: One Model for Expanding the Workforce

Terminal master's programs in health service psychology may provide targeted. and relative to doctoral study, briefer training to equip graduates to fill critical gaps in the substance use treatment workforce. Currently, other master's-level professionals (counselors, social workers) populate the field but typically lack advanced education in assessment and diagnosis of co-occurring disorders, scientific grounding in evidence-based practices and research, and psychopharmacology. We present a model for master's-level training in psychology with a substance use focus. Our program has operated for 24 years and makes graduates eligible for dual licensure to practice psychology at the master's level (licensed psychological associate) and to practice as a licensed clinical addictions specialist in the state. We provide an overview of the curriculum and data from 91 graduates, most of whom reported that they are licensed;, serving substance use populations; and employed in a wide variety of settings and roles, including supervisory ones. We present their views of the unique contributions made by master's-level trained psychologists in the substance use field in contrast to those of other master's-prepared providers. Although the program has helped to address critical psychology and substance use workforce needs regionally, rapid changes in licensing and availability of practice options for master's-level psychology graduates nationally present challenges. Widespread adoption and sustainability of this model would require advocacy and cooperation among American Psychological Association (APA) and other stakeholders who want to expand psychology's role in addressing this health care crisis. APA's accreditation of master's programs. if enacted, could help or detract from these efforts.