Division 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology)

Division 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology)
Name	Division 12
Founded	1945
Parent organization	American Psychological Association
Key people	David H. Barlow, Dianne L. Chambless
Website	https://www.div12.org/

Division 12 (Society of Clinical Psychology). It is a division of the American Psychological Association dedicated to advancing the science and practice of clinical psychology. Founded in the aftermath of World War II, it represents one of the largest and most influential groups of clinical psychologists in the world. The division promotes the integration of scientific research with clinical application, advocating for evidence-based practice across diverse settings.

History and founding

Division 12 was officially established in 1945, a period marked by significant growth in the field following the psychological demands of World War II. Key founding figures included prominent psychologists like David Shakow, who was instrumental in defining the scientist-practitioner model at the Boulder Conference in 1949. The division's creation was closely tied to the Veterans Administration's expansion of mental health services, which created a surge in demand for trained clinicians. Early leadership also involved figures from the Menninger Foundation and other institutions central to the development of modern clinical psychology.

Organization and governance

The division is governed by an elected Executive Committee including a President, President-Elect, and Past-President, along with representatives for science, practice, and public interest. Notable past presidents include Martin E.P. Seligman, known for his work on positive psychology, and Timothy B. Baker, a leading researcher in tobacco dependence. The administrative structure includes numerous committees and task forces focused on areas such as dissemination and implementation science, ethnic and racial diversity, and professional training. The division maintains close operational ties with the American Board of Clinical Psychology and the Association for Psychological Science.

Core missions and activities

A primary mission is to promote and disseminate psychological treatments that are supported by rigorous scientific evidence. This is advanced through initiatives like the development of clinical practice guidelines and the maintenance of a publicly accessible list of empirically supported treatments. The division actively engages in advocacy for mental health policy, working with entities like the National Institute of Mental Health and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration. It also supports continuing education through its annual convention at the APA Convention and specialized workshops on modalities such as cognitive behavioral therapy and dialectical behavior therapy.

Publications and resources

The division's flagship publication is the journal Clinical Psychology: Science and Practice, which publishes reviews and articles on the integration of research and practice. It also publishes the newsletter The Clinical Psychologist. A major public-facing resource is its website, which features the "Psychological Treatments" database, a curated list of effective interventions for disorders like major depressive disorder, posttraumatic stress disorder, and generalized anxiety disorder. The division also collaborates on resources with publishers like Oxford University Press and the American Psychiatric Association.

Awards and recognition

Division 12 confers several prestigious awards to honor contributions to the field. The Distinguished Scientific Contributions to Clinical Psychology Award has recognized luminaries such as Aaron T. Beck, the founder of cognitive therapy, and Marsha M. Linehan, developer of dialectical behavior therapy. The Distinguished Professional Contributions to Clinical Psychology Award has honored practitioners like John C. Norcross. Other honors include the David Shakow Early Career Award and the Samuel M. Turner Early Career Award for Distinguished Contributions to Diversity in Clinical Psychology.

Related divisions and affiliations

Within the American Psychological Association, Division 12 maintains close relationships with other divisions, including Division 29 (Psychotherapy), Division 53 (Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology), and Division 54 (Society of Pediatric Psychology). It is a founding member of the Council of Specialties in Professional Psychology. The division also has formal affiliations with the Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies, the Society for a Science of Clinical Psychology, and the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science, reinforcing its commitment to a scientific foundation for practice.

Category:American Psychological Association divisions Category:Clinical psychology organizations