Current status and issues of clinical psychologists in Japan: Comparison focusing on education and the existing arrangements for psychiatrists

Abstract

The characteristics of educational curriculums for clinical psychologists in Japan were identified and analyzed in comparison with the current status of those for psychiatrists. While medical doctors are educated under a natural science-based curriculum, clinical psychologists study the humanities and social sciences and select medical course subjects during graduate school to obtain practical psychiatric experience in areas such as attendance in clinical examinations, group therapy, and psychological assessments. According to existing data, approximately 80% of psychiatrists are men, more than 90% of whom work in medical facilities. By contrast, about 80% of certified clinical psychologists are women, only a little less than 30% of whom work in the medical and healthcare fields as their primary place of employment. In other words, a large number of certified clinical psychologists work outside of the medical field. Following the enactment of the Certified Public Psychologists Act in September 2015, medical and psychiatric subjects were to become compulsory requirements. Furthermore, this law requires certified public psychologists to cooperate with other professionals in relevant disciplines. We hope that clinical psychologists can deepen cooperation and collaboration with psychiatrists and contribute as members of multidisciplinary teams in general hospitals in the future.