www.abrp.orgwww.abrp.org

In addition to these slides candidates are strongly encouraged to visit the ABRP website and review

American Board of Professional Psychology, American Board of Rehabilitation Psychology Certification Guidelines and Procedures: Candidate’s Manual (2012)

And “Examples of Successful Practice Samples”

To access them go to:http://www.abpp.org/i4a/pages/index.cfm?pageid=3361

Under RELATED DOCUMENTS (right side of the page) click on: ABRP Candidates Manual

Under REHABILITATION PSYCHOLOGY (bottom left side of the page) click on: Examples of Successful Practice Samples

ABRP Introductory TrackABRP Introductory TrackPart I:Part I:The Advantages of ABPP Board CertificationThe Advantages of ABPP Board CertificationApplication and Credential ReviewApplication and Credential ReviewUsing ABRP Mentoring EffectivelyUsing ABRP Mentoring EffectivelyUnderstanding and Identifying ABRP CompetenciesUnderstanding and Identifying ABRP Competencies

Lester Butt, Ph.D., ABPP (RP)Craig HospitalDenver, Colorado

Stephen Wegener, Ph.D., ABPP (RP)Johns Hopkins UniversityBaltimore, Maryland

Michele Rusin, Ph.D., ABPP (RP)Private PracticeAtlanta, Georgia

Bruce Caplan, Ph.D., ABPP (RP)Private PracticeWynnewood, Pennsylvania

Disclaimers

This workshop is for informational purposes

Requirements can change over time

Written policies, procedures, and bylaws of ABPP and ABRP provide the foundation and parameters for our Board Certification process

Introductory FactABPP established in 1947 with

initial financial support from APA in the form of a loan

Overview of ABPP Board Certification:

Whereas the EPPP, required for state licensure, is generic assessment of psychological knowledge, it does not identify a specialty area nor competency within a specific practice domain

Therefore, APA Division membership is solely an expression of interest within a subject area

Board Certification, on the other hand, reflects consolidation of skills earned throughout one’s career, evidences a natural extension of professional development and demonstrates competence within one’s chosen specialty

Benefits of ABPP: CredibilityNationally recognized credentialing body (vs. vanity boards)Council of Specialties in Professional Psychology (CoS): given

potential public confusion surrounding the variety of labels utilized for ‘Board Certification’ and activities of non-psychologists, CoS has addressed this issue; CoS recognizes the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) as the only national organization of specialty boards to certify specialists in professional psychology and urges psychologist who wish to pursue Board Certification to choose the ABPP pathway

Streamlining Licensure: approximately forty states have some degree of reciprocity

Benefits of ABPP: CredibilityFlorida Legislation and Board of Psychology

rules/regulations: ABPP recognized in its entirety, i.e. all specialties, as evidence of valid Board Certification

The Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers (APPIC) indicates that one necessary criterion for member programs is that the program director “…..has expertise in an area of postdoctoral training offered and has credentials of excellence such as the American Board of Professional Psychology diploma…” (2006)

Hospital Bylaws: Board Certification is increasingly an expectation for staff privileges analogous to physician guidelines

Benefits of ABPP: CredibilityAssociation of State and Provincial Psychology Boards

(ASPPB): accepts ABPP as evidence that the essential criteria for education, training, and experience have been met

IME and forensic considerationsCARF-accredited programs are aware of ABRPThird party payers are aware of ABPP Board

CertificationMost Health Care Providers consider board certification

a minimum standard (2011- 85% of physicians were Board Certified in one or more specialties; versus 2007- only 5% of psychologists)

Benefits of ABPP: Credibility

Training Programs:Encourage ABPP Board CertificationBoard Certification is one of the goals of professional

training with incorporation of specific areas of competency

Assists the field of Rehabilitation Psychology with recognition of a specialty within health care

Raises the bar for heightened consumer protection

Benefits of ABPP: PractitionerFinancial:

• Department of Veterans Affairs: allows for a one step increase within a GS level with attainment of ABPP Board Certification

• U.S. Department of Defense: ‘Duncan Hunter National Defense Authorization Act for Fiscal Year 2009’

• Given the need for competent and qualified psychologists with the U.S. Armed Forces, there is an accession bonus for ABPP Board Certification

• Higher income potential (DVA, DoD, PHS, select academic settings)

• Professional liability insurance 20% discount offered by some plans

Benefits of ABPP: Practitioner General:

Heightened credibility with colleagues and referral sourcesDistinguishing oneself from other psychologists within the

job marketImprove employment possibilities and job securityRenew emphasis upon life-long learning and professional

developmentAffirmation of one’s professional identity

Benefits of ABPP: Practitioner General:

ABPP Board Certification streamlines credentialing process within state licensing boards, insurance companies, professional practice networks and medical staff

As previously stated, Board Certification facilitates inter-jurisdictional licensure and practice mobility

Confirmation by respected colleagues/peersSense of personal achievement and satisfaction

Benefits of ABPP: ProfessionEstablishes standards for competenceHelps guide training models for mandated areas of

competenceIncreases breadth and depth of knowledge base, skills

and attitudes of practitionersEnsures intra-professional regulationAllows for public recognition of Rehabilitation Psychology

Benefits of ABPP: PublicReduces consumer confusion among practitionersProtects consumersAssures quality

The Expected…..not the Exceptional

“It is not the exceptional specialist who should be board certified but the specialist who is not board certified who should be the exception.”

Russ Bent, Ph.D., ABPP

The ABRP Board of Directors thank you for your interest in Board Certification and wish you the very best of success

Overview of the ProcessStephen Wegener, Ph.D., ABPP

ApplicationABPP ReviewABRP ReviewPractice Sample Submission & ReviewOral Exam

Application Process: Part 1Initial application is to ABPP Central Office

Applications are available online at www.abpp.org

Communicating with ABRP

Ellen Snoxell, Ph.D., ABPP (RP) Secretary, American Board of Rehabilitation Psychology

EllenBSnoxell@gillettechildrens.com

Application Process: Part 1• Initial application is to ABPP Central Office

• ABPP Central Office verifies information

• ABPP verifies licensure

• ABPP Central Office may request additional information

Application Process: Part 2• Specialty credentials review

• Specialty = Rehabilitation Psychology

• Specialty office may also request additional information

Basic Requirements: ABPPA doctoral degree from a recognized program in

psychology Appropriate supervised experience and internship Licensure or certification at the independent practice level

as a doctoral-level psychologist in the state in which the applicant currently practices (note Federal exceptions)

Post-doctoral training which requires at least two years of supervised practice in the specialty, or one year of pre-doctoral and one year of post-doctoral supervision, or the successful completion of a recognized post-doctoral program in the applicant’s specialty

Basic Requirements: ABRPAfter general credentials are approved by ABPP Central Office,

the ABRP Credentials Committee establishes the following specialty qualifications:

Two years of supervised practice in Rehabilitation Psychology which can be satisfied by:

• Two years of post-doctoral supervision, or • One year of pre-doctoral and one year of post-doctoral

supervision, or • Completion of a recognized post-doctoral program in

Rehabilitation Psychology

Basic Requirements: ABRP• Three years of experience in Rehabilitation

Psychology, two of which must be supervised, which can be satisfied by:

• Three years of clinical experience, one of which may be pre-doctoral internship with an emphasis in Rehabilitation Psychology, or

• One or two years of pre- and/or post-doctoral experience and successful completion of a recognized post-doctoral program in Rehabilitation Psychology

• Unique aspects of training/experience are always considered

Basic Requirements: ABRP• Two supervisor endorsements, at least one of which

must attest to the candidate’s abilities as a Rehabilitation Psychologist

• Two other professional endorsements, which must attest to the candidate’s abilities as a Rehabilitation Psychologist

• Total of 4 endorsement forms (2 supervisor, 2 other)

Basic Requirements: ABRP

Membership in professional organizations which have identifiable purposes and policies that are congruent with those of ABRP is desirable, but not required

Senior Application ProcessRequirements:• Applicant must first meet the ABPP general

requirements (e.g., doctoral degree in psychology; license to practice psychology in one’s state independently)

• Doctoral degree must have been received at least 15 years prior to application

Senior Application Process• The applicant must have had a recognized,

distinguished career in the field of Rehabilitation Psychology.

• Supervisor verification of training may be waived due to length of time since training and increased likelihood that supervisors may not be available.

Senior Application Process• Because senior candidates may have difficulty

obtaining clinical practice cases, other evidence of competency in the specialty may be used (e.g., documentation of program development, articles, chapters, books, syllabi, supervising or consulting).

Senior Application ProcessPlease note that the full oral examination (i.e., all 4 parts) is

required in the ABRP senior process, and is identical to the oral examination for any candidate.

Outcome of Credentials ReviewSpecialty office will request additional information if

needed.Once credentials review is complete, the specialty office

notifies ABPP Central Office of the outcome.ABPP Central notifies candidate.

Communicating with the Specialty OfficeInitial contact with specialty office is typically

after ABPP credentials reviewOngoing contact is mostly with specialty office

until after the oral examPractice sample processScheduling and notification of oral

examination

Assignment / Selection of MentorMichele Rusin, Ph.D., ABPP

• Candidate may choose a mentor (in collaboration with the ABRP Mentor Chair), or a mentor can be assigned

• Mentorship is voluntary, but is highly advisable

ABPP and ABRP Competencies 2 Competency TypesBruce Caplan, Ph.D., ABPP

Foundational CompetenciesRequired for all ABPP Board CertificationsReflect skills in establishing and maintaining

professional relationshipsFunctional Competencies

Reflect skills that meet the specific needs of persons with disabilities and their families

ABPP Foundational CompetenciesInterpersonal InteractionsIndividual and Cultural Diversity Ethical and Legal FoundationsProfessional Identification

ABPP Foundational Competencies Interpersonal Interactions

Sensitivity to welfare, rights and dignity of othersCapacity to empathically relate to clients and team

members to enhance effectiveness of service delivery Awareness of effect of personal interactions on othersMaintaining appropriate boundaries

ABPP Foundational Competencies Individual and Cultural Diversity

Awareness of diversity and multicultural factors as relates to disability

Awareness of interaction between one’s own diversity characteristics and functioning as a Rehabilitation Psychologist

ABPP Foundational Competencies Ethical and Legal Foundations

APA Ethical Principles and PracticeCurrent statutory and state laws applicable to practice of

Rehabilitation PsychologyIssues related to patient confidentiality (e.g., HIPPA)

ABPP Foundational Competencies Professional DevelopmentParticipation in professional activities relevant

to Rehabilitation PsychologyAwareness of current issues facing the

professionSeeks and utilizes consultation/supervisionPursues continuing professional education for

licensing and professional development in the field of Rehabilitation Psychology in last 2 years.

ABRP Functional Competencies•These competencies define Rehabilitation Psychology

•These must be kept in mind when applying, when selecting case material for the practice sample, when writing up the practice sample, and when preparing and taking the oral exam.

•Required competencies are exactly that - required. There are multiple ways, however, to demonstrate competencies.

•The competencies discussed today apply to applicants effective January 1, 2011

ABRP Functional Competencies

Scientific Base and ApplicationAssessment Intervention ConsultationConsumer Protection

ABRP Competencies Scientific Base and Application

Knowledge of theory and research (T&R) that informs practice

Ability to critically evaluate T&R in Rehabilitation Psychology

Coherent explanation of candidate’s approach to their practice based on T&R

Awareness of T&R on interpersonal interactions, diversity (esp. disability status), professional identification and ethics.

ABRP Competencies Assessment

Adjustment to Disability: Patient Adjustment to Disability: Family Extent and nature of disability and preserved abilities Educational and vocational capacities Personality and emotional functioning Cognitive abilities Decision making capacity Sexual functioning Pain Substance use/abuse identification Social and behavioral functioning

ABRP CompetenciesINTERVENTION

Individual therapeutic interventions as related to adjustment to disability

Family/couples therapeutic interventions as related to adjustment to disability

Behavioral managementSexual counseling with individuals and partners

who have disabilities

ABRP Competencies Consultation

Behavioral functioning improvementCognitive functioningVocational and/or educational considerationsPersonality / emotional factorsSubstance abuse identification and managementSexual functioning and disability

ABRP Competencies Consumer Protection

Laws related to and including ADAAwareness and sensitivity to multicultural and

diversity factors

ABRP Introductory TrackABRP Introductory TrackPart II:Part II:Selection of Practice SamplesSelection of Practice SamplesWriting Practice SamplesWriting Practice SamplesOral ExaminationOral Examination

Dan Rohe, Ph.D., ABPP (RP)Mayo ClinicRochester, Minnesota

Terrie Price, Ph.D., ABPP (RP)The Rehabilitation Institute of Kansas CityKansas City, Missouri

Aida Saldivar, Ph.D., ABPP (RP)Rancho Los Amigos National Rehabilitation CenterDowney, CA

Selection of Practice SampleDan Rohe, Ph.D., ABPP

Applicant has one year from time of credentials approval to submit the practice sample

Both portions of the sample must demonstrate breadth and competence in the specialty of Rehabilitation Psychology

Selection of Practice SampleAt least one portion of sample must be clinically

focused

The sample should reflect one’s usual practice of Rehabilitation Psychology (meaning: try not to select anything too esoteric, unusual, or obviously controversial)

Encourage selecting an area in which the candidate is very comfortable and knowledgable

Selection of Practice SampleSelect complementary casesBoth cases can demonstrate competencies in

assessment and treatment competencies/consultation, or

One case may emphasize assessment, while the other emphasizes intervention and consultation

When combined, the practice sample demonstrates advanced knowledge and practice in Rehabilitation Psychology

Selection of Practice Sample

Please utilize your mentor when (before) selecting and preparing your practice sample!

OverviewResearch and teaching examples address mostly

non-required competencies and should only be utilized in conjunction with a well-rounded and comprehensive clinical case

All candidates must submit at least one clinical write-up that covers many competencies in assessment, intervention and consultation

Practice Sample: General GoalsReveal candidate’s conceptualization Demonstrate application of Rehabilitation

Psychology principles to the questions and decisions involved in the case

Citation of contemporary research For clinical case: integrate medical, psychosocial,

theoretical, and research information into candidate’s conceptualization and actions

Show consultation with involved professionals (e.g., physician, physical/occupational therapist, etc.)

Practice Sample: LogisticsBe clear about what you did vs. what another professional didUse active voice (e.g. “I conducted…” vs. “an assessment was

conducted”)Clearly written; spelling and grammar accurateAPA styleClinical material de-identified Conforms with APA ethical standards, state laws of practice,

and other regulations (ADA, HIPAA)

Writing the Practice SampleTerrie Price, Ph.D., ABPP

Description of Candidate’s work settingIntroductionNarrativeSupporting materials

OverviewPractice Sample consists of two partsOne part MUST be a clinical caseThe 2 portions, including supporting materials,

must not exceed 50 double-spaced typewritten pages.

Writing the Practice Sample

Introductory StatementThe first practice sample portion is recommended to

include a brief description of the candidate’s work setting.

Writing the Practice SampleIntroduction (1-2 pages)The context, purpose, and rationale for the caseCase abstractCompetencies that the Candidate believes are

addressed.

Writing the Practice SampleNarrative

Regardless of the work type (clinical, research, etc.), the narrative should describe your work and communicate how your work embodies the principles of Rehabilitation Psychology

Much more about the narrative portion to come…

Writing the Practice SampleSupporting Materials

Shows your work is “real” – do not alter the document beyond removing identifying information.

Gives concrete example of what you are describing in the narrative

More information about supporting materials to come…

Supporting MaterialsAdditional supporting documentation or other

materials may be requested

Supplementary materials must not increase the length of the sample beyond the page limits.

Practice Sample Narrative Section

Clinical casesConsultation reportsTeaching / training curriculaResearch-based samplesInstrument developmentProgram development

Helpful HintExamples of acceptable Practice Samples are posted on the ABRP Website

Clinical Case: Suggested FormatNarrative: Patient characteristicsAssessment StrategiesDiagnostic ImpressionsTreatment recommendationsClinical interventionsRecommended consultationOutcome Follow-up careConsumer protection issues

Justification for limitations in the case

Clinical Case: Suggested Format“Who, What, When, Where, Why, and How?”

Outcome of case, emphasizing how candidate impacted the outcome

Clinical Case: Supplementary MaterialsProvides examples of the work described in the narrativeProvide information to allow examiners to determine

how clinical data is being interpreted and used

Clinical Case: Supporting MaterialsAn evaluation report or compilation of treatment notes

alone does not constitute a clinical practice sample.

Clinical Case: Supporting MaterialsSupporting materials may include (but are not limited

to):Sections of test reportsTest score summary sheetsChart, office, or progress notes Team conference summaries, or portions thereofMedical documentationCorrespondence

Consultation Case: General Guidelines

Demonstrate the Rehabilitation Psychology principles and practices underlying the consultation

Describe the Candidate’s activities and rationale.

Consultation Case: Suggested FormatNarrativeSetting and reason for the consultationPatient characteristicsAssessment strategiesDiagnostic impressionsTreatment recommendations

Consultation Case: Suggested Format

Rationale for the assessments and interventions should be clear and supported by scientific literature.

Consultation Case: Supporting MaterialsMaterials may include, but are not limited to Materials recommended for clinical caseLetter from consumer describing consultant’s role and

results achieved

Teaching/Training Case

Course or program outlines alone do not constitute an acceptable Practice Sample portion

Teaching/Training Case: Suggested Format

NarrativeDescribe the rationale for the curriculumIndicate how the curriculum relates to and

includes the principles and practices of Rehabilitation Psychology

Specify the Candidate’s role in designing and implementing the curriculum

Teaching/Training Case: Supporting Materials

Materials may include, but are not limited to Course outlineRecommended readingsAnnotated bibliographyLetters from students or colleagues emphasizing

how the course impacted their work in Rehabilitation Psychology

Research Based Sample: Suggested Format

NarrativeDescription of research programDetail how research program relates to the principles

and practices of Rehabilitation PsychologyOutcomes and implications of researchFuture directions

Research Case: Supporting Materials• Initial page from key publications related to research • Abstracts• Selected portions of articles• Selected portions of grant proposals• Selected portions of program development

documentation• Letters from collaborators describing candidate’s role in

project

Instrument Development: Suggested Format

NarrativeDiscuss the rationale for developing the instrumentDescribe the Candidate’s role in the conceptualization,

development, and validation phasesIndicate how this instrument relates to the principles and

practices of Rehabilitation Psychology.

Instrument Development: Supporting Materials

Submission of the instrument alone or articles about the instrument alone does not constitute an acceptable Practice Sample

However, the instrument and portions of articles describing the instrument would likely be included in the supporting materials

Program Development: Suggested Format

NarrativeDescribe the rationale for the programIndicate how the program relates to and

includes the principles and practices of Rehabilitation Psychology

Describe clearly and in detail the Candidate’s role in designing and implementing the program

Program Development: Supporting Materials

Promotional materials, advertisements, or testimonials should ordinarily not be submitted as supporting material

After the Writing is DoneSubmit practice sample to ABRP SecretaryPay fee to ABPPSecretary distributes practice sample to 3 reviewers

The Practice Sample ReviewReviewed by 3 examiners. Two out of three “pass” votes

are requiredPractice sample is reviewed as a whole. A “pass” or “not

pass” decision is made about the practice sample viewed in totality

The Practice Sample Review Three member committeePractice samples reviewed independentlyEach reviewer designates competencies evident in

the practice samplePractice sample is reviewed as a whole. A “pass” or

“not pass” decision is made about the practice sample viewed in totality

The Practice Sample ReviewEach reviewer writes Q’s for oral examQ’s are designed to pinpoint areas of

practice sample weakness or need for further inquiry

2 out of 3 votes advances the candidate to the oral exam

The Practice Sample Review

CriteriaBreadth and depth of practice must be demonstrated

Must show clear rationale for what was done

Basis for assessment & intervention must be well founded.

The Practice Sample ReviewCriteriaConclusions / recommendations must be

supported by data and literature

Medical and other historical information must be reported and integrated

Emotional / psychopathologic factors must be evaluated and integrated into the case conceptualization

The Practice Sample Review

The supporting materials are appropriate in the context of the practice sample

Practice sample must conform to APA ethical standards (and other relevant standards, e.g., ADA)

Specialty level of practice as a Rehabilitation Psychologist is demonstrated

The Practice Sample Review

A “pass” decision allows the candidate to be admitted to the oral exam.

This is not a final “pass” rating for the practice sample portion of the oral exam

The Practice Sample ReviewIf the Candidate does not pass (i.e. two

examiners do not pass the practice samples}, the Candidate receives a letter containing verbatim comments from the three reviewers regarding strengths/weaknesses in addition to suggestions for improvement

Writing the Practice Sample

Situations That Necessitate Revision and Resubmission of a Practice Sample

Situations That Necessitate Revision and Resubmission of a Practice Sample

Not addressing key competenciesCase not adequately de-identifiedInsufficient number of competencies demonstratedMissing or inadequate/insufficient supporting materialsMisinterpretation of data

Inadequate description or chronology of candidate’s role in case.

Inadequate description or consideration of patient’s emotional/personality functioning

Absence of internal integration of caseCase does not follow a rehabilitation model: e.g.,

the candidate’s involvement is not in collaboration or consultation with other rehabilitation professionals

Options to “ No Pass”Revise. Candidates are given one opportunity to

revise practice sample material that does not meet the defined criteria. No additional charges apply.

If the decision is “not pass,” the candidate receives a letter from the ABRP Secretary detailing the Review Committee’s feedback regarding the Practice Samples’ strengths/weaknesses as well as suggestions for improvement

Resubmit. After one re-submission, if further review is needed, candidate must pay additional fee.

Final Practice Sample Comment

Examples of successful Practice Samples are located on our ABRP link accessed via ABPP website

Overview of the Oral ExamAida Saldivar, Ph.D., ABPP

4 total hours, 3 individual examinersOrientation (15 minutes)Review of Clinical Vignettes (60 minutes)Clinical Vignette # 1 (40 minutes)Clinical Vignette # 2 (40 minutes)Ethics Vignettes (30 minutes)Practice Sample Exam(40 minutes)Debriefing (10 minutes)

The Oral Examination CommitteeThree member committeeScreening for conflicts of interestWhenever possible, oral exam Chair is also

the Chair of the practice sample committeeCommittee reviews the comments from the

practice sample review committeeCommittee members discuss those

competencies that still need demonstration

Oral Examination ObserversAn observer may be present in one of two

possible scenarios:

Examiner-in-training Quality assurance and monitoring

In neither situation will the observer have any vote or input about the candidate’s performance

Oral Examination: Clinical VignettesCandidates have up to 30 minutes to examine

vignettes and select two for examinationMay not select two vignettes from same

diagnostic group (e.g., cannot select two adult TBI cases)

Candidate has 60 total minutes to study and take notes on vignettes (incl 30 min above)

Each vignette is discussed with one examiner for 40 minutes (per vignette)

Oral Examination: Clinical VignettesCandidate presents summary of case and

assessment/treatment plan

Examiner poses questions on what was presented, omitted or hypothetical questions which might alter some of case material to demonstrate selected competency areas

Oral Examination: EthicsExaminer selects 2 or 3 one-paragraph vignettesCandidate takes a few minutes to read each vignetteCandidate is asked to describe key ethical issues and

relevant sections of ethics code or state laws of practice which are related and potential ways to resolve conflicts

Each vignette is presented one at a time.Not necessary to resolve clinical issues

Oral Examination: Practice Sample

Questions are derived from those proposed by the reviewers

Additional questions will also arise during the oral exam

Practice sample content may serve as a springboard (e.g., “Let’s suppose instead…”)

Oral Examination: Practice Sample

• Need to reveal the chain of logic involved in the practice sample

• Need to demonstrate knowledge of relevant literature

• Candidate must clearly demonstrate depth and breadth in the required competencies in the field of Rehabilitation Psychology

After the oral examOral Exam committee members meet as a group and

determine whether the candidate was able to demonstrate presence of the required competencies over the course of the examination (not just during the practice sample exam)

Each member votes to “pass” or “not pass” the entire exam

If the candidate is passed by two of the three examiners, the candidate has passed the oral exam.

One does not “fail” any one part of the exam

If the candidate does not pass (i.e., 2 examiners do not pass the examinee), on the first vote, a discussion is required.

A second vote is taken after the committee is certain that a fair discussion of the candidate's entire performance has been presented.

Notification ProcessOfficial reporting form is completed and

returned to ABPP Central OfficeABPP Central Office informs the candidate

of the outcome

Appeals Process60 days to file an appeal with ABRPABRP appeals committee is appointedCandidate may then appeal to ABPPABPP Policy: an exam result cannot be

overturned, but candidate may be re-examined without charge if appeal is upheld