Legitimizing and Reclaiming Master’s Training and Education in Counseling Psychology

Abstract

Jackson and Scheel aptly elucidate the relevance of master’s level counselor training programs for counseling psychology doctoral training programs, highlighting key antecedents of the current critical period in our relationship. Counseling psychology has an essential role in the professional lineage of counseling master’s programs. Master’s training programs have been essential in generating the revenue necessary to sustain doctoral training in counseling psychology at many if not most of our institutions. This commentary suggests that it is imperative for counseling psychology to first acknowledge the professional abdication of our master’s programs—and then fight to remedy the situation through reconciliation, and recognition of the unique professional contributions and identity of master’s level counselors. The remedy requires aggressive action and legislative advocacy on behalf of our master’s programs. A case study in effective legislative advocacy follows, providing suggestions for actions that may serve to ensure our viability.