Professional Development

Memberships in professional associations help practitioners stay up to date with state of the art practices.  Several professional associations are addressing the importance of providing evidence-based treatment and bridging the gap from research to service. Practitioners in social work and psychology can learn more about evidence-based care:

• The American Psychological Association has distributed a statement regarding the use and definitions of evidence-based treatment.
• The National Association of Social Workers has created a Practice Research Network to increase the knowledge base on social work practice and to advance education and policy.

Another important and valuable way that practitioners advance their own professional development is by seeking out local family-run organizations. Practitioners who reach out to the community can learn about what is important to those youth and families who have been immersed in their local mental health system.

Helpful Links:

• For psychologists interested in learning more about new treatments and seeking opportunities to collaborate, visit Scientist-Practitioner.com that provides online professional development for psychologists.
• For continuing education for several mental health disciplines, visit the National Council for Community Behavioral Healthcare’s National Council E-Learning Site  which provides accredited continuing education courses online.
• To learn how to become part of a learning community of practitioners and researchers, visit the Society for Prevention Research.