A Primer for Cross-Examining Mental Health Professionals

In medicine, psychology, and social work, the traditional certifying boards granting “diplomate” status (board certification) in recognition of proficiency in a specialty all emerged from and were supported by the parent organizations of the professions (American Psychiatric Association, American Psychological Association, and National Association of Social Workers). In each case, there was a desire among members of the parent organization to develop a procedure by which members with a demonstrably advanced level of knowledge, training, and experience in a specific specialty could submit themselves to a peer-conducted review of evidence of their mastery and obtain formal recognition of their proficiency upon successful completion of the process (Golding, 1999).

Until the late 1970s, when a mental health professional declared that he or she was board certified, the meaning of the term was clear. In the field of psychiatry, it referred to certification by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology; in psychology, it referred to certification by the American Board of Professional Psychology; and, in social work, it referred to certification by the American Board of Examiners in Clinical Social Work. Each of these boards established rigorous standards and the diplomate credential, when awarded, was evidence of a significant achievement.