Behavioral and Cognitive Psychology
Formal Specialty Definition:
The specialty of Behavioral Psychology emphasizes an experimental-clinical approach to the application of behavioral and cognitive sciences to understanding human behavior and developing interventions to enhance the human condition. Behavioral psychologists engage in research, education, training, and clinical practice regarding a wide range of problems and populations.
The distinct focus of behavioral psychology is twofold: (a) its heavy reliance on an empirical approach; and (b) its theoretical grounding in learning and behavioral analysis theories, broadly defined, including respondent conditioning, operant learning, social learning, cognitive sciences, and information processing models.
Currently, there are four sub-areas of Behavioral Psychology which share theoretical foundations in learning theory and a common approach to case conceptualization: applied behavior analysis, behavior therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, and cognitive therapy. Empiricism is a hallmark of Behavioral Psychology; consequently it relies heavily on those assessment and intervention procedures that have been found to be empirically supported.
Levels of Specialty Training:
Education, Training, and Supervision in Behavioral Psychology is available at the Postdoctoral level.
Specialty Board Certification:
Board Certification in Behavioral Psychology is available through the American Board of Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology (ABCBP – formerly the American Board of Behavioral Psychology), which is a Specialty Board of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). In addition, psychologists and other professionals can seek board certification in applied behavior analysis through the Behavior Analyst Certification Board® (BACB®); the BACB certifies behavior analysts. The BACB certification is not psychological certification; instead, the BACB’s certification reflects the practice of applied behavior analysis in a variety of professional fields.
Sources of Specialty Recognition:
- APA/CRSPPP recognition
- ABPP recognition
Synarchy Membership:
- American Board of Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology American
- Academy of Cognitive and Behavioral Psychology American
- Psychological Association, Division of Behavior Analysis (25)
Related Non-Psychology Groups:
- Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (formerly Association for the Advancement of Behavior Therapy)
- Behavior Analyst Certification Board
- Association for Behavior Analysis
Specialty Related Web Links:
Education and Training Guidelines:
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