What Is a Psychological Assistant?

A psychological assistant works under the supervision of a licensed psychologist and, depending on state regulations, may administer evaluative tests, assist in treatment and perform office work. She almost always has a master's degree -- usually in clinical, counseling or educational psychology -- and is often in a doctorate program and preparing to become a licensed psychologist. State's boards of psychology regulate the field and must certify, register or approve a psychological assistant to practice.

Supervision

• Most states require the supervisor to meet with the psychological assistant one hour for every 10 hours of work performed for an in-depth review of the assistant's work. Weekly "one-on-one, face-to-face supervision" to review "each case served by the psychological assistant" is how Delaware's Department of State's Board of Examiners of Psychologists phrases it. The supervisor, in consultation with the assistant, is responsible for the patient diagnosis and treatment plan. The assistant never independently determines treatment.

Scope

• The scope of the psychological assistant's work usually includes reports on evaluation and treatment and the administration and scoring of psychological tests. The supervisor must be certain that the work performed by the assistant matches his training, education and experience. For example, assistants with a background in experimental psychology can be involved with the design and implementation of experiments. Some boards do not allow the assistant to engage in psychotherapy.

Approval to Practice

• A psychological assistant must be approved in some way by the state -- usually by the board of psychology -- in which he wishes to practice. Some states, like California, require that the assistant be officially registered and approved before he practices. Other states, like the Tennessee, require certification. Still others, like Delaware, require a formal approval.

Patients

• When patients are receiving services from a psychological assistant and not the licensed psychologist, they must be informed of it. Licensed psychologists who employ psychological assistants point out the advantages to patients in working with a psychological assistant: their fees are considerably lower; they benefit from assistants who, because of their recent studies, may be more aware of newer treatments; and they receive the insights and responses of two professionals.