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Competency Assessment in the McMaster Psychotherapy Program

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Abstract

In January 2001 the Residency Review Committee (RRC) mandated that all psychiatric training programs must demonstrate competency in five forms of psychotherapy. Assessing competency in psychotherapy is a complex and difficult task, with many conceptual and practical issues needing consideration before programs are implemented. Existing competency-based programs can offer some assistance to institutions struggling with this issue. This paper discusses competency assessment in the McMaster Psychotherapy Program, paying special attention to instruments used in the evaluation process. Preliminary results with respect to resident satisfaction with the Program and resident competency in certain therapies are also discussed.

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Authors and Affiliations

  1. Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Neurosciences, McMaster University, St. Joseph’s Hospital Fontbonne, F415, 301 James St. South, Hamilton, Ontario, Canada, L8P 3B6

    Priyanthy Weerasekera M.D., M.Ed. (Associate Professor and Postgraduate Psychotherapy Coordinator),  Martin M. Antony Ph.D.,  Anthony Bellissimo Ph.D.,  Peter Bieling Ph.D.,  Jennifer Shurina-Egan Ph.D.,  Anita Spencer A.I.M.S.W.,  Ron Whyte M.S.W. &  Adele Wolpert-Zur M.S.W.

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  1. Priyanthy Weerasekera M.D., M.Ed.
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  2. Martin M. Antony Ph.D.
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  3. Anthony Bellissimo Ph.D.
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  4. Peter Bieling Ph.D.
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  5. Jennifer Shurina-Egan Ph.D.
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  6. Anita Spencer A.I.M.S.W.
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  7. Ron Whyte M.S.W.
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  8. Adele Wolpert-Zur M.S.W.
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Correspondence to Priyanthy Weerasekera M.D., M.Ed..

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Weerasekera, P., Antony, M.M., Bellissimo, A. et al. Competency Assessment in the McMaster Psychotherapy Program. Acad Psychiatry 27, 166–173 (2003). https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ap.27.3.166

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  • DOI: https://doi.org/10.1176/appi.ap.27.3.166

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