The South African Society for Clinical Psychology (SASCP)

The SASCP Division of PsySSA aims to:

In accordance with Article 12.5.1 of the constitution of PsySSA, the overall aims of the Division are to promote training, research and practise in respect of Clinical Psychology and the professional interests of Clinical Psychologists.

SPECIFIC AIMS AND MEANS OF IMPLEMENTATION

The overall aims should be achieved within the guidelines laid out in the constitution of PsySSA in Article 12.5 and, in particular, among other things, by:

• Defining and preserving the distinct identity of Clinical Psychology in relation to the other professional applications of psychology in accordance with internationally recognised criteria for the nature of the work of Clinical Psychologists;
• by promoting Clinical Psychology as a separate field of expertise registered with Professional Board for Psychology of the Health Professions Council of South Africa (HPCSA).

Promoting Clinical Psychology as a profession by such activities as:

• seeking to inform authorities responsible for health services within the public and private sectors regarding the special expertise of Clinical Psychologists and to influence them to create job opportunities,
• seeking to inform other professions and the public regarding the fields of expertise of Clinical Psychologists.
• Taking steps to address any activity by Clinical Psychologists which lowers the credibility or status of Clinical Psychology in the eyes of other professions and the public,
• Within the spirit of Article 12.8.1 of PsySSAs constitution in which income generated by activities such as seminars and workshops may be retained, further steps to improve the financial position of Clinical Psychologists (for example, by seeking improvements in income tax concessions and contributions to fees by medical aid funds) may be taken.

Making recommendations on the training of Clinical Psychologists. Such recommendations should be made to, and in discussion with, whatever organisations are in a position to promote or implement them, specifically to:

• Council Committees of PsySSA concerned with matters of training in Psychology,
• University Psychology Departments responsible for professional training in Clinical Psychology,
• Institutions accredited to train Clinical Psychology interns,
• Authorities responsible for Clinical Psychology services within mental health systems in the public and private sectors.

Providing structures and promoting activities through which Clinical Psychologists can communicate with each other, and keep informed of basic political, social, academic and professional issues that concern the profession of Clinical Psychology. This should be done by:

• distributing a newsletter either specifically for the Division or in conjunction with other Division or in conjunction with PsySSA,
• promoting contact between the central executive and the National/Regional Divisional branches, organising local, national and international meetings at which workshops, symposia, discussions and research relevant to Clinical Psychology are presented,
• promoting international contacts with Clinical Psychologists.

Making recommendations that will ensure that a high ethical standard is maintained in the practise of the profession. This should be done by:

• monitoring and updating the Ethical Code for Clinical Psychologists,
• bringing ethical issues to the attention of members,
• monitoring the activities of and liaising with the PsySSA Council Committees responsible for ethical matters (if at any time no such committee is in existence the Division should press for the formation of such a committee),
• monitoring the activities of and liaising with the Ethics Committee of the Professional Board for Psychology of the South African Medical and Dental Council,
• ensuring that training programs in Clinical Psychology include courses on ethical principles.

Promoting co-operation and mutual respect between Clinical Psychologists and members of allied professions.