MFTs at VAPAHCS

[DrGero]

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... I've heard a rumour (which I guess isn't a rumor since I heard it from my service chief) that MFTs are coming to the VA Palo Alto Healthcare System. So masters-level clinicians are finally coming to invade the last protected space for psychologists to practice... 🙁

... anyone else hear about this? Is this happening in other VA systems? Thoughts?

 

[Manicsleep]

Well, it really depends on what they would be doing and what the selection process would be in hiring.

MFTs have something to offer.
Psychologists, usually, have more to offer.

The VA doesn't always take advantage of what psychologists are trained to do however and sometimes the role that psychologists play, of case manager, is actually not done best by either MFT or psychologist but by LCSW.

If they are taking case management positions, MFTs with experience can probably do this job as well as psychologists.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Very good points Manicsleep.

The VA added a Behavioral Health Specialist (I forget the exact title, but 1 per VA was added) position aimed at psychologists, which is a step in the right direction. I agree with Manicsleep about how the positions will be used. If it is a case management position, then I think an MSW/MFT/LCSW is much better prepared for it. If they are direct therapy positions, I'd be a bit more skeptical. They are really pushing EBTs, with psychologists being required to be VA-trained in at least 1 area, though I'm not sure if this is open to masters-level clinicians.

It will be curious to hear from other VA people if this is happening in their hospital. I have seen increased funding for suicide prevention positions, though I don't believe it is limited to just psychologists. They seem to go to psychologists, but I don't know enough people in those positions to say for sure.