The psychological physician: Semantics and survival

The calls for change in three areas of professional psychology are briefly reviewed, along with the reasons why such changes would be in the best interest of not only psychology but also the consumers of mental health services. Psychology's survival is linked to the implementation of these changes. It is argued that psychology must (1) standardize its education, training, and doctoral degree; (2) expand its scope of practice; and (3) become, legally and otherwise, psychological physicians, or risk being rolled-over by history. The importance of terminology and semantics is also discussed. Conclusions are drawn and discussed.The opinions expressed herein are solely those of the author and do not in any way represent the opinions of the Department of Defense or the United States Air Force.