DMH 381 Supplementary Memorandum from
The Royal College of Psychiatrists
Re: Professions taking on the role
of Clinical Supervisor
Thank you for your letter. The Royal
College of Psychiatrists supports the views of the committee that
currently senior clinical psychologists may have extensive experience
and authority in relation to a number of forensic inpatients,
particularly in high and medium security, but much less experience
in relation to general adult and rehabilitation services.
Within the profession of psychiatry
there are consultants whose training would not support their undertaking
the role of clinical supervisor in relation to severely mentally
ill patients eg consultants in psychotherapy or substance misuse.
Equally general adult psychiatrists generally lack the expertise
to act as clinical supervisors for learning disabled patients
or children.
In other words the College is supportive
of a range of suitably trained professionals being able, in principle,
to undertake the duties of a clinical supervisor. However Trusts
would need to exercise great care in determining who should act
as a clinical supervisor in relation to individual or particular
groups of patients.
The College notes that the British Psychological
Society, in its evidence, suggested that there should be equivalent
training for both groups of professionals in relation to clinical
supervisor responsibilities. We cannot wholly support this view
because the training which underpins the ability to act as clinical
supervisor consists of all the person's professional training.
The College firmly believes that for the vast majority of severely
mental ill patients in general adult and old age services it is
essential for the clinical supervisor to have a medical training.
A range of medical illnesses play an important part both in relation
to the causes and consequences of psychiatric disorders.
In summary the Royal College is supportive
of clinical psychologists undertaking the role of clinical supervisor
with those patients where their training and expertise would be
effective and where there is little need for more general medical
education. This would largely confine their role to non-psychotic
patients usually in longer-term forensic settings.
I hope this answer is clear. Please
let me know if further clarification is required.
A S Zigmond
Vice President; Royal College of Psychiatrists
15 November 04
| 
