Specific Requirements

In addition to the generic requirements for board certification, ABSMIP has specialty-specific requirements regarding education, training and professional work experiences.

ABSMIP recognizes that obtaining training in SMI/SED is not readily available in all settings. Therefore, training often occurs through various methods, with education and work experience that may be non-linear or following circuitous paths. As such, SMI specialty-specific education, training and work requirements can be met in a variety of ways. Each of these options require initial supervised experience that is sufficient for the Psychologist to have established good standing with their state licensing board.

  1. A post-doctoral residency in SMI Psychology at the Major Area of Study level (80 – 100% of time)
    OR
  1. An informal post-doctoral training experience in SMI Psychology at the Major Area of Study level (80-100% of time) OR at least one year of supervised work experience that was comprised of 80-100% of time working in SMI Psychology
    OR
  1. A combination of any 2 of the following:
  • A post-doctoral residency in SMI Psychology at less than the Major Area of Study level
  • One year of post-doctoral professional practice with at least 25% of service delivery in SMI Psychology
  • An internship with at least one rotation in SMI/SED
  • 25 hours of CE coursework in SMI psychology over the past 12 years. CE hours should be from an APA approved CE provider or as deemed acceptable by ABSMIP
  • Two courses/seminars relevant to SMI Psychology at the doctoral, internship, or post-doctoral levels (SMI Psychology thesis or dissertation topic = 1 course)
  • Externship/practicum in SMI/SED

SMI Psychologists have post-licensure work experience that includes a meaningful amount of their time engaging in Psychosocial Rehabilitation (PSR) and other services devoted to persons with SMI/SED. These work experiences may be direct clinical practice, but can also include teaching, consultation, advocacy or other professional efforts in service to the SMI/SED population.

It is expected that SMI Psychologists demonstrate a self-identification in and commitment to SMI Psychology, and will continue their identification with the SMI specialty into the future.