The issue of the impaired psychologist has generated increasing interest in recent years. Many other professional groups such as doctors, nurses, and lawyers have established formalized programs for identifying and aiding distressed colleagues. An ad hoc committee was established in 1981 by the American Psychological Association, and this committee is in the process of developing a program for consideration by the Board of Professional Affairs. This article reviews some of these efforts. A survey of each state licensing board and psychological association was conducted to try to determine what regulations and options exist for handling impaired psychologists. The survey found a wide variation in state law. All laws contained provisions for revoking licenses of psychologists, and most detailed hearing (due process) procedures. Over half had made provision for reinstatement of license; however, few states detailed any procedure for remediation. Of the state psychological associations who responded, none had a program for impaired psychologists, although a number of states were in the process of developing programs. Guidelines and ideas for such program development are offered.

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This chapter discusses fieldwork as an undergraduate capstone option, including why fieldwork should be offered, how a capstone field placement can be planned, negotiation with agencies for placements, student selection, expectations for student success, stages of fieldwork, and the importance of teaching best practices to students.