FAQs for Accreditation of
Clinical Placement Setting for
Clinical Psychology Training
Q: What are the objectives of Accreditation of Clinical Placement Setting for Clinical Psychology
Training?
A: The aim of the accreditation scheme is to secure a high standard of clinical training for clinical-psychology-trainees. The objective of accreditation is to work with clinical psychology training programmes and clinical placement settings to ensure that the supervised clinical practice meets the accreditation criteria set by the DCP of HKPS.
Q: What are the criteria for accreditation?
A: The criteria for accreditation are drawn up with references to the standards set by a number of well-established professional psychological associations overseas and local context. Views of members of the Division of Clinical Psychology (DCP), Hong Kong Psychological Society (HKPS) were also collected before finalization of these criteria.
Q: What is SACP?
A: The Subcommittee for Accreditation of Clinical Placement for Clinical Psychology Training (SACP) is appointed by and accountable to the Executive Committee of the Division of Clinical Psychology (DCP), Hong Kong Psychological Society. All members of SACP are members of DCP and will be bound by the HKPS’s Code of Professional Conduct and all protocols in the public arena.
Q: What is the role of SACP?
A: SACP processes applications and makes recommendation to the Executive Committee (Ex-co) of DCP regarding approval of new applications, re-affirmation or change in accreditation status of placement settings and supervised clinical practice of clinical psychology training programmes, and changes to the accreditation criteria and procedures.
Q: What is an accreditation panel?
A: An accreditation panel shall be formed if
an accreditation visit is deemed necessary for processing an application. Each
panel shall consist of no less than three members, at least one
of them being a SACP member. The other panel members are invited and appointed
by the SACP. They shall have at least three years’ experience of providing
clinical supervision in local settings. The panel shall elect from among its
members a convener for each accreditation visit. None of the panel members
should be employee of the placement setting or training programme to be
evaluated. Please refer to http://www.dcp.hkps.org.hk/sacp_member_list.php for the list of panel members .
Q: How to apply?
A: Application form could be downloaded from http://www.dcp.hkps.org.hk/sacp.
The completed application form should be
verified and signed by the person in charge of the placement setting seeking
accreditation. The completed application shall be mailed to SACP Secretary, Division of
Clinical Psychology, Hong Kong Psychological Society by mail addressed to Room 705, 7/F,
Q: How do I know the result of my application?
A: SACP will make a decision on the application within six months after the application is received by DCP. Decision on the application made by SACP will fall into one of the following categories: Accredited Placement Setting, Accredited Placement Setting (Provisional), or Not Accredited. Applicant will be informed of the accreditation result by mail, and accredited placement setting would be listed on DCP website. (link)
Q: How long does the accreditation status last?
A: The accreditation is valid for four years from the date of the confirmation letter issued by DCP as long as the accredited setting continues to satisfy the criteria for accreditation.
Q: Can I appeal for the result?
A: Yes. In case an applicant disagrees with the outcome of the application, the applicant may submit an appeal in writing within 30 days to the Chairperson of DCP together with a non-refundable appeal fee. The appellant must specify the grounds on which the appeal is made and submit all documentation necessary to support the appeal. DCP Ex-co will process the appeal, make a final decision on the application and notify the appellant of its decision in writing. Applicant who submits an appeal against an accreditation decision shall pay a fee of HK$2,000. All fees paid by applicants are not refundable.
Q: Is the appeal result final?
A: Upon receipt of the appeal, the DCP Ex-co will appoint an ad hoc Appeal Panel composed of three members of DCP. DCP will make a decision based on the recommendation of the Appeal Panel. The decision will be final. However, unsuccessful applicant can submit a new application for accreditation at a later time. The time lapse between two applications shall at least be one year.
Q: What aspects would be considered for granting a
specific area of specialty for clinical placement?
A: To satisfy the requirements for a particular specialty, the following aspects would be considered: i) whether the setting has been providing placement for a specific specialty in the past; ii) staff strength involved for service provision in a specific specialty; and iii) compatibility with the specialty accredited for similar setting with similar staff strength.
Q: What is the application fee?
A: For new applications, re-applications or applications for renewal of accreditation of clinical placement setting, applicants shall pay an initial application fee of HK$2,000, together with the applications. All fees paid by applicants are not refundable.
Q: Can the application fee be waived?
A: Yes, only if the placement setting does not charge supervision fee by the date of application. If charged supervision is provided during the accredited period in which the fee has been waived, the placement setting shall no longer be eligible for fee waiving. The applicant has the obligation to notify SACP in writing together with a cheque of $2,000 for payment of the non-refundable application fee.