In the field of psychology, psychologists are expected to practice based on certain standards by applying knowledge, skills, and behaviors that have been acquired through training, which underscores the concept of competence. According to Von Treuer and Reynolds (2017), competence is defined as “a measurable pattern of knowledge, skill, abilities, behaviors, and other characteristics that an individual needs to perform work roles or occupational functions successfully” (p. 2). Therefore, for the ethical practice of psychology, competence requires psychologists to have the requisite knowledge and understanding through training, education, professional experience, or supervised experience to teach, provide services, and conduct research with populations. As such, competence demands that psychologists practice within the scope of their qualifications based on the relevant skills and knowledge. With this understanding, it suffices to argue that competency is a combination of skills, knowledge, and abilities that are needed to perform a certain role professionally. Similarly, competence often stipulates what individuals need to do and behaviors that should be undertaken for certain roles, tasks, and activities to ensure that professional responsibilities are performed effectively.
However, under some special circumstances, a clinician’s competence may “take a backseat”. For instance, in emergencies, psychologists might be required to offer services to clients by addressing mental health problems that one is not competent in due to the lack of the necessary training. Under such circumstances, psychologists offer such services to ensure that services are not denied and the client gets the much-needed help. In other words, psychologists might offer services they are not competent in as a way of giving first aid. However, such services should be discontinued immediately after the emergency is over and the appropriate services are available.
Reference
Von Treuer, K. M., & Reynolds, N. (2017). A competency model of psychology practice: Articulating complex skills and practices.Frontiers in Education, 2(54), 1-7. Web.