The American Psychological Association (APA) takes the
position that the use of the title "professional psychologist" or "school
psychologist" is reserved for those who
have completed a doctoral training program in psychology at a
university, college, or professional school of psychology that is APA
or regionally accredited. Only those so-trained are qualified to
provide independent direct delivery of professional services, including
preventive, assessment, and therapeutic services.
The APA
also recommends that all applicants for
licensure, as a minimum, must be graduates of a regionally accredited
institution of higher education and must have completed a doctoral
training program accredited by the APA.