A debate is raging in psychology, but it is not the usual kind, focusing on a specific aspect of the mind or a new drug, but a controversy concerning the very foundations of psychology. . The main problem is determining which treatments are valid for patients. Some believe that these must be empirically supported treatments, treatments that are supported by hard data and scientifically supported. Others feel that this standard of treatment is far too restrictive for the complex field of psychology. The American Psychological Association President's Task Force on Evidence-Based Treatment has developed a psychology plan that effectively maintains a high standard of science, but allows for the use of a variety of research designs to determine how to treat a patient . This Evidence-Based Practice Plan in Psychology (EBPP) is good because it allows patients to receive personalized treatment supported by science. EBPP “is the integration of the best available research with clinical expertise in the context of patient characteristics, culture and preferences. » (book essay 1). The first major facet of EBPP is the use of the best available research. Opponents have argued that randomized clinical trials are too narrow a type of study for psychology. A very valid point, which has been addressed in the new EBPP standard. Several types of research are included, ranging from public health and ethnographic research to systematic case studies, qualitative research and meta-analyses (Book 1). Using research-based treatments reduces treatment bias. Some psychologists argue that their experience is sufficient to know what works (Kendall 1998). Unfortunately, a human can have erroneous prejudices without knowing it. Data-driven processing...... middle of paper ...... as a whole. Customers will know they will receive help that has been proven to be beneficial. These treatments will take into account a wide variety of factors to be as effective as possible. These include using the best available research, taking into account the patient's characteristics and history, and utilizing the psychologist's expertise. Evidence-based practice in psychology provides a solid blueprint for advancing psychology as a whole. Works Cited Mahrer, Alvin R (03/01/2005). “Empirically supported therapies and therapeutic relationships: what are the serious problems and the plausible alternatives?”. Journal of Contemporary Psychotherapy (0022-0116), 35 (1), p. 3. Kendall, PC (02/28/1998). "Empirically supported psychological therapies". Journal of Counseling and Clinical Psychology (0022-006X), 66(1), p. 3.DOI: 10.1037/0022-006X.66.1.3