Abstract

This article is an introduction to the special section of the Korean Journal of Clinical Psychology on the current status and fu- ture directions of Korean clinical psychologists. For the past decade there has been a dramatic increase of the licensed clinical psychologists. With the enactment of the Mental Health Act in 1995, Korean clinical psychologists were listed as one of the nationally licensed professionals in the mental health field and involved in delivering mental health services in the local com- munity mental health system. Four articles were included in the special issue to examine the current status and activities of Korean clinical psychologists, their roles in the community mental health delivery system in Korea, and their research com- petence indicated by the number of published research articles on the outcome of CBT. Results of survey were presented on the clinical psychologists’ professional self-views, major roles, activities and affiliations, theoretical orientations, and use of ev- idence-based practice. Comparison between American and Korean community mental health systems were also made to highlight the similarities and differences in the service delivery methods, qualifications and certification criteria and the in- surance policies. Finally future directions for roles, professional activities, training, legislation and mental health policies were discussed.