Panel Discussion 35 - The Role of Master's-level Clinicians in Expanding Access to Evidence-based Cognitive Behavioral Therapies

Approximately 73% of behavioral health providers are licensed at the master’s level, playing a crucial role in mental health care delivery. Post-COVID, the demand for mental health services surged, while the workforce struggled to keep pace (Duden, Gersdorf, & Stengler, 2022). There is a pressing need for well-trained providers skilled in evidence-based interventions like Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT). Master's-level programs are more accessible and cost-effective compared to doctoral programs, offering greater flexibility and shorter completion times. These programs also report higher diversity in student bodies, with a more inclusive representation of racial and ethnic backgrounds compared to doctoral programs (Assefa, Williams, & Stamm, 2023; CACREP, 2023). The APA has highlighted the importance of expanding master’s-level credentialing to meet both the demand for services and the need for a diverse mental health workforce (Stinger, 2025).
Master’s programs contribute to equity by training clinicians to serve diverse communities, enabling them to implement inclusive, evidence-based practices. These programs often emphasize clinical training over research, equipping students to deliver interventions like CBT effectively. Consistent with ABCT’s mission to promote the utilization and dissemination of evidenced based approaches to improving behavioral health, master level training programs are well-positioned to bridge the gap between research and real-world implementation, making CBT accessible to a broader and diverse population.
This panel discussion will focus on two aspects: i) how educators can support students in becoming master's-level clinicians skilled in CBT, and ii) the pathways to licensure and clinical expertise, particularly in working with diverse populations. The discussion will be valuable to training programs, students, and prospective clinicians, highlighting how master’s-level professionals can contribute to addressing mental health challenges in diverse, real-world settings.