Evidence-based practice (EBP) in psychology has been defined by the American Psychological Association as “the integration of the best available research with clinical expertise in the context of patient characteristics, culture, and preferences.” (American Psychological Association Presidential Task Force on Evidence-Based Practice. (2006). American Psychologist, 61, 271-285). Empirically-supported practices (ESPs) are well-defined clinical protocols that have been tested in specific studies and shown to meet rigorous research criteria for sample composition and protocol characteristics. EBPs and ESPs are related but not the same. EBP is a broader term and applies more to everyday, real-world practice. In this context, “practice” refers to interventions or assessment strategies. The links below provide information about evidence-based and empirically-supported psychological practices.
American Psychological Association EBP Resources:
APA Evidence-Based Decision-Making Flowchart
APA Professional Practice Guidelines for Evidence-Based Psychological Practice in Health Care
APA Guidelines for Psychological Assessment and Evaluation
APA Division 53 Evidence-Based Mental Health Treatments for Children and Adolescents
