Expanding Pediatric Psychology: Perspectives of International Trainees

Culturally appropriate, evidence-based assessments and interventions are necessary to reduce mental health and pediatric psychology disparities worldwide. Currently, there are limited opportunities for psychologists from other countries to learn clinical skills in the United States and adapt evidence-based practices to their home countries. The purpose of this paper is to share the personal perspectives of pediatric psychology international trainees and highlight opportunities for future training. We will also review how training programs may be adapted to ensure the successful dissemination of culturally applicable, evidence-based approaches in the trainees’ home countries. Considerations for training international trainees and future research potential are also discussed. A current Japanese trainee who intends to return to his home country (Japan) and a former Emirati trainee who recently returned to his home country (United Arab Emirates) reviewed the current state of pediatric psychology in their countries and shared their personal training experiences in the field of pediatric psychology in the United States. By highlighting different international trainee perspectives, we have recognized that there is a need for ongoing research that addresses how our current training guidelines support international students in pediatric psychology. International trainees in pediatric psychology are well positioned to have a positive impact in their home countries and support the global outreach of evidenced-based psychological assessment and intervention. It is crucial that the field of pediatric psychology commits to training international trainees appropriately so that they can contribute to reducing mental health disparities worldwide.