1st Edition
Psyche's Prophet The Selected Writings of Nicholas A. Cummings
In this collection of articles spanning 65 years as a clinical psychologist, Nick A. Cummings selects articles that heralded often far in advance each phase of clinical psychology’s evolution to the present. A pioneer in effecting change, Cummings established the first free-standing professional school of clinical psychology, demonstrated that medical utilization was reduced with psychotherapy, was an early proponent of universal healthcare, fought for the inclusion of psychotherapy in National Health Insurance, established Biodyne, the first private managed care firm for mental health coverage, and battled to maintain psychological services for children against the trend toward medication. This resource will teach not just the history of psychology, but what lies ahead.
Biography
Nicholas A. Cummings, PhD, ScD, is a former president of the American Psychological
Association (APA) who for the past half century has been predicting
the course of psychology and forming organizations designed to meet challenges
as each occurred. He holds an extensive psychotherapy practice, is the author of
54 books and more than 450 journal articles, and has had a profound effect on the
course of the profession.
“Nick Cummings is one of psychology’s greatest visionaries. This exciting collection of his prophetic works provides an historical context within which psychology has matured today into a bona fide healthcare profession. There will always be exiting challenges to overcome – the full integration of behavioral health into primary care and focusing upon patient-centered care. His colleagues may resist change. However, Nick has clearly provided the foundation for the profession’s ultimate success.”—Pat DeLeon, PhD, MPH, JD, former President of the American Psychological Association
“This book is a "Back to the Future" opportunity for practitioners to fully understand the dynamics and events that have shaped the delivery and trends in professional psychology over the last six decades. Dr. Cummings continues to be psychology's sole visionary. His insights on providing mental healthcare remain unmatched in terms of accuracy and timeliness. This is a major contribution to the Psychology of Psychology and is a must read for students and professionals, alike.”—Dr. John Caccavale
“Nicknamed “psychology’s provocateur,” Nicholas Cummings relentlessly challenged psychology’s status quo for over half a century. The author takes the reader on a walk through the history of modern psychology to ponder what could have been. If psychologists can learn from past mistakes, and practice Nick’s strategies, the field will not be doomed to repeat its failures. Whether you agree or disagree with his approach to behavioral health care, managed care, targeted psychotherapy, professional schools, academia, or the business of psychology, the author provides a rich, thought-provoking read. These collected papers could be the salvation of psychology.”—Carol Shaw Austad, PhD, Licensed Clinical Psychologist, CT., Professor, Department of Psychological Science, and Co-coordinator of Peace Studies, Central Connecticut State University“Dr. Nicholas Cummings has been much more than a participant/observer in the development and expansion of professional psychology in America. He has been an originator, instigator, and innovator in nearly every aspect of the training, practice, and credentialing of professional psychologists. From the consultation room to the board room, he has been a tireless advocate for patients and providers seeking effective mental health treatment. This volume provides a glimpse into the depth and breadth of an extraordinary career.”—David B. Baker, PhD, Margaret Clark Morgan Executive Director, Drs. Nicholas and Dorothy Cummings Center for the History of Psychology, Professor of Psychology, The University of Akron
“This book not only provides an eye-opening background in mental healthcare, dissecting issues most believe are new to recent decades, but critiques of the studies themselves, processes, policies as well as leaving the reader with future directions for efficient and effective psychological treatments.” - Elizabeth Berreau, Capt USAF
