Master's-level practitioners as cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia providers: an underutilized resource

J Clin Sleep Med. 2013 Oct 15;9(10):1093-6. doi: 10.5664/jcsm.3096.

Abstract

Despite the efficacy of cognitive behavioral therapy for insomnia (CBT-I) in treating chronic insomnia, it remains underutilized. Lack of appropriately-trained CBT-I providers is a major reason. Master's-level practitioners (MLPs) may, in addition to doctoral-level psychologists, be uniquely positioned to fill this role, based not only on "goodness of professional fit" but also given a handful of studies showing these individuals' care outcomes meet or exceed standard outcomes. However, the ability of MLPs to provide CBT-I will be significantly restricted until a clear pathway is established that extends from training opportunities to credentialing. Further questions remain about how to attract and incorporate MLPs into established practices.

Keywords: Insomnia; cognitive behavioral therapy; nurse practitioner; physician associate.

MeSH terms

  • Certification
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / education*
  • Cognitive Behavioral Therapy / methods
  • Education, Nursing, Graduate
  • Female
  • Health Care Surveys
  • Humans
  • Male
  • Needs Assessment
  • Nurse Practitioners / education*
  • Nurse Practitioners / statistics & numerical data
  • Physician Assistants / education*
  • Physician Assistants / statistics & numerical data
  • Professional Competence
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / diagnosis
  • Sleep Initiation and Maintenance Disorders / therapy*
  • Sleep Medicine Specialty / education