Not all experts have expertise. In fact, some shouldn’t even have licenses. That doesn’t stop some lawyers from hiring them. Some psychological experts are for sale.
Beware of experts with substandard credentials and their lack of expertise. It goes to their credibility and to the value of their opinions.
Here’s an example of a garbage school (never use a psychologist from this place or accept their credentials at all):
The Minnesota School of Professional Psychology (MSPP) has an interesting history that is closely tied to the development of professional psychology education in the U.S., particularly the PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) model, which emphasizes practical clinical training over research.
Founding and Early Years
• MSPP was established to provide professional psychology education with a focus on clinical practice. Like many schools of professional psychology founded in the late 20th century, MSPP was rooted in the practitioner-scholar model of training, which prioritizes preparing clinicians for applied psychology rather than research.
• Originally an independent institution, MSPP gained recognition for offering doctoral and graduate-level training in clinical psychology, particularly through its PsyD program.
Affiliation with Argosy University
• MSPP became part of Argosy University, a network of for-profit colleges owned by the Education Management Corporation (EDMC). Argosy University was created through a merger of three institutions, including the American School of Professional Psychology (ASPP).
• Within Argosy University, MSPP was one of several regional campuses offering PsyD programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). It retained a reputation for strong clinical training, producing licensed psychologists who worked in diverse professional settings.
Program Strength
• MSPP’s flagship PsyD program was designed to meet APA accreditation standards and offered comprehensive clinical training, including practicum placements and internships.
• The curriculum emphasized practical skills, multicultural competence, and evidence-based practice, preparing graduates to work in mental health, education, and healthcare settings.
• The program attracted students interested in a practitioner-focused approach to psychology, particularly in the Midwest.
Challenges and Closure
• In the late 2010s, Argosy University faced financial difficulties and increasing scrutiny over its management practices as part of the broader challenges facing for-profit educational institutions.
• MSPP, like other Argosy campuses, struggled with these issues. In 2019, Argosy University abruptly closed after losing access to federal financial aid and encountering other legal and financial obstacles.
• The closure left students and faculty scrambling to transition to other institutions. Many students were transferred to other programs, while faculty and staff faced uncertain futures.
Legacy and Impact
• Despite its closure, MSPP left a significant legacy in the field of professional psychology in Minnesota and beyond. Many of its graduates went on to become licensed psychologists, counselors, and mental health professionals.
• The PsyD model it championed continues to thrive in other schools of professional psychology, which have picked up the mantle of preparing students for careers as clinical practitioners.
Today, the closure of MSPP reflects broader systemic challenges within for-profit higher education, but its contributions to professional psychology training in Minnesota remain a notable part of its history.
