Psychology is a huge and multi-faceted field. There are many psychologists whose entire research programs involves nothing but the empirical, experimental method (but the public isn’t aware of this). And there are others, using only the experimental method, who focus on physiology and it’s role in behavior. The number of psychologists who are strictly arm-chair philosophers for a living are a small minority. Aside from the clinical field (treating patients), most psychologists adhere strictly to the scientific method.
Well stated. As a person with a PhD in this area I consider myself a scientist. I think the author should use the term “commercial mental health” rather than “psychology”. While it is true that some people providing commercial mental health services are psychologists, many have degrees in counseling, education, social work, human services, etc. Many of the figures associated with psychology, such as Freud, are not considered an important part of the discipline today, though I think it’s good for everyone to study his theory for cultural and literary reasons.