WHAT IS CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY?
WHAT DO CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS DO?
WHERE DO CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS WORK?
QUALIFICATIONS TO PRACTICE CLINCIAL PSYCHOLOGY
WHAT IS CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY?
The field of Clinical Psychology integrates science, theory, and
practice to understand, predict, and alleviate maladjustment,
disability, and discomfort as well as to promote human
adaptation, adjustment, and personal development. Clinical
Psychology focuses on the intellectual, emotional, biological,
psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of human
functioning across the life span, in varying cultures, and at
all socioeconomic levels.
WHAT DO CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS DO?
The Clinical Psychologist is educated and trained to generate
and integrate scientific and professional knowledge and skills
so as to further psychological science, the professional
practice of psychology, and human welfare. Clinical
Psychologists are involved in research, teaching and
supervision, program development and evaluation, consultation,
public policy, professional practice, and other activities that
promote psychological health in individuals, families, groups,
and organizations. Their work can range from prevention and
early intervention of minor problems of adjustment to dealing
with the adjustment and maladjustment of individuals whose
disturbance requires then to be institutionalized.
Practitioners of Clinical Psychology work directly with
individuals at all developmental levels (infants to older
adults), as well as groups (families, patients of similar
psychopathology, and organizations), using a wide range of
assessment and intervention methods to promote mental health and
to alleviate discomfort and maladjustment.
Researchers study the theory and practice of Clinical
Psychology, and through their publications, document the
empirical base of Clinical Psychology. Consultants, Teachers,
and Clinical Supervisors share the Clinical Psychology knowledge
base with students, other professionals, and non-professionals.
Clinical Psychologists also engage in program development,
evaluate Clinical Psychology service delivery systems, and
analyze, develop, and implement public policy on all areas
relevant to the field of Clinical Psychology. Many Clinical
Psychologists combine these activities.
Assessment in Clinical Psychology involves determining the
nature, causes, and potential effects of personal distress; of
personal, social, and work dysfunctions; and the psychological
factors associated with physical, behavioral, emotional,
nervous, and mental disorders. Examples of assessment procedures
are interviews, behavioral assessments, and the administration
and interpretation of tests of intellectual abilities,
aptitudes, personal characteristics, and other aspects of human
experience and behavior relative to disturbance.
Interventions in Clinical Psychology are directed at preventing,
treating, and correcting emotional conflicts, personality
disturbances, psychopathology, and the skill deficits underlying
human distress or dysfunction. Examples of intervention
techniques include psychotherapy, psychoanalysis, behavior
therapy, marital and family therapy, group therapy, biofeedback,
cognitive retraining and rehabilitation, social learning
approaches, and environmental consultation and design. The goal
of intervention is to promote satisfaction, adaptation, social
order, and health.
WHERE DO CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS WORK?
Clinical Psychologists work throughout the United States in a
variety of settings including individual practice, mental health
service units, managed healthcare organizations, hospitals,
schools, universities, industries, legal systems, medical
systems, counseling centers, governmental agencies, and military
services.
QUALIFICATIONS TO PRACTICE CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
An earned doctorate from a Clinical Psychology program
represents the basic entry level for the provision of Clinical
Psychology services. Unique to Clinical Psychology training is
the requirement of substantial course work in the areas of
personality and psychopathology, resulting in comprehensive
understanding of normal and abnormal adjustment and
maladjustment across the life span.
The American Psychological Association sets the standards for
Clinical Psychology graduate programs and recognizes programs
meeting these standards through an accreditation process. All
states require a license to practice Clinical Psychology.
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