Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. Clinical psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
Clinical psychologists use a variety of techniques to assess and treat their patients, including psychological testing, counseling, and psychotherapy. They may also prescribe medication in some cases.
Most clinical psychologists work in private practices, hospitals, or clinics. Some also work in research settings or teach at colleges and universities.
Clinical psychology is a very diverse field. There are many different specialty areas within clinical psychology, such as child and adolescent psychology, geriatric psychology, forensic psychology,health psychology, and more.
If you are interested in a career in clinical psychology, you will need to complete a doctoral degree in Psychology. Many states also require licensure.
There are many different types of psychological disorders, and each one requires its own unique treatment approach. That’s why it’s so important to choose a clinical psychologist who specializes in the specific type of disorder that you or your loved one is dealing with.
If you’re not sure where to start, you can always ask your primary care doctor for a referral to a qualified clinical psychologist in your area.
From the Greek philosophers to Sigmund Freud, clinical psychology has been a part of history. It is still being revised today using science and philosophy to draw information from both. There have been psychological treatments in psychology and how to treat the human condition as a result of new scientific research. Clinical psychology differs from other psychological disciplines in several ways, but all forms of psychology assist people in persevearing through life’s difficulties while improving their quality of life.
The definition of psychology is the study of the human mind and behavior (Merriam-Webster, 2015). Psychology is further broken down into different types: Applied Psychology, Biological Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Educational Psychology, Experimental Psychology, Industrial/Organizational Psychology, Personality Psychology, Social Psychology and Sport Psychology (American Psychological Association, 2015).
Out of all these types of psychology, Clinical Psychology is the one that specifically focuses on diagnosing and treating mental disorders. Clinical psychologists use scientific methods to assess a person’s psychological state and develop treatment plans accordingly.
Clinical psychologists must have a minimum of a master’s degree in psychology but many have a doctoral degree (Doctor of Psychology or PsyD). They must also complete an internship and pass a state-licensed exam. The majority of clinical psychologists work in hospitals, mental health clinics, private practices or schools (American Psychological Association, 2015).
The main goal of clinical psychology is to reduce psychological distress and promote psychological well-being (American Psychological Association, 2015). Clinical psychologists use a variety of techniques to help their patients achieve these goals. These techniques include: individual and group psychotherapy, behavior therapy, cognitive-behavior therapy, psychoanalysis, hypnosis and family therapy.
Clinical Psychology has been around for centuries but it was not until the late 19th century that it became a formal profession. It was during this time that Psychology started to become more scientific with the introduction of new research methods and the development of new theories. The first clinical psychologist, Lightner Witmer, opened the first psychological clinic in 1896 (Fisher, 2006).
Clinical Psychology has come a long way since its humble beginnings. It is now recognized as a legitimate profession and is an integral part of the mental health field. Clinical psychologists play a vital role in diagnosing and treating mental disorders. They use a variety of techniques to help their patients achieve a better quality of life. With the continued exploration of new scientific data, clinical psychology will continue to evolve and help people cope with the challenges of life.
The ancient Greeks, like Hippocrates, Plato, and Aristotle, recognized the relationship between the mind and the body and how it influenced illness. They realized that “when spirit and soul are in charge of the body and problems that reside within the soul can lead to physical disease” (Mora 1985 as cited by Plante 2011, p.34). The Middle Ages saw mental and physical illnesses being viewed as moral faults, with insanity defined as a spiritual condition.
The Renaissance led to more scientific approaches as people began to look at the physical causes of illness and diseases. Psychology as a science began in the late 19th century. Psychology is “the scientific study of behavior and mental processes” (Plante, 2011, p.6). Clinical psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental disorders.
The first step in becoming a clinical psychologist is to obtain a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Although a master’s degree was once sufficient, most states now require clinical psychologists to have a doctorate in psychology, which generally takes four to seven years to complete (Clinical Psychology Degree, n.d.).
The American Psychological Association (APA) has accredited about 300 doctoral programs in clinical psychology in the United States (Become a Psychologist, n.d.). In order to be licensed, most states require that clinical psychologists complete an internship and pass a state-issued examination. Some states also require completion of a postdoctoral supervised professional experience (Clinical Psychology Degree, n.d.).
The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) offers certification in 12 different areas of specialty within psychology, one of which is clinical psychology (What We Do, n.d.). To be eligible for the ABPP Board Certification process, candidates must have completed their doctoral degree from an accredited program, an internship, and two years of professional experience (What We Do, n.d.). Candidates must also pass a written examination and, in some cases, an oral examination (What We Do, n.d.).
The American Psychological Association (APA) is the largest professional organization for psychologists in the United States (About APA, n.d.). The APA has over 115,700 members and represents psychologists in the United States (About APA, n.d.). The APA provides resources for Psychology students and professionals, such as publications, ethics codes, and continuing education opportunities (About APA, n.d.). Clinical psychologists can find information about careers, licensure requirements, and specialty organizations within the APA website (Careers in Psychology, n.d.).
The National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) is the “professional association for school psychologists” with over 22,000 members (About NASP, n.d., para. 1). The NASP provides resources and support for school psychologists, such as publications, advocacy efforts, and professional development opportunities (About NASP, n.d.).
The American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP) is a professional medical organization that represents over 8,500 child and adolescent psychiatrists in the United States (About AACAP, n.d.). The AACAP provides resources for professionals and families, such as publications, fact sheets, and online resources (About AACAP, n.d.).
Clinical psychologists use a variety of techniques to diagnose and treat mental disorders. These techniques include psychological testing, interviews, and observations (Plante, 2011). Clinical psychologists also use a variety of therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic therapy (Plante, 2011).
The most common problem treated by clinical psychologists is depression. Depression is “a mood disorder characterized by feelings of sadness, despair, and discouragement” (Plante, 2011, p.187). Other common problems treated by clinical psychologists include anxiety disorders, eating disorders, and substance abuse disorders (Plante, 2011).
There are several different types of mental health professionals who provide services to individuals with mental disorders. These professionals include psychiatrists, psychiatric nurses, social workers, and counselors (Plante, 2011). Clinical psychologists are one type of mental health professional who provides services to individuals with mental disorders.
Clinical psychologists have a wide range of responsibilities. They may conduct research, teach, consult, and provide direct services to clients (Plante, 2011). Clinical psychologists who conduct research may study the causes of mental disorders or the efficacy of different treatments for mental disorders. Clinical psychologists who teach may work in universities or colleges, while those who consult may work with businesses or government organizations. Clinical psychologists who provide direct services to clients may work in hospitals, private practices, or community mental health centers.
