Summary of Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology integrates human science, behavioral science, theory, and clinical knowledge with the purpose of understanding, preventing, and relieving psychologically-based distress or dysfunction. Its focus is on psychological assessment, clinical formulation, and psychotherapy. Clinical psychologists also engage in research, teaching, consultation, forensic testimony, and program development and administration.
History
The field emerged in 1896 with the opening of the first psychological clinic at the University of Pennsylvania. In its early days, it focused on psychological assessment, with treatment gaining prominence after World War II. Today, there are three main educational models in the US: PhD Clinical Science (research-focused), PhD Science-Practitioner (integrating science and practice), and PsyD Practitioner-Scholar (clinical theory and practice-focused).
Training and Certification
Clinical psychologists undergo specialized postgraduate training, including supervised clinical experience or internships. Licensing requirements vary by region, but typically involve graduating from an accredited program, completing supervised clinical training, and passing written and sometimes oral examinations.
Assessment and Diagnosis
Clinical psychologists are experts in psychological assessment, using formal testing measures, interviews, and clinical observation to evaluate psychological functioning and diagnose disorders. They do not typically diagnose, but rather provide a diagnostic impression based on symptom presentation.
Intervention
Psychotherapy is a formal relationship between a professional and a client that employs various techniques to form a therapeutic alliance, explore psychological problems, and encourage new ways of thinking, feeling, or behaving. Clinical psychologists use a wide range of therapeutic orientations, but the most common include psychodynamic, humanistic/experiential, cognitive behavioral, and systems/family therapy.
Ethics
Clinical psychology is strongly regulated by a code of ethics in most countries, guiding responsible behavior, protecting clients, and improving individuals and society. The ethical principles include beneficence, fidelity, integrity, justice, and respect for dignity.
Comparison with Other Mental Health Professions
Psychiatry: Psychiatrists are medical doctors who diagnose and treat mental disorders using a medical model approach and can prescribe psychotropic medications. Clinical psychologists focus on assessment and psychotherapy, and generally do not have prescribing privileges.
Counseling psychology: Similar to clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists provide therapy and assessment. They typically work with individuals experiencing moderate psychological problems and emphasize multiculturalism and social advocacy.
School psychology: School psychologists work with children and adolescents in educational settings, focusing on their academic, social, and emotional well-being. They provide assessment, consultation, and interventions.
Clinical social work: Clinical social workers provide psychological counseling, focusing on social problems and their solutions.
Occupational therapy: Occupational therapists use activities to address psychiatric symptoms and maximize functioning in life activities. They often work alongside clinical psychologists in mental health settings.