Chapter 1: Clinical Psychologists at Work

What do Clinical Psychologists Do?

1. Assessment

2. Treatment

3. Research

4. Teaching (supervision)

5. Consultation

6. Administration

Assessment

The process of evaluating a client's mental health through interviews, psychological tests, and observations to diagnose and inform treatment.

What is this information used for?

Fall into 1 of 3 categories: tests, interviews & observations in order to conduct a comprehensive evaluation.

Treatment

The various therapeutic approaches used by clinical psychologists to address mental health issues, including individual therapy, group therapy, and medication management.

What do treatment sessions include?

Discussion of symptoms, therapeutic techniques, progress monitoring, roleplaying, emotional expression, and goal setting.

Research

The systematic investigation of psychological phenomena, employing methodologies such as experiments, surveys, and observational studies to contribute to the understanding of mental health issues.

What is clinical research?

Clinical research involves studies aimed at understanding and improving mental health treatments, often assessing the effectiveness of therapeutic interventions or medications in clinical settings.

Is research experience one of the most important criteria for admission? Why or why not?

Yes, according to the graduate admissions criteria, research experience is very important. Clinicians should be able to critically evaluate, conduct, and apply research findings to their practice, ensuring evidence-based approaches in treatment.

Teaching

Teaching in clinical psychology refers to the process of educating students and practitioners about psychological theories, assessment methods, and therapeutic techniques to enhance their skills and understanding in the field.

Why is teaching important in clinical psychology?

Teaching is vital in clinical psychology as it ensures the dissemination of knowledge, equips future practitioners with essential skills, and fosters evidence-based practices essential for effective client care.

Consulting

Consulting in clinical psychology involves working with organizations or individuals to provide expert advice on psychological practices, assessments, and interventions, enhancing their operational effectiveness and addressing specific mental health needs.

What is consulting?

Consulting in clinical psychology entails offering expert guidance to organizations or individuals regarding psychological assessments, interventions, and practices to improve mental health outcomes and operational efficiency.

Administration

Administration in clinical psychology involves overseeing and managing mental health services, ensuring compliance with regulations, and facilitating effective operation and delivery of psychological treatments and interventions.

Where do Clinical Psychologists Work?

Clinical psychologists work in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, schools, and community health organizations, providing assessment, therapy, and support for mental health issues.

How much do Clinical Psychologist Earn?

Clinical psychologists earn varying salaries depending on factors such as location, experience, and setting of employment, generally averaging between $80,000 and $100,000 annually. Median is $74,000

Who are Clinical Psychologists?

There are more women, white, and straight doctors working in the clinical psychology field.