Week 1 - What Do Clinical Psychologists Do?

What is the role of a clinical psychologist?

A licensed provider of clinical psychology services, involved in prevention, consultation, assessment, and treatment.

List some specializations within clinical psychology.

Neuropsychology, forensic psychology, child psychology, school psychology, health psychology, sports psychology, industrial-organizational psychology.

What are common activities performed by clinical psychologists?

Psychotherapy, diagnosis and assessment, teaching, supervision, research, consultation, and administration.

What educational path is typically required to become a clinical psychologist?

Undergraduate study followed by graduate study, including a master's and a doctoral degree.

What is the significance of the GRE in becoming a clinical psychologist?

Maximizing GRE scores is suggested for selecting graduate programs wisely.

What are the main components of a master's degree in clinical psychology?

Course work, a master's thesis, and clinical practicum.

What is the difference between a PhD and a PsyD in psychology?

PhD focuses on generating new knowledge through research, while PsyD emphasizes applying scientific knowledge to deliver psychological services.

What is the Boulder Model of training in clinical psychology?

A training model that balances practice and science, emphasizing both research and applied clinical skills.

What does the Vail Model emphasize in clinical psychology training?

A focus on practice with less training in research, leading to the development of PsyD degrees.

What is the Clinical Scientist Model?

A training model that stresses the scientific side of clinical psychology, emphasizing evidence-based clinical methods.

What is a predoctoral internship?

A year of supervised clinical experience in an applied setting, considered a transition or advanced apprenticeship.

What is the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)?

A standardized multiple-choice exam on psychology topics required for licensure, with passing scores varying by state.

How do clinical psychologists differ from psychiatrists?

Psychiatrists are licensed physicians who attend medical school and can prescribe medication, while clinical psychologists focus on psychological assessment and therapy.

What distinguishes clinical psychologists from social workers?

Clinical psychologists typically have a doctoral degree and use research methods, while social workers focus on connecting individuals with social services and have a master's degree.

What is the primary focus of professional counselors?

Counseling individuals with problems of living or mild mental illness, often specializing in areas like career or school counseling.

What is the training focus of Marriage and Family Therapists (MFTs)?

Training focuses on couples, families, and individuals facing relational problems, with less emphasis on research and assessment.

What is the importance of continuing education for clinical psychologists?

It involves workshops, courses, and additional training to maintain licensure and stay updated in the field.

What is a postdoctoral internship?

An internship that may take 1 to 2 years, providing specialized training and responsibilities under supervision to gather required hours for licensure.