AP Psychology: Clinical Psychology: Disorders

Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)

Helps patients identify and change distorted thinking patterns and behaviors.

Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT)

A form of CBT focused on emotion regulation and is often used with borderline personality disorder.

Psychodynamic Therapy

Explores unconscious processes and past experiences, especially early childhood.

Humanistic Therapy

Focuses on self-growth, self-actualization, and personal responsibility (e.g., person-centered therapy).

Interpersonal Therapy (IPT)

Addresses interpersonal issues and social functioning.

Behavioral Interventions

Focuses on modifying harmful behaviors through conditioning techniques like reinforcement, exposure therapy (especially for phobias and PTSD), and skills training.

Assessment and Diagnosis

Before treatment, clinical psychologists often conduct thorough psychological assessments, including interviews, questionnaires, and standardized tests, to diagnose conditions accurately.

Psychoeducation

Educating clients and their families about mental health conditions, treatment options, coping strategies, and relapse prevention.

Crisis Intervention

Immediate and short-term help during psychological emergencies such as suicidal ideation, panic attacks, or traumatic events.

Group Therapy

Involves one or more therapists working with several people simultaneously, useful for shared experiences like addiction, grief, or anxiety.

Couples or Family Therapy

Focuses on improving communication, resolving conflict, and enhancing relationships within a family or partnership.

Referral to Psychiatry

If medication is indicated (e.g., for major depression, bipolar disorder, schizophrenia), a clinical psychologist may refer the client to a psychiatrist for pharmacological treatment.

Clinical Psychology

The branch of psychology focused on assessing and treating mental illness, emotional disturbance, and behavioral problems.

Mental Health

A person's emotional, psychological, and social well-being.

Treatment Plan

A structured outline developed by a therapist to guide therapeutic work based on assessment and diagnosis.

Exposure Therapy

Gradual exposure to feared objects or situations to reduce anxiety.

Reinforcement

A behavioral technique using rewards or consequences to shape behavior.

Skills Training

Teaching clients specific skills (e.g., social, coping, emotion regulation).

Psychological Assessment

A process of testing that uses a combination of techniques to help arrive at hypotheses about a person's behavior and mental health.

DSM-5

The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, Fifth Edition; used to classify and diagnose mental disorders.

Individual Therapy

One-on-one sessions between a therapist and client.

Family Therapy

Therapy that involves family members to improve relationships and address family dynamics.

Couples Therapy

Therapy focused on resolving issues within a romantic relationship.

Evidence-Based Practice

Clinical methods supported by scientific research.

Relapse Prevention

Strategies to help clients maintain treatment gains and prevent recurrence of symptoms.

Referral

The process of directing a client to another professional, such as a psychiatrist, for specialized care (e.g., medication).