Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology
- Clinical psychology focuses on solving complex human problems.
- Clinical and counseling psychologists assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
- They integrate psychological science with the treatment of complex human problems to promote change.
Understanding Clinical Psychology
- Clinical psychology involves the study of individuals through observation or experimentation to promote change.
- It is a complex specialty area addressing a range of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
- Clinical psychology integrates the science of psychology with the prevention, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of complicated human problems.
Clinical Psychology Applied
- Expectations of clinical psychology practitioners have evolved.
- Psychologists are trained in various techniques and theoretical approaches.
- They advance the science and professional practice of psychology, and people's well-being.
- Clinical psychologists can have careers in:
- Research
- Integrated health care
- Teaching
- Program development and evaluation
- Consultation
- Public policy
- Professional practice
- Clinical psychologists work in diverse settings, not just private practices or state hospitals.
- Many work in teams with other health, public health, or social service organizations.
- Some focus on specific mental, emotional, and behavioral issues which includes:
- Short-term issues like relationship conflict or work stress.
- Serious and chronic conditions like post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction.
- Others focus on specific populations:
- Youth
- Families
- Couples
- Racial and ethnic groups
- Lesbian, gay, bisexual, and transgender individuals
- Older people
- Clinical psychologists' research and scientific knowledge applied to:
- Mental health
- Health care settings
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Courts
- The government
- The military
- Almost anywhere imaginable