Overview of Clinical Psychology

Defining Clinical Psychology

• Historical Definition:

  • Originally defined as similar to medicine, education, and sociology.

  • More contemporary definition centers around study, assessment, and treatment for individuals with a DSM-5 diagnosis.

APA Division 12 Definition of Clinical Psychology

• Integration of Science and Practice:

  • Clinical Psychology integrates science, theory, and practice.

  • Aims to:

  • Understand, predict, and alleviate maladjustment, disability, and discomfort.

  • Promote human adaptation, adjustment, and personal development.

• Focus Areas:

  • Intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of human functioning.

  • Applies across the lifespan, in varying cultures, and at all socioeconomic levels.

  • Reference: APA, 2012.

Education and Training in Clinical Psychology

• Models of Training:

  1. Boulder Model (Scientist-Practitioner Model):

  • Degree: Ph.D.

  • Focus on research and practice integration.

  1. Vail Model (Practitioner-Scholar Model):

  • Degree: Psy.D.

  • Focus on practice with less emphasis on research.

  1. Clinical Scientist Model:

  • Focus on research only; typically not a practice-oriented program.

Ph.D. versus Psy.D.

• Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy):

  • Emphasizes research over practice.

  • Typically located in university departments.

  • Often provides more funding opportunities to students (tuition remission plus stipend).

  • Graduates generally score higher on licensing exams.

• Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology):

  • Emphasizes practice over research.

  • Usually found in free-standing professional schools.

  • Offers less funding to students but has higher enrollment rates.

  • Higher acceptance rates for applicants with a Master’s degree.

Getting into Graduate School in Clinical Psychology

• Key Steps for Admission:

  • Know Your Professional Options: Understand various career paths in clinical psychology.

  • Take Appropriate Undergraduate Courses: Focus on psychology and related fields.

  • Get to Know Your Professors: Build relationships for recommendations and mentorship.

  • Gain Research Experience: Participate in relevant studies or projects.

  • Acquire Clinically Relevant Experience: Volunteer or intern in mental health settings.

  • Maximize Your GRE Score: Prepare thoroughly to achieve a competitive score.

  • Select Graduate Programs Wisely: Research and choose programs aligning with your goals.

  • Write an Effective Personal Statement: Articulate your goals, experiences, and motivations.

  • Prepare for an Interview: Practice common interview questions and articulate your fit for the program.

  • Consider Long-Term Goals: Reflect on where you see yourself in the future and choose paths accordingly.

Internships: Predoctoral and Postdoctoral

• Internships are Essential for Training:

  • Predoctoral Internship:

    • Required before obtaining a doctoral degree.

  • Postdoctoral Internship:

    • Further training post-degree, often required for licensure.

• Example Program:

  • Hawai'i Psychology Internship Consortium.

Getting Licensed

• Importance of Licensure:

  • Enables independent practice and recognition as a professional.

• Requirements for Licensure:

  • Completion of appropriate graduate coursework.

  • Successfully completing a postdoctoral internship.

  • Passing licensing examinations.

  • Each state has its own specific licensing requirements.

• Continuing Education:

  • Most states require continuing education units (CEUs) to maintain licensure.

Where Do Clinical Psychologists Work?

• Work Settings Include:

  • Private practice

  • Universities

  • Psychiatric and general hospitals

  • Community mental health centers

What Do Clinical Psychologists Do?

• Primary Activities:

  • Psychotherapy is the most common activity.

  • Other professional activities include:

  • Diagnosis and assessment of mental health conditions.

  • Teaching and supervising students or interns.

  • Conducting research and writing scholarly articles.

How Are Clinical Psychologists Different From Other Professionals?

• Key Professional Differences:

  • Clinical psychologists differ from:

  • Counseling psychologists (focus more on healthy individuals and adjustment issues).

  • Psychiatrists (medical doctors who can prescribe medication).

  • Social workers (focus on social systems and support).

  • School psychologists (work in educational settings with students).

  • Licensed Professional Counselors (often focus on therapeutic techniques but may not have as extensive training).