Introduction To Clinical Psychology

Definition Of Clinical Psychology
Clinical Psychology is defined as a branch of Psychology that deals with the study and treatment of mental illness as well as diagnosis of behavioral and personality disorders.

Clinical Psychologist
A clinical psychologist is a health professional who is specialized and trained in the diagnosis and treatment of mental health problems. They usually do not prescribe medications instead use psychological techniques to treat the condition.
A clinical Psychologist must usually complete a Ph.D in clinical psychology before being able to practice. However in some states and provinces a masters degree is sufficient. In most states the professional activity of clinical psychologists is monitored by a licencing board or a professional college. In addition psychologist may also help in various clinical research projects in human behavior as well as may be involved with teaching.

Aims of a Clinical Psychologist

1. Interacts with the patients and helps them understand about their condition, and make plans in order to achieve personal and social adjustment.

2. Identifies psychological,  emotional and behavioral issues and diagnose the disorder by proper interview, tests, records and reference material.

3. Uses a variety of treatment methods that may include psychotherapy, behavior modification, stress reduction therapy , play therapy etc.

4. Counsel individuals and groups regarding problems such as stress, substance abuse, family issues, dealing with death and loss etc


5. May provide consultation to other doctors and therapists as needed for the patient.

6. Evaluates the effectiveness of counselling and treatment.

Skills and Abilities Required In the Field Of Clinical Psychology

1. Active listening and paying full attention. taking time to understand what the people are saying.

2. Asking questions whenever appropriate but not interrupting at in-appropriate times, giving patient a sense of comfort and confidence.

3. Talking to others in a way that conveys information effectively with a clarity of speech that others can understand.

4. Ability to identify complex problem and review related information to diagnose the condition and treat accordingly.

5. Critical thinking using logic and reasoning to identify the problem and providing an appropriate solution to it.

6. Active learning both for present and future problem solving and decision making.

7. The ability to come up with different ideas about a topic.

8. Good judgement and decision making ability.

Occupations For A Clinical Psychologist 
This branch of heath profession has a very bright future and a clinical psychologist after competing the studies have a wide options and careers to pursue. Some of the related occupations are mentioned here as follows:

• School Psychologist.
• Counselling Psychologist
• Neuropsychologist and clinical neuropsychologist. 
• Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors.
• Educational, guidance, School and vocational counselors
• Marriage and family Therapist
• Mental health counselors
• Healthcare social workers
• Psychology teachers .