what is clinical psychology?
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Clinical Psychology deals with treating and researching about mental disorders. It is the area of psychology closest to psychiatry.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Clinical_psychology
I hope this helps a little more.
A clinic is a place where clients or patients receive diagnosis and treatment. So, a clinical psychiatrist is a psychiatrist involved in diagnosis and treatment of people with psychological challenges.
Compare this to the theoretical psychologist and professor of psychology, who might work in an academic setting and might never actually treat a patient.
A clinical psychologist is one who deals in the treatment of patients instead of just theorizing, writing or teaching, but without seeing patients.
They key to the definition of the term "clinical psychologist" resides in the word "clinic."
Clinical psychology is a branch of psychology that focuses on diagnosing and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Clinical psychologists utilize psychological assessment and therapeutic interventions to help individuals improve their mental health and well-being.
To understand the concept of clinical psychology, it's helpful to explore its definition. Clinical psychology can be broken down into two key terms: "clinical" and "psychology."
1. Clinical: The term "clinical" refers to the practice of applying knowledge and techniques in a medical or therapeutic setting to diagnose and treat patients. In the context of psychology, clinical practice involves working directly with individuals, couples, families, or groups to address their mental health concerns.
2. Psychology: Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. It involves examining how people think, feel, and behave, as well as understanding the factors that influence these processes. Psychologists use various research methods and theories to understand human behavior and provide evidence-based interventions.
Therefore, clinical psychology combines the study of behavior and mental processes (psychology) with the practical application of assessment and therapy (clinical) to help individuals with psychological difficulties.
To become a clinical psychologist, one typically needs to complete the following steps:
1. Earn a Bachelor's degree: Start by obtaining a Bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. This serves as a foundation for further education and training.
2. Graduate education: Pursue a graduate degree, such as a Master's or Doctoral degree, in clinical psychology or counseling psychology. These programs provide advanced coursework and supervised practical training in clinical settings.
3. Clinical training: Complete supervised clinical training, such as internships or practicums, to gain practical experience working with patients under the guidance of experienced professionals.
4. Licensure and certification: After completing the required education and training, individuals must obtain a license to practice as a clinical psychologist. Licensing requirements vary by country and state, but typically involve passing a licensure exam and fulfilling supervision requirements.
Once licensed, clinical psychologists can work in a variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, clinics, universities, research institutions, and government agencies. They employ various therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and interpersonal therapy, to assess and treat their clients' mental health concerns.