Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat patients through applied psychological methods, rather than drug therapy. They work in various settings, including psychiatric hospitals and academia. Education in this field is extensive, requiring a four-year bachelor’s degree and a doctoral degree from an accredited program. Psychologists may work in private practice, specializing in specific disorders or as relationship counselors. Treatment methods vary, and success is not guaranteed, but the rewards of improving patients’ quality of life make the job fulfilling.
Clinical Psychology is one of the largest specialties in the field of mental health. Clinical psychologists work in a variety of settings and focus on diagnosing and treating patients through applied psychological methods, rather than drug therapy. Most clinical psychologists don’t have a medical degree and usually can’t prescribe medications for patients.
The demanding work of a clinical psychologist can take many forms. Some work in psychiatric hospitals, treating and observing the progress of patients with severe mental disorders who require ongoing supervision. Others specialize in conditions associated with certain age groups, tending to focus their work on children, adolescents or the elderly. These psychologists also work in academia as lecturers and researchers. Through education and research, they not only bring fresh minds to the field but can also aid in the discovery of better and more efficient treatments as well as a deeper understanding of psychological conditions.
Education in this field is extensive and can take nearly a decade to complete. In addition to a four-year bachelor’s degree, a clinical psychologist typically needs a doctoral degree from an accredited program. Nearly all psychologists hold a PhD or PhD in Psychology, also known as a PsyD. These programs must be certified by a supervisory board such as the American Psychological Association or the British Psychological Society. After the four-year degree, a prospective psychologist can spend four to six years earning their doctorate before they can practice law.
Many psychologists choose to work in private practice, focusing on a specialty of interest to them. Some may choose to specialize in specific disorders, such as schizophrenia or eating disorders, while others may work as relationship counselors, trauma therapists or addiction counselors. It is common for psychologists to initiate practices with other medical or psychological professionals in order to offer internal recommendations and build effective teams to help patients deal with multifaceted problems.
When visiting a clinical psychologist, the first few sessions will typically focus on diagnosis and observation. A psychologist may ask patients to undergo a series of mental tests that can provide insight into intelligence, personality, and behavior. Depending on the diagnosis and the psychologist’s personal preferences, treatment may begin once the initial assessment period is complete. There are a wide variety of methods for treating patients, and many modern psychologists choose to use a blend of different theories and techniques to help patients with complex problems.
Working as a clinical psychologist can be tremendously stressful, but also quite rewarding. In addition to being quite financially rewarding, being able to see patients experience an improved quality of life from treatment can be very personally rewarding. Unfortunately, not all treatments are successful and most psychologists will have clients who decline rather than improve. Despite the risks, the crucial importance of clinical work to mental health continues to be a strong attraction for ambitious students, making psychology a consistently popular major for undergraduate and graduate students.
Protect your devices with Threat Protection by NordVPN
