clinical psychology

1. LECTURE 3LECTURE 3
How a ClinicalHow a Clinical
Psychologist ThinksPsychologist Thinks
Linking Science & Practice TogetherLinking Science & Practice Together

2. LECTURE 3
 Although the science and the practice of clinicalAlthough the science and the practice of clinical
psychology may sound different, they are linked by apsychology may sound different, they are linked by a
common way of thinking about people and the problemscommon way of thinking about people and the problems
they experience.they experience.
 A series of four tasks are central to how clinicalA series of four tasks are central to how clinical
psychologists think about people and problems, whetherpsychologists think about people and problems, whether
in generating research and knowledge for the field as ain generating research and knowledge for the field as a
whole or for gaining a better understanding of a givenwhole or for gaining a better understanding of a given
individual.individual.
 These tasks are:These tasks are:
a)a) Description,Description,
b)b) Explanation,Explanation,
c)c) Prediction, andPrediction, and
d)d) Change of human functioning.Change of human functioning.

3. LECTURE 3
a) Description:a) Description:
 Accurate understanding of any individual or anyAccurate understanding of any individual or any
psychological problem begins with a careful descriptionpsychological problem begins with a careful description
of the person and the contexts in which she or he lives.of the person and the contexts in which she or he lives.
 In individual cases this description includes attention toIn individual cases this description includes attention to
the nature of the person's current functioning as well asthe nature of the person's current functioning as well as
a careful documentation of his / her prior development.a careful documentation of his / her prior development.
 In the broader field of clinical psychology, this descriptionIn the broader field of clinical psychology, this description
includes the development of systems for classification orincludes the development of systems for classification or
categorization (taxonomies) of problems that arecategorization (taxonomies) of problems that are
considered the subject matter of the field, theconsidered the subject matter of the field, the
development of sound tools for the measurement ofdevelopment of sound tools for the measurement of
these problems, and documentation of the prevalence ofthese problems, and documentation of the prevalence of
these problems.these problems.

4. LECTURE 3
Brian’s Case; an exampleBrian’s Case; an example
Imagine that you are working as a clinical psychologist, andImagine that you are working as a clinical psychologist, and
an adolescent is referred to you for help. Brian is 16 yearsan adolescent is referred to you for help. Brian is 16 years
old. Approximately one year ago his parents went through aold. Approximately one year ago his parents went through a
very difficult divorce. Following his parents' divorce, Brian,very difficult divorce. Following his parents' divorce, Brian,
his mother, and younger sister moved to a new town in orderhis mother, and younger sister moved to a new town in order
for his mother to begin a new job and for the family to try tofor his mother to begin a new job and for the family to try to
"start over". Because Brian's father did not provide regular"start over". Because Brian's father did not provide regular
financial support, the family was faced with significantfinancial support, the family was faced with significant
economic difficulties as they tried to get by on his mother'seconomic difficulties as they tried to get by on his mother's
salary. Brian did not adjust well either to his parents' divorcesalary. Brian did not adjust well either to his parents' divorce
or to the move to a new school and town. He had difficultyor to the move to a new school and town. He had difficulty
making new friends at school and became progressivelymaking new friends at school and became progressively
more withdrawn and lonely. Three months before coming tomore withdrawn and lonely. Three months before coming to
see you, Brian became severely depressed and made asee you, Brian became severely depressed and made a
serious, but uncompleted, suicide attempt.serious, but uncompleted, suicide attempt.

5. LECTURE 3
 You are faced with a number of important questions in yourYou are faced with a number of important questions in your
initial meetings with him. Is there a specific pattern ofinitial meetings with him. Is there a specific pattern of
behaviors, thoughts, or feelings that characterize thebehaviors, thoughts, or feelings that characterize the
difficulties that Brian is experiencing? Are these problemsdifficulties that Brian is experiencing? Are these problems
unique to him, or are they similar to difficulties experiencedunique to him, or are they similar to difficulties experienced
by other people?by other people?
 After some initial information is obtained, the questionsAfter some initial information is obtained, the questions
should focus on Brian’s personal details including hisshould focus on Brian’s personal details including his
strengths, competencies, and motivations etc.strengths, competencies, and motivations etc.
 Answers to these questions are part of the task ofAnswers to these questions are part of the task of
developing a careful, detailed description of the scope anddeveloping a careful, detailed description of the scope and
nature of Brian's problems, his strengths and capabilities,nature of Brian's problems, his strengths and capabilities,
and the environment or context in which he lives.and the environment or context in which he lives.
 Such description places Brian's problems into a broaderSuch description places Brian's problems into a broader
context (the nature of depression during adolescence).context (the nature of depression during adolescence).

6. LECTURE 3
b) Explanation:b) Explanation:
 Description of an individual or a psychological problem is notDescription of an individual or a psychological problem is not
adequate for complete understanding of that person oradequate for complete understanding of that person or
problem.problem.
 It is imperative that clinical psychologists develop carefulIt is imperative that clinical psychologists develop careful
models to explain how or why the problem developed, eithermodels to explain how or why the problem developed, either
in an individual or in people in general.in an individual or in people in general.
 This task includes the development and testing of models ofThis task includes the development and testing of models of
etiology or cause, including but not limited to the use ofetiology or cause, including but not limited to the use of
experimental methods to test causality.experimental methods to test causality.

7. LECTURE 3
 For example, the following questions need explanation:For example, the following questions need explanation:
 Why did Brian attempt to take his life?Why did Brian attempt to take his life?
 Why has he sunk into a behavioral pattern in which he isWhy has he sunk into a behavioral pattern in which he is
overwhelmed by daily responsibilities and feels that heoverwhelmed by daily responsibilities and feels that he
has lost control over his own life?has lost control over his own life?
 These questions lead to an answer: because of hisThese questions lead to an answer: because of his
parents' divorce. But this answer again leads to moreparents' divorce. But this answer again leads to more
general questions such asgeneral questions such as
 "what are the psychological consequences of the"what are the psychological consequences of the
parental divorce and the losses and stresses that areparental divorce and the losses and stresses that are
associated with divorce?" and "what is the relationshipassociated with divorce?" and "what is the relationship
between such a loss and later depression, suicidalbetween such a loss and later depression, suicidal
ideation, or suicide attempts?"ideation, or suicide attempts?"

8. LECTURE 3
 The answers to these questions lie beyond information thatThe answers to these questions lie beyond information that
you can obtain by examining a single case such as Brian's.you can obtain by examining a single case such as Brian's.
From here, the process of research begins, that attempts toFrom here, the process of research begins, that attempts to
focus on all possible dimensions of the problem.focus on all possible dimensions of the problem.
 The clinical psychologists develop explanations ofThe clinical psychologists develop explanations of
problematic behavior using these questions as guidelines forproblematic behavior using these questions as guidelines for
research.research.
 They may explain psychological problems emphasizing theThey may explain psychological problems emphasizing the
role of biological factors, cognitive schemas and networking,role of biological factors, cognitive schemas and networking,
conditioning and learning processes, interpersonalconditioning and learning processes, interpersonal
relationships, and an integration of one or more of theserelationships, and an integration of one or more of these
factors.factors.

9. LECTURE 3
c) Prediction:c) Prediction:
 The most stringent and necessary test of any explanation isThe most stringent and necessary test of any explanation is
to see if it leads to predictions that are supported byto see if it leads to predictions that are supported by
empirical research.empirical research.
 The importance of prediction, like description andThe importance of prediction, like description and
explanation, is evident in the work of psychologists helpingexplanation, is evident in the work of psychologists helping
individuals as well as in the work of clinical researchersindividuals as well as in the work of clinical researchers
trying to understand a problem in the general population.trying to understand a problem in the general population.
 Prediction is possible only through repeated observations inPrediction is possible only through repeated observations in
which conditions are either controlled or well understood.which conditions are either controlled or well understood.

10. LECTURE 3
 In Brian’s example, it is important to predict the course of hisIn Brian’s example, it is important to predict the course of his
symptoms e.g.,symptoms e.g.,
 Is he likely to make another suicide attempt?Is he likely to make another suicide attempt?
 What factors would be useful in trying to predict subsequentWhat factors would be useful in trying to predict subsequent
suicidal thinking or attempts?suicidal thinking or attempts?
 Are his problems likely to continue? Will they remit on theirAre his problems likely to continue? Will they remit on their
own, or is psychological treatment or medication necessary?own, or is psychological treatment or medication necessary?
 Are there certain psychological treatments that are likely toAre there certain psychological treatments that are likely to
be effective in treating his depression?be effective in treating his depression?

11. LECTURE 3
 In clinical psychology research, prediction is tested inIn clinical psychology research, prediction is tested in
two ways:two ways:
 (a) longitudinal studies of the course of problems as they(a) longitudinal studies of the course of problems as they
occur in real life; andoccur in real life; and
 (b) experimental studies testing specific predictions or(b) experimental studies testing specific predictions or
hypotheses under controlled circumstances.hypotheses under controlled circumstances.
 In both methods, the goal of clinical psychologist is to tryIn both methods, the goal of clinical psychologist is to try
to identify cause-and-effect relationships regardingto identify cause-and-effect relationships regarding
important clinical problems.important clinical problems.

12. LECTURE 3
d) Change:d) Change:
 Because clinical psychology involves the application ofBecause clinical psychology involves the application of
psychological knowledge to alleviate human problems, it ispsychological knowledge to alleviate human problems, it is
not enough for clinical psychologists to describe, explain, ornot enough for clinical psychologists to describe, explain, or
predict human functioning.predict human functioning.
 Clinical psychologists must also be concerned withClinical psychologists must also be concerned with
producing change in people's lives. Specifically, clinicalproducing change in people's lives. Specifically, clinical
psychologists develop and carry out planned and controlledpsychologists develop and carry out planned and controlled
interventions for the treatment and prevention ofinterventions for the treatment and prevention of
psychopathology, for coping with and prevention of somepsychopathology, for coping with and prevention of some
forms of physical illness, and for the promotion offorms of physical illness, and for the promotion of
psychological and physiological health.psychological and physiological health.
 Facilitating change is a goal of researchers and practicingFacilitating change is a goal of researchers and practicing
clinicians alike.clinicians alike.

13. LECTURE 3
 Efforts to change people's lives must be based on researchEfforts to change people's lives must be based on research
evidence that allows the clinician to make reasonableevidence that allows the clinician to make reasonable
predictions about the effects of specific interventions.predictions about the effects of specific interventions.
 For example, it may be important to change how BrianFor example, it may be important to change how Brian
thinks about his parents, about himself, and about thethinks about his parents, about himself, and about the
reasons for his parents' divorce.reasons for his parents' divorce.
 If Brian learns to think about his parents' divorce in aIf Brian learns to think about his parents' divorce in a
different way, this new way of thinking may lead todifferent way, this new way of thinking may lead to
meaningful changes in his emotions and behaviors.meaningful changes in his emotions and behaviors.
 Alternatively, if Brian is systematically encouraged andAlternatively, if Brian is systematically encouraged and
rewarded for increasing his involvement in pleasant andrewarded for increasing his involvement in pleasant and
constructive activities involving school, sports and friends, itconstructive activities involving school, sports and friends, it
may be sufficient to alleviate his deep feelings of lossmay be sufficient to alleviate his deep feelings of loss
related to his parents' divorce.related to his parents' divorce.

14. LECTURE 3
 Clinical psychologists are concerned with developingClinical psychologists are concerned with developing
much more than a set of techniques for helping peoplemuch more than a set of techniques for helping people
change.change.
 They are committed to developing a broad set ofThey are committed to developing a broad set of
principles to understand how and why people change.principles to understand how and why people change.
 Without this type of comprehensive understanding of theWithout this type of comprehensive understanding of the
mechanisms of how people change, psychologistsmechanisms of how people change, psychologists
cannot continue to systematically improve the ways thatcannot continue to systematically improve the ways that
they can help people, and they may be unaware of waysthey can help people, and they may be unaware of ways
to generalize their current methods to different people orto generalize their current methods to different people or
problems.problems.

15. LECTURE 3LECTURE 3
To summarize,To summarize,
We can say that,We can say that,

16. LECTURE 3
 Although clinical psychologists function both asAlthough clinical psychologists function both as
scientists and as practitioners, their work in thesescientists and as practitioners, their work in these
two realms is unified by a systematic way of thinkingtwo realms is unified by a systematic way of thinking
about people and psychological problems.about people and psychological problems.
 Thus, a psychologist – whether trying to help anThus, a psychologist – whether trying to help an
individual cope with a traumatic event in his or herindividual cope with a traumatic event in his or her
life or trying to arrive at a broader understanding oflife or trying to arrive at a broader understanding of
how people in general cope with trauma – musthow people in general cope with trauma – must
engage in carefulengage in careful descriptiondescription,, explanationexplanation,,
predictionprediction, and, and changechange of the person or problem.of the person or problem.

17. LECTURE 3LECTURE 3
CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGYCLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
EMPLOYMENT SETTINGS.EMPLOYMENT SETTINGS.

18. LECTURE 3
 Clinical psychologists are found in a number of serviceClinical psychologists are found in a number of service
settings, including the following:settings, including the following:
 General Hospitals and Medical Clinics;General Hospitals and Medical Clinics;
 Mental Health Clinics and Psychiatric Hospitals;Mental Health Clinics and Psychiatric Hospitals;
Rehabilitation Hospitals and Clinics;Rehabilitation Hospitals and Clinics;
 Community Service Agencies;Community Service Agencies;
 Private Practice;Private Practice;
 Universities and Colleges;Universities and Colleges;
 Industry;Industry;
 The Military;The Military;
 Prisons and Correctional Facilities;Prisons and Correctional Facilities;
 Private and Government Research Agencies; andPrivate and Government Research Agencies; and
 Schools.Schools.

19. LECTURE 3
 Research on the employment settings of clinicalResearch on the employment settings of clinical
psychologists reveals that the most frequentpsychologists reveals that the most frequent
employment setting for clinical psychologists isemployment setting for clinical psychologists is
private practice.private practice.
 University settings are the second most commonUniversity settings are the second most common
employment sites.employment sites.
 The following table shows the differentThe following table shows the different
employment sites for clinical psychologists in theemployment sites for clinical psychologists in the
United States during year 1995.United States during year 1995.

20. LECTURE 3
Employment SiteEmployment Site Percentage in Year: 1995Percentage in Year: 1995
Psychiatric hospitalPsychiatric hospital 05 %05 %
General hospitalGeneral hospital 04 %04 %
Outpatient clinicOutpatient clinic 04 %04 %
Community mental health centerCommunity mental health center 04 %04 %
Medical schoolMedical school 09 %09 %
Private practicePrivate practice 4040 %%
University settingsUniversity settings 1919 %%
Other settingsOther settings 11 %11 %
Source: Adapted from Norcross, Karg, & Prochaska (1997a).

21. LECTURE 3
PRIVATE PRACTICE:PRIVATE PRACTICE:
 About 40% of clinical psychologists work in solo or groupAbout 40% of clinical psychologists work in solo or group
private practices.private practices.
 As a private practitioner, the clinical psychologist offersAs a private practitioner, the clinical psychologist offers
certain services to the public, as much as a dentist orcertain services to the public, as much as a dentist or
general medical doctor does.general medical doctor does.
 Office hours are established and patients (i.e. clients)Office hours are established and patients (i.e. clients)
are seen for assessment, diagnosis and psychotherapy.are seen for assessment, diagnosis and psychotherapy.

22. LECTURE 3
 Fees are charged for services rendered.Fees are charged for services rendered.
 Many psychologists are drawn to independentlyMany psychologists are drawn to independently
providing direct clinical, consultation and otherproviding direct clinical, consultation and other
professional services to their clients and enjoy beingprofessional services to their clients and enjoy being
their own boss and setting their own hours and policies.their own boss and setting their own hours and policies.
 Research supports that, private practitioners report moreResearch supports that, private practitioners report more
job satisfaction (Norcross& Prochaska, 1983; Norcross,job satisfaction (Norcross& Prochaska, 1983; Norcross,
Karg & Prochaska 1997a) and less job stress than otherKarg & Prochaska 1997a) and less job stress than other
psychologists.psychologists.

23. LECTURE 3
COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES:COLLEGES AND UNIVERSITIES:
 About 20% of clinical psychologists are employed in academicAbout 20% of clinical psychologists are employed in academic
environments (American Psychological Association , 1993a).environments (American Psychological Association , 1993a).
 Most of these psychologists work as Professors. They generallyMost of these psychologists work as Professors. They generally
teach psychology courses, supervise the clinical and or researchteach psychology courses, supervise the clinical and or research
work of psychology students and conduct both independent andwork of psychology students and conduct both independent and
collaborative research.collaborative research.
 They also typically serve on various college or universityThey also typically serve on various college or university
committees, providing leadership and assistance with the academiccommittees, providing leadership and assistance with the academic
community.community.
 Some clinical psychologists work in academic clinical settings, suchSome clinical psychologists work in academic clinical settings, such
as student counseling centers, providing direct clinical services toas student counseling centers, providing direct clinical services to
students.students.

24. LECTURE 3
HOSPITALS:HOSPITALS:
 Many clinical psychologists work in hospital settings.Many clinical psychologists work in hospital settings.
They may conduct psychological testing, provideThey may conduct psychological testing, provide
individual, family or group psychotherapy act as aindividual, family or group psychotherapy act as a
consultant to other mental health or medicalconsultant to other mental health or medical
professionals on psychiatric or general medical hospitalprofessionals on psychiatric or general medical hospital
units, and may serve in administrative roles such as unitunits, and may serve in administrative roles such as unit
chief on a psychiatric ward.chief on a psychiatric ward.
 Many states now allow psychologists to become fullMany states now allow psychologists to become full
members of the medical staff of hospitals. In California,members of the medical staff of hospitals. In California,
for example, psychologists are allowed to have fullfor example, psychologists are allowed to have full
admitting, discharge and treatment privileges whichadmitting, discharge and treatment privileges which
allow them to treat their patients when they areallow them to treat their patients when they are
hospitalized and to participate in hospital committees.hospitalized and to participate in hospital committees.

25. LECTURE 3
MEDICAL SCHOOLS:MEDICAL SCHOOLS:
 Clinical psychologists serve on the faculties of many medicalClinical psychologists serve on the faculties of many medical
schools. They typically act as “clinical faculty”, which generallyschools. They typically act as “clinical faculty”, which generally
involves several hours (i.e., two to four) per week of pro bono timeinvolves several hours (i.e., two to four) per week of pro bono time
contributed to the training of medical center trainees.contributed to the training of medical center trainees.
 These trainees might include psychiatry residents, other medicalThese trainees might include psychiatry residents, other medical
residents (e.g., pediatric residents), medical students, nursingresidents (e.g., pediatric residents), medical students, nursing
students or non medical hospital trainees such as psychologystudents or non medical hospital trainees such as psychology
interns or postdoctoral fellows ,social work interns, nursing studentsinterns or postdoctoral fellows ,social work interns, nursing students
etc.etc.
 These psychologists might conduct seminars & workshops orThese psychologists might conduct seminars & workshops or
provide individual case supervision and consultation.provide individual case supervision and consultation.
 Psychologists may also serve as academic or research faculty atPsychologists may also serve as academic or research faculty at
medical schools.medical schools.

26. LECTURE 3
OUTPATIENT CLINICS:OUTPATIENT CLINICS:
 Many psychologists work in various outpatient clinics such asMany psychologists work in various outpatient clinics such as
community mental health centers.community mental health centers.
 These psychologists often provide a range of clinical services toThese psychologists often provide a range of clinical services to
other professionals and organizations.other professionals and organizations.
 For example, these psychologists might provide psychotherapy forFor example, these psychologists might provide psychotherapy for
children who have been abused or group therapy for adultchildren who have been abused or group therapy for adult
substance abusers. They might also provide parent educationsubstance abusers. They might also provide parent education
classes.classes.
 While psychologists in these settings may conduct research, directWhile psychologists in these settings may conduct research, direct
clinical service is often the primary activity and priority of theseclinical service is often the primary activity and priority of these
settingssettings

27. LECTURE 3
BUISNESS AND INDUSTRY:BUISNESS AND INDUSTRY:
 Many clinical psychologists working in business and industryMany clinical psychologists working in business and industry
settings offer consultation services to management, assessmentsettings offer consultation services to management, assessment
and brief psychotherapy to employees, and conduct research onand brief psychotherapy to employees, and conduct research on
various psychosocial issues important to company functioning andvarious psychosocial issues important to company functioning and
performance.performance.
 For example, these psychologists mightFor example, these psychologists might consult with the human
resource department, provide stress management workshops, orprovide stress management workshops, or
conduct interpersonal skills building workshops.conduct interpersonal skills building workshops.
 Psychologists might help managers learn to improve their ability toPsychologists might help managers learn to improve their ability to
motivate and supervise their employees.motivate and supervise their employees.
 They may assist in developing strategies for interviewing and hiringThey may assist in developing strategies for interviewing and hiring
job applicants.job applicants.

28. LECTURE 3
MILITARY:MILITARY:
 Many clinical psychologists are employed by one of theMany clinical psychologists are employed by one of the
branches of the military such as the Navy, Air Force, orbranches of the military such as the Navy, Air Force, or
Army. They often provide direct clinical services.Army. They often provide direct clinical services.
 Some conduct research while others act asSome conduct research while others act as
administrators in military hospitals and clinics.administrators in military hospitals and clinics.
 Other psychologists are civilians working in military
hospitals.
 Typically psychologists working in the military hold anTypically psychologists working in the military hold an
officer rank such as captain.officer rank such as captain.

29. LECTURE 3
FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST (PRISONFORENSIC PSYCHOLOGIST (PRISON
AND PROBATION SERVICES):AND PROBATION SERVICES):
 Forensic psychology is concerned with the behavior of individualsForensic psychology is concerned with the behavior of individuals
within the judicial and penal systems, such as offenders, victims,within the judicial and penal systems, such as offenders, victims,
witnesses, judges, juries, prisoners and prison staff.witnesses, judges, juries, prisoners and prison staff.
 Much of the work of a clinical forensic psychologist focuses onMuch of the work of a clinical forensic psychologist focuses on
therapy in correctional settings where specific activities include:therapy in correctional settings where specific activities include:
 a) Carrying out one-to-one assessments - often to assess the riska) Carrying out one-to-one assessments - often to assess the risk
of re-offending) or to assess the risk of suicide or self-injury;of re-offending) or to assess the risk of suicide or self-injury;
 b) Developing and evaluating the contribution of assessmentb) Developing and evaluating the contribution of assessment
techniques such as psychometrics;techniques such as psychometrics;

30. LECTURE 3
 c) Undertaking research projects to evaluate the contribution ofc) Undertaking research projects to evaluate the contribution of
specific service elements, policy initiatives or group programspecific service elements, policy initiatives or group program
developments, e.g. exploring probation 'drop-out' rates or evaluatingdevelopments, e.g. exploring probation 'drop-out' rates or evaluating
a group program;a group program;
 d) Participating in the delivery of, or acting as coordinatingd) Participating in the delivery of, or acting as coordinating
'Treatment Manager' for, nationally recognized cognitive-behavioral'Treatment Manager' for, nationally recognized cognitive-behavioral
group programs, e.g. Enhanced Thinking Skills or Sex Offendergroup programs, e.g. Enhanced Thinking Skills or Sex Offender
Treatment Program;Treatment Program;
 e) Overseeing the training of prison/probation service staff.e) Overseeing the training of prison/probation service staff.
 f) Dedicating time to the preparation of court reports.f) Dedicating time to the preparation of court reports.

31. LECTURE 3
OTHER LOCATIONS:OTHER LOCATIONS:
 This category includesThis category includes
 Professional schoolsProfessional schools
 Correctional facilitiesCorrectional facilities
 Managed care organizationsManaged care organizations
 Nursing homesNursing homes
 Child and family servicesChild and family services
 Rehabilitation centersRehabilitation centers
 School systemsSchool systems
 Health maintenance organizations, and so on.Health maintenance organizations, and so on.

32. LECTURE 3LECTURE 3
Pros and Cons of a CareerPros and Cons of a Career
in Clinical Psychologyin Clinical Psychology

33. LECTURE 3
Some key points to consider in support of Clinical psychology:Some key points to consider in support of Clinical psychology:
 Personal FulfillmentPersonal Fulfillment Working with and helping clients can bring aWorking with and helping clients can bring a
great deal of personal satisfaction.great deal of personal satisfaction.
 Making a DifferenceMaking a Difference Unique feelings come when you see a clientUnique feelings come when you see a client
make changes in their lives because you have helped them.make changes in their lives because you have helped them.
 Being Your Own BossBeing Your Own Boss In private practice, clinical and counselingIn private practice, clinical and counseling
psychologists are often their own bosses and set their own hours.psychologists are often their own bosses and set their own hours.
 Changing EnvironmentChanging Environment Each client provides different andEach client provides different and
interesting information about themselves; therefore, the psychologistinteresting information about themselves; therefore, the psychologist
is rarely bored from doing routine work.is rarely bored from doing routine work.
 Learning ExperienceLearning Experience Clients' diagnoses and therapeutic plansClients' diagnoses and therapeutic plans
tend to be at least somewhat unique, providing ongoing learningtend to be at least somewhat unique, providing ongoing learning
opportunities.opportunities.

34. LECTURE 3
Some cautionsSome cautions
 The education and training is very demandingThe education and training is very demanding
and prolonged.and prolonged.
 There are cases when treatment may produceThere are cases when treatment may produce
little or no improvement in the client’s condition.little or no improvement in the client’s condition.
 Paperwork associated with each client requiresPaperwork associated with each client requires
enormous care. Health insurance companiesenormous care. Health insurance companies
alone require a lot of detailed documentationalone require a lot of detailed documentation
about clients.about clients.

35. LECTURE 3LECTURE 3
ConclusionConclusion
Clinical psychologists are unique from otherClinical psychologists are unique from other
mental health professionals in their providedmental health professionals in their provided
services, service settings, populations seen,services, service settings, populations seen,
and knowledge base.and knowledge base.

36. LECTURE 3
 Populations SeenPopulations Seen
Clinical psychologists work with a broad range of populations,Clinical psychologists work with a broad range of populations,
including the following: individuals (infants, children, adolescents,including the following: individuals (infants, children, adolescents,
adults, and the elderly); couples (regardless of genderadults, and the elderly); couples (regardless of gender
composition); families (traditional, multi- generational, and blendedcomposition); families (traditional, multi- generational, and blended
families); groups; organizations; and systems.families); groups; organizations; and systems.
 Service SettingsService Settings
Clinical psychologists are found in a number of service settings,Clinical psychologists are found in a number of service settings,
including the following: General Hospitals and Medical Clinics;including the following: General Hospitals and Medical Clinics;
Mental Health Clinics and Psychiatric Hospitals; RehabilitationMental Health Clinics and Psychiatric Hospitals; Rehabilitation
Hospitals and Clinics; Community Service Agencies; PrivateHospitals and Clinics; Community Service Agencies; Private
Practice; Universities and Colleges; Industry; the Military; PrisonsPractice; Universities and Colleges; Industry; the Military; Prisons
and Correctional Facilities; Private and Government Researchand Correctional Facilities; Private and Government Research
Agencies; and Schools.Agencies; and Schools.

37. LECTURE 3
 Services ProvidedServices Provided
The typical services provided by clinical psychologists include:The typical services provided by clinical psychologists include:
assessment and measurement; diagnosis; treatment;assessment and measurement; diagnosis; treatment;
consultation: teaching and supervision; policy planning; research;consultation: teaching and supervision; policy planning; research;
program evaluation; and, administration.program evaluation; and, administration.
 Knowledge BaseKnowledge Base
The knowledge base within clinical psychology is so broad that noThe knowledge base within clinical psychology is so broad that no
individual clinical psychologist can become competent in all areasindividual clinical psychologist can become competent in all areas
of clinical psychology. Therefore, clinical psychologists mustof clinical psychology. Therefore, clinical psychologists must
function within the specific limits of their competence (i.e.,function within the specific limits of their competence (i.e.,
knowledge and expertise), and are expected to clearlyknowledge and expertise), and are expected to clearly
acknowledge the limitations of their scope of practice. Clinicalacknowledge the limitations of their scope of practice. Clinical
psychologists are responsible for referring to others (either withinpsychologists are responsible for referring to others (either within
or outside the area of clinical psychology) when they are facedor outside the area of clinical psychology) when they are faced
with a task outside of the limits of their knowledge and skill.with a task outside of the limits of their knowledge and skill.

38. LECTURE 3LECTURE 3
THE ENDTHE END