Clinical psychology is a primary area of specialty within the broader discipline of psychology. Clinical psychologists perform an array of tasks including “the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders” (Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, para 7, 2009). Clinical psychologists also help people deal with personal/psychical issues including addiction, obsession, phobias, sexuality, depression, and bereavement. Clinical psychologists utilize multiple forms of therapy; however the primary method of therapy is broadly considered psychotherapy, or more popularly known as the talking cure. The talking cure is an interactional counseling modality of psychotherapy and is conventionally achieved through one-on-one discussion.
Career Locations for Clinical Psychologists
Clinical psychologists find employment in a variety of settings. Some may work in hospitals while others work in universities and medical schools. Many clinical psychologists work in community health or drug rehabilitation centers and some even work in physical rehabilitation facilities with a common specialization in neuropsychology. Many clinical psychologists also work in private practice. Ultimately, a clinical psychologist can specialize in a number of fields including health psychology, geropsychology, social psychology, educational psychology and developmental psychology. Often, a clinical psychologist’s specialization helps to indicate the type of setting they work within.
The Tasks of Clinical Psychologists
Clinical psychologists utilize a range of theoretical approaches to help individuals suffering from a variety of personal issues and psychological disorders. Pertaining to the aforementioned personal/psychical dilemmas, clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and help construct therapy methods to help combat or ameliorate these negative conditions. Furthermore, clinical psychologists may also provide family or group therapy as well as design behavioral modification programs.
Clinical psychologists are not usually permitted to prescribe medication. Therefore, they often work interprofessionally with psychiatrists or medical doctors. It should be mentioned that according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (2009) only Louisiana and New Mexico allow for adequately trained clinical psychologist to prescribe medication under certain limitations.
Educational Requirements for Clinical Psychologists
It is possible to practice clinical psychology with a master’s degree in the United States. However, many facilities require that the clinical psychologist hold a doctoral degree in psychology. This doctoral degree is in the form of a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D). Generally, the Ph.D is more research oriented and the Psy.D is more practice oriented. This means that the curriculum for a Ph.D contains more research methods, development, and statistical procedures while the Psy.D consist of more behavioral assessment techniques, psychotherapeutic methods, and strategies for treating clients. Clinical psychologists must also meet certification or licensing requirements in all States.
Salaries in Clinical Psychology
The Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor (2009) groups clinical, counseling, and school psychologists together to derive a median annual wage of $64,140 with the highest 20 percent earning less than $37,900 and the highest 10 percent earning more than $106,840.
References
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2010-11 Edition, Psychologists, on the Internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm (visited January 27, 2011).
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