Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology is a specialized branch of psychology focused on the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues and behavioral problems. Practitioners, known as clinical psychologists, are trained to provide evidence-based care to individuals of all ages, addressing a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, addiction, and childhood behavior disorders. The field has its roots in the early 20th century, credited to Lightner Witmer, who established the importance of research-based methods in psychological practice.
Clinical psychologists often collaborate with other healthcare professionals and may work in various settings, such as clinics, hospitals, and community organizations. The treatment process typically begins with a clinical assessment, which may include standardized tests and observations to inform a tailored treatment plan. The evolution of clinical psychology has seen a shift from a strong emphasis on psychotherapy to incorporating scientific research and evidence-based practices, reflecting the ongoing development of the discipline. This adaptability underscores the commitment of clinical psychologists to improve patient outcomes and enhance the overall understanding of mental health.
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Clinical Psychology
Broadly defined, clinical psychology is a specialty in the field of psychology that relates to using proven methods of treatment while working with patients. Clinical psychologists are involved in providing behavioral and mental health care, educating and training, and working in communities and various organizations and agencies. The practice of clinical psychology is based on research and serves individuals of all ages and with a wide variety of needs.
Clinical psychology professionals often differ on their approach to the field, however. Some believe it should primarily focus on scientific research. Others regard it as a provision of health services. In any case, specialization in psychology often involves a great deal of overlap with other fields. Practitioners also see their roles differently, making it difficult to define clinical psychology precisely.
History
Lightner Witmer (1867–1956) is regarded as the founder of the field of clinical psychology. In the first edition of his publication The Psychological Clinic, in 1908, he explained his methods, which he developed through his work over more than a decade. He coined the term "clinical psychology" in this publication. Witmer worked with developmentally delayed students. He performed experiments to try to understand his students' difficulties. Witmer then employed different methods to help them, evaluating the results and fine-tuning his methods until he achieved success. He steadfastly believed that applied science must be based on research. Only by relying on data can psychology professionals benefit their patients and all humankind, he said.
Throughout the early years of the twentieth century, much of the clinical aspect of psychology was concerned with assessment and treatment of individuals with learning disabilities or mental illnesses. Early practitioners of clinical psychology applied the principles of psychotherapy, also known as talk therapy, in their efforts to help clients.
When the United States entered World War I (1914–1918), the US military needed to screen soldiers to assess their mental health. Clinical psychologists developed the Army Alpha and Army Beta tests. Cadets were assessed to determine their suitability for important roles, including pilots and navigators. This focus on creating, scoring, and interpreting psychological tests greatly established the direction in which clinical psychology was developing.
Following World War II (1939–1945), the US Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) realized a need for care of a large number of veterans who had mental health issues. Many of these individuals were finding it difficult to return to civilian life after the stresses of war. The VA hospital system was overwhelmed by demand for treatment. It required many professionals, including clinical and vocational psychologists, to aid the veterans. Many of those mental health professionals were veterans themselves and earned their degrees through the Servicemen's Readjustment Act, also known as the GI Bill. In 1946 the VA established the Clinical Psychology Training Program to meet the demand for mental health care for veterans. The focus of treatment moved away from psychotherapy in an effort to provide results more quickly for these patients. Clinical psychology, with its focus on finding and applying proven methods in treatment, grew rapidly.
By the 1950s, psychology professionals were demanding greater attention to assessment and diagnosis, and in particular to measuring the effectiveness of therapy. Several decades later, the advent of managed care and stringent reimbursement requirements led to the development of short-term treatments and the evidence-based movement, which requires verification of treatment methods before they are used. A method must offer better results than no treatment, and must provide results better than or equal to other methods, before it is implemented. Research should also answer questions about which patients are most likely to benefit from a treatment, and under which conditions the psychologist can expect the best results.
Many professionals receive training in the scientist-practitioner model. This model holds to the idea that the clinical psychologist is both a scientist—gaining knowledge and information—and a practitioner—putting proven methods into practice to benefit patients. This model gained favor during the 1940s and has been widely taught and followed for decades.
During the 1970s, the practitioner-scholar model gained attention. It focuses for the most part on treating patients, with very little emphasis on conducting scientific research in the process. Near the end of the twentieth century, focus shifted to psychology's roots. The resulting clinical scientist model emphasizes research and academics over application in treatment.
Practicing Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychologists often work with patients over a long period of time. They help clients with problems such as addiction, anxiety and depression, childhood behavior disorders, neurological disorders, personal relationships, and severe mental illness. They often work in clinics, hospitals, and social service agencies, and frequently coordinate treatment with medical doctors, occupational therapists, physiotherapists, and social workers.
The first step in treating a client is usually a clinical assessment. This may involve observation and psychometric tests, including personality tests. Such tests are designed to objectively measure traits and abilities through standard practices. The results of the clinical assessment help a professional decide whether and how to proceed with a treatment plan. The professional's work with patients also can help others by adding to the body of knowledge about specific conditions and treatment results.
Bibliography
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Chaudhury, Suprakash. A Guide to Clinical Psychology: Therapies. Nova Medicine and Hleath, 2024.
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Henriques, Gregg. "The Battle for the Identity of Clinical Psychology." Psychology Today, 16 Dec. 2013, www.psychologytoday.com/intl/blog/theory-knowledge/201312/the-battle-the-identity-clinical-psychology. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.
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Munsey, Christopher. "The Veterans Who Transformed Psychology." American Psychological Association, Nov. 2010, www.apa.org/monitor/2010/11/veterans.aspx. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.
Roger, Patricia R. and Gerald Stone. "Counseling Psychology vs Clinical Psychology." Society of Counseling Psychology APA Division 17, 2024,www.div17.org/index.php?option=com‗content&view=article&id=409:counseling-psychology-vs-clinical-psychology2&catid=20:site-content. Accessed 9 Oct. 2024.
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