MENTAL HEALTH TODAY: A QUICK LOOK OF THE PICTURE:PARA-PROFESSIONALS

THE SKILLS & ACTIVITIES OF A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST:THE INTERNSHIP >>

Clinical Psychology (PSY401)

LESSON 01

MENTAL HEALTH TODAY: A QUICK LOOK OF THE PICTURE!!

A recent national study of psychiatric disorders in America found that,

Approximately 30% of adults or 70 million people were diagnosed with at least one psychiatric

disorder.

10 million people are suffering with mood disorder and major depression

15 million people with Anxiety disorders.

1 million people with schizophrenic disorder.

500,000 people with eating disorder and most of them are women.

Clinical psychologists are on the front line in the treatment of these mental health problems.

WHAT IS CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY?

Clinical psychology is an exciting and growing field that encompasses both research and practice related

to psychopathology and to mental and physical health. Understanding, treating and preventing mental

health problems and their associate effect is the business of clinical psychology.

Clinical psychologists play a central role in the assessment, diagnosis, treatment and prevention of

mental health problems.

Through the use of psychological tests, interviews, observations of behavior, various forms of

psychological treatment (e.g. cognitive behavioral therapy, interpersonal psychotherapy, marital and

family therapy) clinical psychologists are on the front line in the treatment of mental health problems.

They are increasingly involved in the treatment of behavioral and psychological factors that are related

to physical diseases, including cancer, heart disease, diabetes, asthma and chronic pain etc.

They are also involved in the delivery of programs to prevent mental health problems and to promote

positive mental and physical health.

As a result, clinical psychologists engage in work in which the stakes are high and the opportunities are

great to bring meaningful changes in the lives of others.

The word "Clinical", derived from the Latin and Greek words for Bed, suggests the treatment of

individuals who are ill. But clinical psychology has come to mean a broader area than just mental illness

of individuals. Among the ultimate aims of clinical psychology are the psychological well-being and

beneficial behavior of persons; therefore, it focuses on internal psychobiological conditions and on

external social and physical environments within which individuals function.

Clinical psychology is the largest single specialty within psychology that deals with principles and skills

applied outside the laboratory, it is by no means all of applied psychology, which includes industrial,

educational, organizational, military and several other specialties.

DEFINITION OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

In a recent attempt to define and describe clinical psychology, J.H. Resnick (1991) has proposed the

following definition and description of clinical psychology:

"The field of clinical psychology involves research, teaching, and services relevant to the applications of

principles, methods and procedures for understanding, predicting and alleviating intellectual, emotional,

Clinical Psychology (PSY401)

biological, psychological, social and behavioral maladjustment, disability and discomfort, applied to a

wide range of client population".

OTHER DEFINITIONS OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

Clinical Psychology is a branch of psychology devoted to the study, diagnosis, and treatment of people

with mental illnesses and other psychological disorders.

Clinical psychology is the scientific study, diagnosis, and treatment of people who have psychological

problems adjusting to themselves and the environment. Clinical psychologists deal with both normal

and abnormal behaviors. They administer and interpret psychological tests, and assist in the

diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders. They also study the structure and development of

personality.

Clinical psychology is a broad field of practice and research within the discipline of psychology, which

applies psychological principles to the assessment, prevention, amelioration, and rehabilitation of

psychological distress, disability, dysfunctional behaviors, and health-risk behaviors, and to the

enhancement of psychological and physical well-being.

Clinical psychology includes both scientific research, focusing on the search for general principles, and

clinical service, focusing on the study and care of clients, and information gathered from each of these

activities influences practice and research.

Clinical psychology is a broad approach to human problems (both individual and interpersonal)

consisting of assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, program development, administration, and

research with regard to numerous populations, including children, adolescents, adults, the elderly,

families, groups, and disadvantaged persons.

Clinical psychology focuses on the assessment, treatment, and understanding of psychological and

behavioral problems and disorders. In fact, clinical psychology focuses its efforts on the ways in which

the human psyche interacts with physical, emotional, and social aspects of health and dysfunction.

According to the American Psychological Association, clinical psychology attempts to use the

principles of psychology to better understand, predict, and alleviate "intellectual, emotional,

psychological, and behavioral disability and discomfort" (American Psychological Association, 1981).

Clinical psychology is "the aspect of psychological science and practice concerned with the analysis,

treatment, and prevention of human psychological disabilities and with the enhancing of personal

adjustment and effectiveness" (Rodnick, 1985).

Thus, clinical psychology uses what is known about the principles of human behavior to help people

with the numerous troubles and concerns they experience during the course of life in their relationships,

emotions, and physical selves. For example, a clinical psychologist might evaluate a child using

intellectual and educational tests to determine if the child has a learning disability or an attentional

problem that might contribute to poor school performance. Another example includes a psychologist

who treats an adult experiencing severe depression following a recent divorce. People experiencing

alcohol addiction, hallucinations, compulsive eating, sexual dysfunctions, physical abuse, suicidal

impulses, and head injuries are a few of the many problem areas that are of interest to clinical

psychologists.

To summarize,

Clinical psychology is a broad approach to human problems (both individual and interpersonal)

consisting of assessment, diagnosis, consultation, treatment, program development, administration, and

Clinical Psychology (PSY401)

research with regard to numerous populations, including children, adolescents, adults, the elderly,

families, groups etc.

Clinical psychologists work with a broad range of populations, including the following: individuals

(infants, children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly); couples (regardless of gender composition);

families (traditional, multi- generational, and blended families); groups; organizations; and systems.

MENTAL HEALTH PROFESSIONS THAT ARE CLOSELY RELATED TO CLINICAL

PSYCHOLOGY

Many people are unaware of the similarities and differences between clinical psychology and related

fields, e.g. a popular question is, what is the difference between a psychologist and a psychiatrist, or

between a clinical psychologist and a counseling psychologist.. Since almost all of the mental health

disciplines share certain activities such as conducting psychotherapy, understanding differences between

these fields can be very challenging.

Before we examine the nature of activities that are done by clinical psychologists, let us briefly review

some of the other major professions in the mental health field.

Major professions in the mental health field other than Clinical Psychology include the following:

1. PSYCHIATRISTS

2. COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGISTS

3. PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKERS

4. REHABILITATION PSYCHOLOGISTS

5. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS

6. HEALTH PSYCHOLOGISTS

7. PSYCHIATRIC NURSES

8. PARAPROFESSIONALS

1. THE PSYCHIATRISTS

The psychiatrics are physicians. Psychiatry is rooted in the medical tradition and exists within the

framework of organized medicine. Because of the medical training, they may prescribe medications,

treat physical ailments and give physical examination.

In addition to their concentration on psychotherapy and psychiatric diagnosis, they make extensive use

of a variety of medications in treating their patients' psychological difficulties. Furthermore, their

medical training makes them potentially better able to recognize medical problems that may be

contributing to the patient's psychological distress.

EDUCATION &TRAINING OF A PSYCHIATRIST

Specific training in psychiatry begins only after a physician receive his/her MBBS or MD degree and

takes the 4 years residency training in psychiatry with further specialized training following the

completion of residency.

DIFFERENCE BETWEEN A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST AND PSYCHIATRIST

Before receiving psychiatric training, a psychiatrist complete four years of the medical degree and the

general medical internship. In contrast to psychiatrists, a clinical psychologist typically receives no

training in medicine, receives more extensive training in human behavior and formal assessment of

psychological functioning and receives extensive training in scientific research methods.

Clinical Psychology (PSY401)

Psychiatrists often come from an authoritarian tradition. The psychiatrist is an expert who tells patients

what is wrong with them and then may prescribe medication to make things right. In contrast, clinical

psychologist frequently emphasizes to troubled clients their autonomy and the necessity that they, as

clients, collaborate with the therapist in the change process.

Usually psychiatrists give emphasis on the use of medication in the treatment of problems. In contrast,

clinical psychologist stress that client must learn to come to grips psychologically with their problems in

living. Traditionally, clinical psychologists have been committed to the power of words (the talking

cure) and to the process of thought and social learning. They do not subscribe to the credo of "better

living through chemistry" when applied to psychological problems.

2. COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGIST

The activities of counseling psychologists overlap with those of clinical psychologist. Although both

fields generally differ in philosophy, training, emphasis, and curriculum, but counseling psychology is

perhaps the most similar to clinical psychology in actual practice.

Like clinical psychologist, counseling psychologists generally major in psychology as undergraduates,

attend a four-year graduate training program, one-year clinical internship and complete postdoctoral

training prior to obtaining their license as a psychologist.

Their principle method of assessment is usually the interview but they also do testing. Historically they

have a great deal of educational and occupational counseling. More recently, many have begin to

employ cognitive- behavioral techniques and even biofeedback

HOW CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY DIFFERS FROM COUNSELING PSYCHOLOGY

The field of clinical psychology is much larger in terms of the number of doctoral- level professionals as

well as the number of accredited doctoral training programs. There are approximately three times as

many accredited doctoral program, producing four times as many graduates in clinical rather than in

counseling, whereas counseling psychology is less large in the number of doctoral level professions and

training programs.

Clinical psychologist deals with all kinds of patients (mild, moderate or severe). They are less likely to

specialize in career assessment, while counseling psychologist are more likely to provide services for

mildly disturbed. They are more likely to specialize in career or vocational assessment.

Clinical psychologists concentrate primarily on the treatment of severe emotional disorder. They treat

their patients through psychotherapies and their most emphasis is on past, while counselors work with

Persons, groups, families and systems who are experiencing situational,(mild to moderate) adjustment,

and/or vocational problems. They focus more on education & changing the cognition of their client.

Clinical psychologists usually employ long-term sessions, while short term sessions are used by

counseling psychologists (approximately 6-7 minimum and 14-15 maximum).

3. PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKERS

A psychiatric social worker receives a degree of Master of Social Work after two years of graduate

training.

Psychiatric social workers typically conduct psychotherapy on an individual or group basis. They tend

to deal with the social forces that are contributing to the patient's difficulties. They take the case history,

interview employers and relatives, and make arrangements for vocational placement of patients.

HOW PSYCHIATRIC SOCIAL WORKER DIFFERS FROM A CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGIST

Clinical Psychology (PSY401)

Compared to the training of clinical psychologist, a psychiatric social worker's training is rather brief.

The responsibilities of a psychiatric social worker are not as vast as those of clinical psychologists.

In contrast to clinical psychologists, who provide services at clinic or hospital, psychiatric social

workers are more likely to visit the home, factory or the street -- the places where the patient spend the

bulk of their lives.

4. REHABILITATION PSYCHOLOGISTS

Rehabilitation psychologists focus on people who are physically or cognitively disabled. The disability

may result from a birth defect or later illness or injury. Rehabilitation psychologists help individuals

adjust to their disabilities and the physical, psychological, social, and environmental barriers that often

accompany them. Their most frequent places of employment are in rehabilitation institutes and

hospitals.

5. SCHOOL PSYCHOLOGISTS

They work with school educators and others to promote the intellectual, social and emotional growth of

school children. Their work is important as they deal with a new generation.

At times they have to develop programs for children who may have special needs. They also assess

these children and help them based on what their needs are.

6. HEALTH PSYCHOLOGISTS

Health psychologists through their research or practice, contribute to the promotion and maintenance of

good health.

They are also involved in the prevention and treatment of illness.

They may design, execute, and study programs to help people stop things like smoking, manage stress,

lose weight or stay fit. Health psychologists also work in medical centers, and they also work as

consultants for business and industry.

7. PSYCHIATRIC NURSES

Psychiatric nurses receive their basic training in nursing as part of two-year program to be a registered

nurse.

Because psychiatric nurses spend many hours in close contact with patients, they are not only in a

position to provide information about patients' hospital adjustment, but they can also play a crucial and

sensitive role in fostering an appropriate therapeutic environment.

They work in close collaboration with the psychiatrists or clinical psychologists, and they (along with

those they supervise - attendants, nurse's aides, volunteers, and so on) implement therapeutic

recommendations.

They, cannot conduct psychotherapeutic sessions by themselves, but provide help to professionals.

PARA-PROFESSIONALS

People who are trained to assist professional mental health workers are called Paraprofessionals.

They, just like psychiatric nurses, cannot conduct psychotherapeutic sessions by themselves, but provide

help to professionals.

Clinical Psychology (PSY401)

UNIQUE FEATURES OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

HOW DOES CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY DIFFER FROM OTHER BRANCHES OF

PSYCHOLOGY?

Although clinical psychology is tied to the rest of psychology through scientific research, clinical

psychology is, at the same time, different from other areas of psychology.

Clinical psychology is unique specifically in its commitment to the use of psychological research to

enhance the well being of individuals.

The different areas besides clinical psychology are school psychology, cognitive psychology,

developmental psychology, experimental psychology, social psychology, personality psychology,

industrial or organizational psychology, physiological psychology and so on.

Unlike clinical psychologist they are not mandated to complete an internship or postdoctoral fellowship.

They have different areas of expertise and skills but generally do not assess or treat patients

experiencing emotional, behavioral, interpersonal or other clinical problems. In contrast clinical

psychologists deal with all these problems.

They are not considered mental health professionals as clinical psychologists are, and may not even be

interested in human behavior, e.g. an experimental psychologist might conduct research on the memory

functioning of cats. A social psychologist might be interested in the social functioning of groups of

primates. A physiological psychologist might be interested in how organisms such as snail learn new

behavior. In contrast clinical psychologists deal with human behavior.

These psychologists might be interested in human behavior but not in abnormal or clinical problems.

With the exception of industrial organizational psychology, these psychologists do not obtain a license

to practice psychologically and therefore do not treat clinical patients.

CONCLUSION

Clinical psychology is a broad field of practice and research within the discipline of psychology, which

applies psychological principles to the assessment, prevention, amelioration, and rehabilitation of

psychological distress, disability, dysfunctional behavior, and health-risk behavior, and to the

enhancement of psychological and physical well-being.

In short, clinical psychology is a branch of psychology concerned with the practical application of

research findings and research methodology in the fields of mental and physical health.

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