What is Clinical Psychology?

As one of the highest prevalent majors in the field of psychology, clinical psychology’s main purpose is assessing and comprehending behavioral and psychological disorders and issues, in order to also develop and implement treatment. Clinical psychology is able to implement treatment by using scientific methods and analyzing how “the human psyche interacts with physical, emotional, and social aspects of health and dysfunction" (Plante, 2010). According to Plante, clinical psychology applies the effectiveness of psychology philosophies to reach comprehension, prediction, and improvement or ease to any emotional, biological, psychological or any behavior issue or dysfunction. To get a better idea of what clinical psychology does or is; as a clinical psychologist, you can provide counseling services using a variety of techniques. A clinical psychologist is handy in hospitals, schools, counseling centers, and more. The services that you may offer as a clinical psychologist can include and is it is not limited to, treating individuals that suffer from chronic illnesses such as obesity or diabetes. You can also treat individuals who suffer from psychological disorders, such as depression, anxiety, and even schizophrenia. This is some of the few ways to apply clinical psychology to a career path, but there are hundreds more.

History and Evolving Nature

In the U.S, clinical psychology did not appear as an occupation until the 1890s with most of the research originating from psychologists whose patients were in mental asylums (Benjamin, 2005). However, in order for clinical psychology to emerge, psychology as a field had to be established first. During the year 1860, Theodor Fechner printed and published an article that would begin that movement, “The Elements of Psychophysics.” In the meantime, Wilhelm Wundt was also creating his movement in the field when he printed and published the “Principles of Physiological Psychology” in 1874. Both publications were the beginning of the field psychology by educating its readers on how to use practices of physiology and physics to solve psychological dilemmas. (Plante, 2010) Although in Germany in 1879, Wundt was also the first to develop an actual laboratory of psychology where laboratory studies were conducted to understand sensation, perception, and human reaction. Fast-forward and as a branch of psychology, clinical psychology was established from philosophy. With a blending of a variety of innovators in the field and their theories, such as Sigmund Freud and his notions of the human mind and behavior. According to Plante, in 1896 is when finally, clinical psychology was solidly established as a branch of psychology with the inauguration of the psychological clinic at the University of Pennsylvania by Lightner Witmer.

A union of features consequently led to the establishment of the field of psychology as a self-governing discipline and science (Platen, 2010). Away, although not entirely, from “philosophy, medicine, and theology"(Platen, 2010). The evolution is visible in regards to the biopsychosocial outlook. Undoubtedly, there was an evolution in Western assessment and understanding behavior. The integration of more scientific methods and the appearance of psychoanalytic discerning, as well as the interest in behavioral differences between individuals or groups. All of these little steps of evolution led to “the science and practice of psychology" (Platen, 2010) and its many branches, such as clinical psychology. Regardless of the difficulty of coming into an agreement with The American Psychological Association (APA), because at first, APA had completely ignored clinical psychology and its clinicians, clinical psychology was able to prevail and thrive. APA had no notice in clinical psychology, APA was fully focused on scientific research stirring in the academic field and not in clinical applications (Plante, 2010). Nevertheless, clinicians left APA and formed the American Association of Clinical Psychologists (AACP) in 1917 (Plante, 2010). The brief absence in APA did not last; an agreement came into play in 1919 to rejoin forces with APA (Plante, 2010). Another cause for evolution in the history of clinical psychology was the influence of great fathers and founders of psychology such as the controversial and amazing, Sigmund Freud. Freud’s theories and notions may have influenced the course of clinical psychology. Although some may disagree with his theories, most would argue that Freud’s work led to the development of others in the areas of the human mind and behavior. This influence and evolution could be deduced from the fact that initially, clinical psychologists involved mainly psychological and intellectual testing in their work. They also implemented psychotherapy to treat mental illness. During this time, psychotherapy was based on “Freud’s psychoanalytic principles and techniques" (Plante, 2010). Unfortunately, in the U.S. psychiatrists alleged that only physicians were effective to provide psychotherapy, prohibiting clinical psychologists from performing psychotherapy services. During the 1980s an important lawsuit took place, and psychologists gained the right to be admitted as members of American psychoanalytic institutes, allowing them to conduct psychoanalysis. Clinical psychologists progressively provided consultation.“Consultation, as well as treatment evolved naturally from the testing process" (Platen, 2010). Clinical psychology is an ever-evolving branch because it focuses on assessing and treating behavioral and psychological issues by the use of scientific methods. Consequently, clinical psychology frequently performs studies and research, applying scientific methods to enhance comprehensions, assessments, and treatments and as a result, the natural evolution of the process.

The Role of Research and Statistics in Clinical Psychology

In the beginning, psychologists were involved in the advancement and use of mental assessments. Which led to the combination of clinical psychology’s groundwork in studies and research. Research and Statistics allow clinical psychology to induce rational and precise inferences from the information composed in order to determine the best possible decisions in regards to behavior and treatment of psychological disorders and issues (Plante, 2011). Clinical psychology is research and therefore it is fundamental to apply statistics as a scientific method to ensure accuracy and sound decisions or solutions.

Clinical Psychology vs. Other Professions

The field of psychology and its branches are so broad, and among them, countless differences occur. There are many dissimilarities among clinical psychology and other professions in the field, such as social work, psychiatry, and school psychology. For example, in social work, education is not as strenuous as the education required for clinical psychologists. Social workers do not have to perform extensive research that requires the use of testing tools such as the ones used for clinical psychology (Plante, 2010). Another example would be psychiatry. Although it is considered to have similarities to clinical psychology, such as in interest as far as mental illness, psychiatry has differences too. Psychiatry is one of the leading mental health professions. Psychiatrists education is extensive because they are physicians (Planet, 2010). Psychiatrist, unlike clinical psychologists, are able to prescribe medication, treat physical illnesses, and may use tools such as electroconvulsive therapy and other biological interventions (Platen,2010). When comparing clinical psychology to school psychology, school psychologists do not require extensive education. A Masters in psychology will do, while clinical psychologists may choose to obtain a Ph.D. if they want to excel in their careers. In addition, school psychologists work in the areas of elementary schools and are involved in special education. Clinical psychologists on the other hand, their place of employment is quite diverse such as performing research studies for the clinical field or in the education field, teaching.

Clinical psychology is a multifaceted field that focuses on assessing and treating behavioral and psychological issues. Clinical psychology’s history has resulted from the influence of many innovators in the field of psychology, and it continues to thrive parallel to its evolving nature. Clinical psychology research and statistics go hand in hand in order to determine the best possible decisions in regards to behavior and treatment of psychological disorders and issues. Many professions in the psychology field are similar to clinical psychology, but there are noted differences that exist in the areas of theory, medical intervention and education requirements.

References

Benjamin, L. T. (2005). A history of clinical psychology as a profession in America (and a glimpse at its future). Annual Review of Clinical Psychology, 1(1), 1-30. doi:10.1146/annurev.clinpsy.1.102803.143758

Plante, T.G. (2010). Contemporary Clinical Psychology (3rd ed.). Hoboken, NJ: John Wiley & Sons, Inc.

The American Psychological Association. (2017). Clinical Psychology. Retrieved from http://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/clinical.aspx#