Clinical

Medically reviewed by Dr. Andrea Cziffer Paul, MD, Andrea Brant, LMHC, and Majesty Purvis, LCMHC

Overview

Within the context of mental health, clinical psychology refers to aspects or approaches related to the diagnosis,¹ assessment, treatment, and research of psychological disorders. It implies a systematic, structured, evidence-based approach involving trained mental health professionals, such as clinical psychologists,² psychiatrists, therapists, and counselors.

While clinical psychologists may focus on a specific treatment approach, some practice “eclecticism”—a diverse system utilizing different theoretical methods to construct a personalized treatment plan for each patient. Regardless of the methodology employed, clinical psychology combines scientific and humanistic approaches to help patients.

Clinical psychologists work with individuals in many capacities beyond helping patients in an individual practice setting. For example, they may specialize in addiction treatment services, teach at a university level, conduct research, or work with social services programs.

In any capacity, clinicians are required to practice with ethical guidelines and standards to ensure the well-being and rights of patients, including, but not limited to, informed consent and culturally sensitive care.

Clinical psychology

Individuals who choose to work in clinical psychology must receive an advanced education and earn a Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) or a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy).

Ph.D. programs typically include coursework focused on assessment methods, research design, and advanced statistics. Individuals who wish to work with patients primarily in a clinical setting may receive a Psy.D., which typically includes courses on theories of psychotherapy,³ advanced psychotherapy, psychological testing, and evidence-based techniques.

Clinical psychologists working with patients in a therapeutic setting must be adept in several areas:

Assessment. Clinicians often conduct interviews and use assessment tools to gather information about a person’s symptoms, history, and functioning. The goal is to thoroughly evaluate the patient’s mental health to provide an accurate diagnosis and treatment recommendations.
Diagnosis. After an initial assessment, many clinical psychologists consult the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM-5). The manual provides clinically reviewed information on symptoms and other diagnostic criteria for mental health disorders. Using this information, clinicians may give a diagnosis and establish appropriate treatment interventions.
Evidence-based treatment. Therapeutic methods of mental health treatment are informed by empirical research and evidence of effectiveness. Clinicians may use evidence-based techniques like cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavioral therapy (DBT), and pharmaceutical interventions to address specific mental health concerns.
Therapeutic interventions. Clinicians work directly with clients to provide therapy and interventions tailored to their unique mental health needs. These interventions are designed to alleviate symptoms, improve coping skills, enhance emotional regulation, and promote overall well-being.

To become a clinical psychologist, a person typically must obtain experience by completing a fellowship working with patients for a certain number of supervised hours determined by state standards.

Candidates must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology to receive a state license and, in some states, complete a jurisprudence test covering state-specific requirements. Licensed psychologists with a Ph.D. may also receive a certification in a specific study area from the American Board of Professional Psychology.

Clinical research

Clinical research in psychology plays a vital role in advancing our understanding of mental health disorders. It provides experts with the information they need to develop new treatment methods and construct interventions that effectively help patients.

Key aspects of clinical research in psychology include:

Research design and methodology

Various research methods can help clinical psychologists obtain information. These include patient interviews, self-assessment surveys, clinical observations, and controlled research experiments. Research designs investigating psychological disorders may include experimental, cross-sectional, correlational, and longitudinal studies.

Assessment and diagnosis

Clinical researchers develop, refine, and utilize assessment tools and diagnostic criteria to evaluate psychological disorders with the purpose of understanding the nature and scope of different mental health conditions.

Etiology and risk factors

Some psychologists work to uncover the causes and risk factors of psychological disorders, including genetic, environmental, physiological, and psychological factors. This can help them find patterns and similarities between studies that may expose the factors contributing to mental health conditions. Determining these causes and risks can help provide early diagnosis and intervention strategies.

Treatment efficacy and outcome research

Evaluating and testing the efficacy of therapeutic interventions may also fall under the responsibilities of a clinical psychologist. Therapeutic methods may include different forms of psychotherapy and/or pharmaceutical treatments designed to treat various psychological disorders. Clinicians often use randomized controlled trials (RCTs) and other studies to measure the efficacy and impact of treatments on symptom reduction and recovery.

Prevention and early intervention

Some clinicians work on developing and testing programs that provide preventative strategies and early intervention methods to address mental health concerns before they become more severe.

Neurobiological and cognitive mechanisms

Some areas of clinical research involve exploring the cognitive and neurobiological components of psychological disorders. Scientists working in the area may utilize brain imaging techniques, such as functional magnetic resonance imaging (fMRIs) and electroencephalograms (EEG), to understand how specific brain structures and functions contribute to the development of mental illnesses.

Cultural and societal influences

Some clinical researchers study how cultural, societal, and other contextual factors influence the expression, perception, and treatment of psychological disorders. By exploring cultural norms, values, and experiences, clinicians may influence public policy on how we prioritize and manage mental illness as a society.

Ethics and professional standards

Ethics plays a vital role in clinical research to protect participants’ rights, safety, and well-being. When conducting studies involving human subjects, researchers are expected to understand and follow strict ethical guidelines.

Clinical research in psychology helps bridge the gap between quantifiable knowledge and practical application. It can provide valuable information about psychological disorders and treatment efficacy—ultimately benefiting those who seek mental health support as well as professional psychologists working in the field.

Clinical medicine

Clinical medicine is a dynamic field combining scientific knowledge with compassionate patient care. It promotes comprehensive patient health and improved quality of life by preventing illness, diagnosing medical conditions, and providing appropriate treatments.

As in the field of psychology, clinical medicine involves practicing in a clinical setting to assess, diagnose, and treat patients. Healthcare professionals in a clinical setting use their medical knowledge and skills to interact with patients and provide quality care.

Basic medicine and clinical medicine complement each other through their key differences:

Basic medicine covers the basic concepts and principles that form the foundation for all medical knowledge. Doctors and other medical healthcare practitioners study basic medicine to understand physiology, anatomy, biochemistry, and pharmacology. It is more academic and theoretical in nature, providing medical students with the knowledge they need to perform effectively in a clinical setting.
In clinical medicine, doctors apply their knowledge of basic medicine to work directly with patients to diagnose and treat physical illness and disease. Clinical doctors also work on disease prevention and proactive health strategies.

Facilitating patient care

Physicians, nurses, physician assistants, and other medical professionals engaged in clinical medicine interact directly with patients to conduct health assessments, diagnose conditions, and develop treatment plans.

Providing diagnosis and treatment

Medical clinicians diagnose patients’ conditions by assessing their medical history, conducting physical examinations, and facilitating diagnostic testing, such as imaging and blood tests. They use the information gathered through these and other relevant sources to formulate and implement treatment strategies.

Utilizing evidence-based materials

Clinical healthcare professionals utilize current scientific research, clinical guidelines, and the most updated medical literature to provide patients with the most effective care.

Using an interdisciplinary approach

Clinicians may collaborate with other healthcare professionals to ensure the most comprehensive patient care in potentially complex cases. For example, a patient with multiple health problems might be treated by a team consisting of physicians, nurses, dietitians, and physical therapists.

Engaging in ongoing medical education

Clinical medical professionals must engage in continuing medical education (CME) to keep their knowledge and skills current. This ensures they stay up-to-date on the latest advancements, treatment options, and best practices in their field.

Adhering to codes of ethics and professionalism

As with any school of patient care, ethics play an essential part in clinical medicine. Ethical standards and codes of conduct help ensure patient safety and professionalism during treatment.

Associated terms

Updated on June 28, 2024.

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