Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychology is the psychological specialty that provides continuing and comprehensive mental and behavioural health care for a wide range of mental and behavioural health problems.
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychology is the psychological specialty that provides continuing and comprehensive mental and behavioural health care for a wide range of mental and behavioural health problems.
It is the branch of psychology concerned with the treatment of mental illness, abnormal behaviour, and psychiatric problems. Clinical psychologist is an expert who has received extensive training in the psychological diagnosis and treatment of various mental, behavioural, and emotional problems.
They have in-depth understanding of mental illness and how to diagnose and treat it. Clinical psychologist also works with individuals with normal life issues that seem to cause stress, anxiety and depression Clinical psychologists do not prescribe medications to treat mental illness.
Rather, they use psychological techniques, such as cognitive-behavioural therapy (CBT), Behaviour therapy, play therapy etc. Clinical psychologists offer direct counselling services, tailoring their therapeutic methods to the needs of each individual client.
They may specialize in certain areas, such as anxiety or mood disorders, school psychology and learning disabilities, or with a specific age group. They may work in healthcare facilities, hospitals, schools, and clinics.
Who is a clinical psychologist?
In India, Clinical psychologist is a person having a recognised qualification in Clinical Psychology from an institution approved and recognised, by the Rehabilitation Council of India or having a Post-Graduate degree in Psychology or Clinical Psychology or Applied Psychology and a Master of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology or Medical and Social Psychology obtained after completion of a full time course of two years which includes supervised clinical training from any University recognised by the University Grants Commission and recognised by the Rehabilitation Council of India.
A clinical psychologist is different from a psychiatrist. A psychiatrist is a trained medical doctor. In India, a psychiatrist completes MBBS degree and additional gets trained in psychiatry at a post graduate level.
A clinical psychologist is also different from a Counselling psychologist. Counselling psychologist is a person having a master’s degree in psychology from a recognized university. They deal with problems that are mild to moderate in intensity, and do not disrupt the basic mental functioning of the individual.
Roles and Responsibilities of shadow teachers
- A clinical psychologist diagnoses disorders, using information obtained from interviews and tests.
- A clinical psychologist develops and implement treatment plans and therapeutic processes.
- A clinical psychologist uses different treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, behaviour modification, stress and anger management or play therapy.
- A clinical psychologist works with children as well as adults.
- A clinical psychologist can be involved conducting research and gathering data to improve understanding of clinical psychology.
- A clinical psychologist consults and works with a range of other behavioural and health professionals such as Psychiatrists, paediatricians, social workers, speech and occupational therapists, special educators etc.
Working with children
Children’s mental health is very important because successful intervention in early life can prevent a whole lifetime of further psychological difficulties. Clinical psychologists deal with children and adolescents in a variety of settings, including the community, hospitals, and school. These include dealing with young children who have physical health issues, mental health issues such as anxiety, depression etc., kids who are struggling with academics, or kids who have experienced abuse trauma.
A clinical psychologist is trained in conducting psychometric assessments for children. Such assessments include developmental tests, IQ tests, learning disability tests, tests to measure aptitude, creativity etc., tests to screen for childhood disorders such as Autism, ADHD, Asperger’s disorder etc., tests for various other emotional and behavioural problems. These help a clinical psychologist to arrive at a diagnosis and plan an appropriate treatment plan.
A clinical psychologist is trained in different therapeutic approaches such as behaviour therapy, CBT, play therapy, supportive psychotherapy, remedial training etc. these treatment approaches are applied in the management of pervasive developmental disorders, depression, anxiety, eating disorder, OCD, conduct disorders etc.
