the book). Finally, we discuss how a clinical psychologist might provide culturally
sensitive mental health services throughout the book but particularly in Chapters 3,
11, and 16.Scientific Foundations of Clinical Psychology
What is the scientific basis of clinical psychology, and what scientific procedures
are used in the field? The field of clinical psychology has increasingly focused on
establishing and demonstrating the scientific basis for assessment and treatment.
Chapter 4 presents the primary research methodology that is used in clinical psy-
chology, while the remaining chapters present the empirical evidence supporting
(or in some cases, not supporting) approaches to assessment and intervention.
The American Psychological Association’s (APA) 2002Ethical Guidelines that
are relevant to research are discussed in this chapter as well. As stated above,
each chapter presents and interprets the empirical evidence that is available to
address the topic at hand, whether it is the utility of a psychological test, the
support for a treatment approach, or the adequacy of a theory.Clinical Assessment
What clinical assessment procedures are used in the field, and what procedures
have the strongest evidence base? Chapters 5–10 provide an in-depth look into
major assessment approaches and procedures used by clinical psychologists,
including diagnostic assessment, interviewing, intelligence testing, personality
assessment, behavioral assessment, and clinical judgment. There are new assess-
ment approaches covered in this edition (e.g., WAIS-IV), new technological
advances (Internet-based assessments), as well as a focus on the issue of incremen-
tal validity of psychological tests and procedures.Interventions
What are the leading evidence-based treatments that are used by clinical psychol-
ogists? Chapters 11–15 present the major intervention models and techniques.
These chapters also take a critical look at the efficacy and utility of these
approaches. These issues are further addressed in Chapters 16–19 (which discuss
specialties).Lifespan Approach
The eighth edition ofClinical Psychologyhas been revised to reflect a lifespan
approach to the field of clinical psychology. This edition reflects the broad
focus both on youth populations (in clinical child and adolescent psychology)xxiv PREFACE