What Is Clinical Psychology?
What is aclinical psychologist? Although it seems as
though we are inundated with real and fictional
portrayals of clinical psychologists in the media,
the general public remains rather confused about
what psychologists do as well as their educational
backgrounds. Perhaps this should not be too sur-
prising given that clinical psychologists are a hetero-
geneous group with respect to age, gender,
theoretical allegiance, and roles (Norcross, Karpiak,
& Santoro, 2005). Equally confusing, there are
many titles that people use to indicate that they
practice therapy (e.g., psychotherapist, psychoana-
lyst) or conduct research related to psychology (e.g.,
professor, clinical scientist). However, not all of
these titles indicate that someone is a clinical psy-
chologist. Indeed, the American Psychological
Association and the licensing boards of each
North American state and province reserve the
title“clinical psychologist”for a very select group
of professionals with specific training and qualifica-
tions (described in more detail below).
Still, the field of clinical psychology is confus-
ing and often misunderstood. After all these years,
people still confuse clinical psychologists with med-
ical doctors/psychiatrists. Some continue to believe
that clinical psychology is synonymous with psy-
choanalysis. Others see a bit of the witch doctor
in clinical psychologists, and still others view them
as somewhat peculiar. Fortunately, there are many
who accurately regard clinical psychologists as
researchers, members of prestigious professional
societies, and providers of important human
services.
In an attempt to define and describe clinical
psychology, J. H. Resnick (1991) proposed the fol-
lowing 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,
biological, psychological, social andbehavioral maladjustment, disability and
discomfort, applied to a wide range of
client populations. (p. 7)
According to Resnick, the skill areas central to
the field of clinical psychology include assessment
and diagnosis, intervention or treatment, consulta-
tion, research, and the application of ethical and
professional principles. Clinical psychologists are
distinguished by their expertise in the areas of psy-
chopathology, personality, and their integration of
science, theory, and practice.
A more recent definition of clinical psychol-
ogy appears on the Web page of the American
Psychological Association’s Division 12 (Society
of Clinical Psychology; http://www.div12.org/about-
clinical-psychology):
The field of Clinical Psychology integrates
science, theory, and practice to understand,
predict, and alleviate maladjustment, dis-
ability, and discomfort as well as to pro-
mote human adaptation, adjustment, and
personal development. Clinical Psychol-
ogy focuses on the intellectual, emotional,
biological, psychological, social, and
behavioral aspects of human functioning
across the life span, in varying cultures, and
at all socioeconomic levels.
Clinical psychologists work with a range of
individuals, from infants to the elderly. Their
work can involve individuals themselves, families/
partners, school personnel, other health care work-
ers, and communities. Clinical psychologists often
work in a large range of settings, including univer-
sities, hospitals, private practice offices, or group
medical practices. Of all of the possible mental
health degrees and fields available, some have
described the doctoral (Ph.D.) degree in clinical
psychology to be the most versatile, since it can
lead to a very wide range of possible job
opportunities.
Although these definitions describe what clini-
cal psychologists aim to do and, by implication, the
skills they possess, we must also take note of how
others see the profession and try to correct any false4 CHAPTER 1