Clinical Psychologists & Depression

Clinical psychologists are trained to assess and treat mental health disorders. Interventions focus on determining the most effective course of treatment to alleviate emotional distress and return a patient to his or her healthy level of functioning. Many clinical psychologists work with patients to treat depression, a medical illness that can affect both mind and body.

Definition

• A clinical psychologist is a mental health professional who is trained and licensed in theories of psychological dysfunction and treatment of these disabilities and illnesses. Clinical psychologists complete an advanced degree in this specialty in addition to extensive practical training. The qualifications and requirements for licensing as a clinical psychologist are determined by the American Psychological Association.

Role of a Psychologist

• A psychologist is a mental health care provider specifically trained in the assessment and treatment of mental disorders and illnesses. A psychologist will typically assess the needs of a new client prior to making a treatment plan. Treatments can include individual, group or family psychotherapy.

Treatments for Depression

• Psychologists will often suggest a course of psychotherapy treatment for patients with depression. This often includes individual and group psychotherapy, with a focus on treating and overcoming depressive tendencies. One technique that is often used is cognitive behavioral therapy, which helps patients identify and change specific target behaviors that are contributing to depression.

Misconceptions

• The most common misconception is that clinical psychologists are medical doctors. Clinical psychologists hold doctoral degrees in psychology and they are licensed professionals, but they do not have medical degrees, and they can not write prescriptions for medication. Psychiatrists are professionals with medical licenses who also have the legal authority to write prescriptions.

Benefits

• According to the American Psychological Association, most experts agree that treatment with a qualified psychologist can offer a client the interpersonal support and self-care knowledge to manage an illness like depression. Most professionals agree that medical treatment for depression, including psychotropic medication, can be helpful, but they advise that patients combine this treatment with individual or family counseling with a qualified psychologist or mental health professional.