Define Clinical Psychology

The term "clinical psychology" was introduced more than 100 years ago. Clinical psychologists' main function is to assess and treat mental illnesses and abnormal behaviors. Other duties of the clinical psychologist include teacher and researcher.

History

• Lightner Witmer published "The Psychological Clinic" in 1908. "Clinical Psychology" was the main article, which described Witmer's psychological work and coining the term "clinical psychology."

Identification

• A clinic is thought of as a place to treat sick patients. Clinical psychology, then, can be thought of as treating the psychologically ill or mentally ill.

Types

• Clinical psychology over the years has used many theories and approaches to helping the mentally ill. During the early 20th century, psychoanalysis was the study of unconscious feelings--what we now know as psychotherapy.

Misconceptions

• Psychotherapy or clinical psychology is different from counseling regarding ethics and the end result. Psychotherapists work with the client to help alleviate deep-rooted emotional issues, while counselors work with the client to change something that is affecting daily living.

Education

• To become a clinical psychologist, one must hold a doctorate in clinical psychology and meet state requirements to attain a license.