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Psychologists who provide clinical or counseling services assess and treat mental, emotional and behavioral disorders. They integrate the science of psychology and the treatment of complex human problems with the intention of promoting change. Understanding Clinical PsychologyIn the simplest terms, clinical psychology is “the study of individuals, by observation or experimentation, with the intention of promoting change.” 1 Seems pretty straightforward, right? In fact, clinical psychology is a complex and diverse specialty area within psychology. It addresses a breadth of mental, emotional and behavioral disorders, integrating the science of psychology with the prevention, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of complicated human problems. Clinical Psychology AppliedAs the field of clinical psychology has evolved, so too have the expectations of today’s practitioner. Psychologists who provide clinical services are now trained in a wide range of techniques and theoretical approaches that equip them with the knowledge and skills necessary to advance the science of psychology, the professional practice of psychology, and people’s general health and well-being. Thanks to their knowledge and skill set, clinical psychologists enjoy careers in industries as varied as research, integrated health care, teaching, program development and evaluation, consultation, public policy and professional practice. Long gone are the days when clinical psychologists only worked in limited settings such as private practices or state hospitals. Today, many work in teams with other health, public health or social service organizations. Some clinical psychologists work exclusively on specific mental, emotional and behavioral issues. These range from short-term problems, such as difficulties resulting from relationship conflict or work stress, to more serious and often chronic conditions, such as post-traumatic stress disorder and addiction. Others focus on specific populations like youth; families; couples; racial and ethnic groups; lesbian, gay, bisexual and transgender individuals; and older people. The application of their research and the science behind their work make clinical psychologists invaluable in mental health and health care settings alike and in hospitals, schools, courts, the government, the military — almost anywhere you can imagine. 1 Compas, Bruce & Gotlib, Ian. (2002). Introduction to Clinical Psychology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill Higher Education. Date created: 2014 RelatedPsychological Foundations Learning Objectives
 This domain of psychology is what many people think of when they think about psychology—mental disorders and counseling. This includes the study of abnormal psychology, with its focus on abnormal thoughts and behaviors, as well as counseling and treatment methods, and recommendations for coping with stress and living a healthy life. The names and classifications of mental disorders are listed in the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM). The DSM is currently in its 5th edition (DSM-V) and has been designed for use in a wide variety of contexts and across clinical settings (including inpatient, outpatient, partial hospital, clinic, private practice, and primary care). The diagnostic manual includes a total of 237 specific diagnosable disorders, each described in detail, including its symptoms, prevalence, risk factors, and comorbidity. Over time, the number of diagnosable conditions listed in the DSM has grown steadily, prompting criticism from some. Nevertheless, the diagnostic criteria in the DSM are more explicit than those of any other system, which makes the DSM system highly desirable for both clinical diagnosis and research. Figure 2. Lifetime prevalence rates for major psychological disorders.Clinical Psychologyis the area of psychology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and other problematic patterns of behavior. As such, it is generally considered to be a more applied area within psychology; however, some clinicians are also actively engaged in scientific research. Counseling psychology is a similar discipline that focuses on emotional, social, vocational, and health-related outcomes in individuals who are considered psychologically healthy. As mentioned earlier, both Freud and Rogers provided perspectives that have been influential in shaping how clinicians interact with people seeking psychotherapy. While aspects of the psychoanalytic theory are still found among some of today’s therapists who are trained from a psychodynamic perspective, Roger’s ideas about client-centered therapy have been especially influential in shaping how many clinicians operate. Furthermore, both behaviorism and the cognitive revolution have shaped clinical practice in the forms of behavioral therapy, cognitive therapy, and cognitive-behavioral therapy. Issues related to the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and problematic patterns of behavior will be discussed in detail later in this textbook. By far, this is the area of psychology that receives the most attention in popular media, and many people mistakenly assume that all psychology is clinical psychology. Health PsychologyHealth psychology focuses on how health is affected by the interaction of biological, psychological, and sociocultural factors. This particular approach is known as the . Health psychologists are interested in helping individuals achieve better health through public policy, education, intervention, and research. Health psychologists might conduct research that explores the relationship between one’s genetic makeup, patterns of behavior, relationships, psychological stress, and health. They may research effective ways to motivate people to address patterns of behavior that contribute to poorer health (MacDonald, 2013). Try ItLicenses and Attributions (Click to expand) CC licensed content, Shared previously
What type of psychology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment?Clinical psychology focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of mental illness, abnormal behavior, and psychological disorders in individuals.
What focuses psychological diagnosis?Clinical psychology is the area of psychology that focuses on the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and other problematic patterns of behavior.
What psychology deals with disorders?Psychiatrists diagnose illness, manage treatment and provide a range of therapies for complex and serious mental illness. Psychologists focus on providing psychotherapy (talk therapy) to help patients.
Which type of psychology focuses on mental health?Clinical psychology is focused on the study, assessment, and treatment of illnesses relating to mental health and disabilities. This field includes both applied and non-applied clinical psychology.
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