Clinical psychology

What is a clinical psychologist?

Clinical psychologists are specialists in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological and mental health problems. They are also involved in designing and implementing a wide range of prevention and mental health promotion programs. They variously work with infants, children, adolescents, adults and older adults. Clinical psychologists work in private practice, hospitals, universities, general medical practices, community health centres and mental health services.

Areas of specialisation

Most clinical psychologists develop expertise in specific areas, or practice in sub-specialisations of clinical psychology. They provide a wide range of psychological services to individuals across the lifespan and for mental health conditions that range from mild to severe and complex.

In addition to professional practice, clinical psychologists may be involved in research, teaching and supervision, program development and evaluation, public policy and other activities that promote psychological health in individuals, families, groups, and organisations.

Consultation

Consultation with a clinical psychologist involves:

• Discussing the issues of concern for the client
• Assessing the client's emotional, intellectual and behavioural functioning
• Exploring the thoughts, emotions and behaviour of the client and tracing their origins
• Helping the client develop effective ways of controlling and coping with these difficulties
• Helping the client to implement changes that enhance wellbeing and awareness, and alleviate the presenting problems.

Sessions are usually up to one hour in length, but assessment sessions may be longer. The number of sessions required will vary and is usually negotiated between the clinical psychologist and the client.

Skills and competencies of clinical psychologists

Clinical psychologists have skills in the following areas.

Psychological assessment and diagnosis

Clinical psychologists have specialist training in the assessment and diagnosis of the major mental illnesses and psychological problems. Through their specialist training, clinical psychologists are qualified to provide expert opinion in clinical, compensation, educational and legal jurisdictions. Some clinical psychologists also specialise in particular types of assessment such as neuropsychological, forensic and educational assessment.

Treatment

Clinical psychologists are trained in the delivery of a range of techniques and therapies with demonstrated effectiveness in treating mental health disorders. They are specialists in applying psychological theory and scientific research to solve complex clinical problems requiring individually tailored interventions.

Research, teaching and evaluation

Research, teaching and evaluation are all integral to the role of clinical psychologists. Research is often conducted on prevention, diagnosis, assessment and treatment. Clinical psychologists are involved in the design and implementation of treatment strategies in various settings (such as primary care, psychiatric and rehabilitation) and in the subsequent evaluation of treatment outcomes.

Qualifications and registration

Clinical psychologists have usually completed a minimum of six years full-time university training. This includes, but is not restricted to, postgraduate study in a recognised clinical psychology training program, a substantial research thesis, and supervised practice in health and mental health settings.

All psychologists are legally required to be registered with the Psychologist Registration Board in their State or Territory, and, as of July 2010, the Psychology Board of Australia. This is to ensure that they meet specified standards of competence and ethical practice.

In addition, psychologists follow strict guidelines for professional conduct that cover client privacy and confidentiality. Ethical codes are set and monitored by the APS and have been developed to safeguard the welfare of recipients of psychological services and the integrity of the psychology profession.

APS College of Clinical Psychologists

The APS College of Clinical Psychologists maintains the highest standards for clinical psychology practice in Australia. These standards are also consistent with international standards for clinical practice.

For information regarding the College go to www.groups.psychology.org.au/cclin/.

Locating a clinical psychologist

• Use the APS online referral service ‘Find a Psychologist'  (www.findapsychologist.org.au) to perform a search and select the appropriate issues that require attention.
• Look for the APS listing under ‘psychologists' in the Yellow Pages.
• Enquire with a government department or private agency concerned with health, education or social and community services.
• Speak to your doctor and ask for a referral.
• Medicare rebates are available for treatment of mental health disorders on referral from a medical practitioner.