Clinical psychology is regarded as a science based on a narrowly
conceived and simplistic foundation (Plante, 2011). However, the American Board
of Professional Psychology (2002) defines clinical psychology as “both a
general practice and a health service provider specialty in professional
psychology” (para. 3). The role of a clinical psychologist is to provide
clients with services associated with the assessment, diagnosis, evaluation,
and various treatment and prevention options related to a patient’s behavioral,
emotional, and psychological condition throughout the individual’s lifespan
(American Board of Professional Psychology, 2002). The procedures a clinical
psychologist include those of predicting, understanding, and providing
treatment for conditions related to behavioral, emotional, intellectual,
physical, psychological, and social maladjustment of his or her patients
(American Board of Professional Psychology, 2002).
History and Evolution
Clinical psychology is suggested to have started in 1896 when
Lightner Witmer (1867-1956) started the fist psychological clinic at the
University of Pennsylvania (Norcross
& Karpiak, 2012). However, noted psychologists like William Wundt
(1832-1920) and William James (1842-1910) were using a clinical setting years
prior. Since 1896, a variety of organizations have represented clinical
psychology in a professional manner. The first is surmised to be the American
Association of Clinical Psychologists (1917-1919). After this early
representation, clinical psychology professionals struggled to gain recognition
from the American Psychological Association, which was founded in 1892 (Koppes, 2013).
After 50 years of struggling for recognition, a section of
clinical psychology was created in 1919 to represent professionals working in
jobs related to clinical psychology
(Koppes, 2013). Other representations of clinical psychology like the
Association for Applied Psychology in 1937 have existed since the induction
into the APA in 1919, and in 1997 the section of clinical psychology of the APA
changed title to the Society of Clinical Psychology (Norcross & Karpiak, 2012). During this
time clinical psychology was the foundation in which Jean Piaget (1896-1980)
used to develop findings that would later create developmental psychology (Mayer, 2005). Other evolutionary developments took place when Sigmund Freud
(1856-1939) developed his approach to psychoanalytic therapy, which later influenced
men like Carl Jung (1875-1961) and Alfred Alder (1870-1937). During the first
and second World Wars, clinical psychology evolved into the science it is today
(University of Missouri, 2011). In World War I, clinical psychology
professionals rarely received the opportunity to conduct psychotherapy;
however, in World War II the large number of soldiers returning from battle
overwhelmed psychiatrists and resources
(University of Missouri, 2011).
This overwhelming the VA’s psychiatry program gave clinical
psychologists the opportunity needed to provide psychotherapy services on a
wide scale. Although originally considered a temporary measure to relieve
psychiatrists, clinical psychologists seized the opportunity to prove their
competency in clinical applications, which resulted in the formation of a
professional recognition lasting over 40 years
(University of Missouri, 2011). After World War II, clinical
psychologists are recognized for continued developments in the psychological
application of assessment and intervention. This prompted the revision of
existing intelligence tests and personality inventories, and the creation of
new assessments (University of Missouri,
2011).
Research and Statistics
Research is the primary method used to establish reliability and
validity. Research and statistics play an important role in clinical psychology
for multiple reasons. First, research creates a foundation or knowledge base
related to understanding the various phenomena’s related to the areas of
interest in clinical psychology. These areas of interest include
psychopathology, mental health, and the effects of psychological factors on
physical health (Plante, 2011). Research also produces evidence that clinical
researchers use to validate empirical methods of assessment of patient related
problems, and related treatments and prevention methods (Hershenberg, Drabick, & Vivian, 2012). Research is the key
element to inform clinical practice, and clinical experience provides the
source and hypothesis for research.
Research and statistics also provide clinicians with conceptual or
theoretical foundations for new directions and applications related to clinical
psychology, which include the relationships between clinical psychology itself
and research performed in other behavioral, biological, and social sciences
(Plante, 2011). Ongoing assessment of information can be used in numerous ways
like, integration of existing data into client-centered research programs (Hershenberg, Drabick, & Vivian, 2012).
Disciplinary Differences
Although clinical psychology has similarities to other mental
health professions like psychiatry, counseling psychology, or registered
marriage and family therapist, there are distinct differences (Plante, 2011).
One of the main differences to note is between a psychologist and a
psychiatrist. Psychiatrists are medical doctors with an emphasis of study in
mental health, whereas psychologists are not medical doctors. With regard to
the various fields of psychology, the differences are much less noticeable, and
much harder for the average consumer to distinguish (Plante, 2011). Many of
these differences are related directly to the curriculum, training emphasis,
and philosophy of each discipline or branch of psychology (Plante, 2011). Other
differences are related to the number of years in school and post-degree
training an individual receives. A psychiatrist for example, requires four
years of medical school and an additional three to four years of post-degree
training or internship (Plante, 2011). The educational requirements also differ
between the various fields of psychology. A school psychologist for example may
only require tow years of college and another year of post-degree training
whereas a clinical psychologist usually requires four to five years of college
with one to two years of post-degree training (Plante, 2011).
Conclusion
In conclusion, clinical psychology is the culmination of research
and psychotherapy applied in a clinical setting. Clinical psychology is a
science that applies assessment, treatment, and understanding of behavioral and
psychological disorders and problems (Plante, 2011). It is a scientific
practice that uses various scientific methods to advance the practices,
procedures, and treatments psychologists use to treat problems related to
humanity. As psychology advanced from
the early days of philosophy, the desire to apply more empirical and
scientifically answers to human behavior spurred clinical psychology to grow in
the late 19th and early 20th centuries. This growth
provided a new approach to mental illnesses by adopting hands-on method of
assessment, research, and treatment of various human conditions. The science
and practices of clinical psychology are ever evolving and advancing, which is
evident in new procedures and treatment programs, and the training and
practices within the clinical environment.
