The clinical psychologist is a highly trained professional who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of problems in thinking, feeling and behavior. He or she has approximately 7 years of professional education in the areas of counseling, psychotherapy and diagnostic testing.
Consequently, the psychologist is the most highly trained mental health professional available; psychiatrists, mental health counselors and social workers typically have only 1 to 3 years of training exclusively in counseling, testing and psychotherapy.
Practice
The clinical psychologist uses his knowledge of biological, psychological, and social factors in treating you. He or she will conduct a comprehensive diagnostic examination and particular attention will be paid to the emotional, cognitive, educational, family and social components of your problem.
Your psychologist will then arrive at an assessment which is shared with you and at your request, with any other interested parties. He or she will then discuss a treatment plan and his or her recommendations with you.
An integrated treatment approach may involve individual, group or family psychotherapy; arrangement for medication; or consultation with other professionals. In addition, clinical psychologists are prepared and expected to act as a professional advocate for you. They also perform consultations in a variety of settings (schools, juvenile courts, social agencies etc.).
Training
Clinical psychological training usually consists of 2 years of upper division college training, an additional 4 years of graduate school and, at least 2 years of an approved internship-all, predominantly, in the science and practice of psychology. The interning psychologist then must pass a rigorous comprehensive examination to obtain a license to practice independently.
In the graduate training years, the psychologist achieves competence in the theory and practice of psychological testing, counseling and research. The graduate student acquires a thorough knowledge of normal emotional development, psychopathology, and counseling methods.
Special importance is given to disorders that require the use of counseling and psychotherapeutic techniques, such as marriage and family problems, attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), mood disorders, depressive and anxiety disorders, drug dependency and delinquency problems(conduct disorder). The psychological trainee treats individuals and families in a variety of settings under supervision of the faculty. Also, consulting under supervision with physicians, other mental health professionals, schools, and community agencies can be another valuable part of their training.
Certification and Continuing Education
Having completed the psychological internship and successfully passing the licensing examination, the psychologist is considered qualified to diagnose and treat psychological and mental health conditions in patients of any age. He or she continues to study and learn about new advances by reading scientific literature and attending conferences; this new knowledge is then applied to continuing diagnostic, therapeutic, and consultative work.
Finding a Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists can be found through local mental health associations, hospitals or medical centers, departments of psychology in universities and national organizations like the American Counseling Association and the American Psychological Association.
Author Resource:-
Dr Shery is in Cary, IL, near Algonquin, Crystal Lake, Marengo and Lake-in-the-Hills. He's an expert psychologist. Call 1 847 516 0899 and make an appt orlearn more about counseling at: http://www.carypsychology.com
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