What Is Psychology?
Psychology is a scientific profession that makes use of decades of research to identify and treat mental health issues. Psychologists are thoroughly trained in Psychological Assessment methods that help identify problems with the brain, with emotions, with thoughts (also called “cognitions”), and with relationship conflicts. Psychological assessment is a valued professional mental health service because, with the specialized expertise of psychologists, clients can begin to understand the problems that are affecting them, the causes of those problems, and the best ways to solve those problems. Without assessment, it is hard to know how to fix problems!
Psychological Therapy is one way of treating mental health problems. Mental health issues can range from mild daily stressors to severe and chronic mental illnesses. Psychological therapy does not involve prescribing medications in the state of Georgia, although Psychologists may recommend that you consult with a Psychiatrist if she or he thinks that medication may be helpful. Psychological Therapy is a type of treatment where routine talks with therapists trained in treating mental health symptoms and problems often lead to decreases in emotional distress, daily problems, and relationship conflicts. A therapist may use any of a wide variety of styles and techniques that have been studied by psychological research to help provide relief for their clients’ distress.
What Is A Clinical Psychologist?
A Clinical Psychologist is a healthcare professional with extensive supervised training in psychological assessment and therapy. Clinical Psychologists are highly trained in diagnosing and treating mental health problems. They work with clients to change their feelings and attitudes and help clients develop healthier, more effective ways of coping with emotional conflicts and getting along in life. Clinical Psychologists are trained in the research and application of scientifically validated procedures, including the use of psychological tests and research-supported psychotherapy.
What Training Do Clinical Psychologists Typically Have?
After graduating from college, Clinical Psychologists spend an average of four to seven years in graduate education, training, and research before receiving a doctoral degree. As part of their professional training, Clinical Psychologists must complete a supervised clinical internship and at least one year of post-doctoral supervised residency training. In the modern day, Clinical Psychologists typically have had extensive additional training in multiple practicum settings during graduate school.
What Are Those Letters Behind Clinical Psychologists’ Names?
Clinical Psychologists can be identified by the degree behind their name: Psy.D. stands for Doctor of Psychology and Ph.D. stands for Doctor of Philosophy. The main difference is that the Ph.D. degree focuses more on research training. Both degrees for a Clinical Psychologist mean that she or he is highly trained in assessing and treating mental health issues. Other mental health clinicians typically have the initials L.C.S.W. or M.S.W., which denotes Social Workers; L.P.C., which denotes Licensed Counselors; or L.M.F.T., which denotes Licensed Marriage and Family Therapists.
A clinical psychologist is different from a psychiatrist. Both are doctors, but psychiatrists are medical doctors (with an “M.D.” or “D.O.” at the end of their names). Psychiatrists complete medical training and often prescribe medications for mental health ailments. Some Psychiatrists conduct psychotherapy, as well. Clinical Psychologists are doctors of psychology who specialize in psychological testing and often recommend and implement psychologically-based treatments for mental health issues. Modern research has shown that mental health problems are often helped by combining medication-based treatments with psychologically-based treatments.