Clinical Psychology: Science, Practice, and CultureAndy Pomerantz, Ph. D.

Chapter 1: Defining Clinical PsychologyThe term clinical psychology was first used in 1907 by Lightner WitmerOriginally defined as similar to medicine, education, and sociology

More Recent DefinitionsTremendous growth has resulted in a very broad, hard-to-define fieldBrief definitions emphasize the study, assessment, and treatment of people with psychological problemsMore detailed definitions (e.g., Division 12 of APA) are more inclusive and descriptive (see next slide)

APA Division 12 Definition of Clinical PsychologyThe field of Clinical Psychology integrates science, theory, and practice to understand, predict, and alleviate maladjustment, disability, and discomfort as well as to promote human adaptation, adjustment, and personal development. Clinical Psychology focuses on the intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of human functioning across the life span, in varying cultures, and at all socioeconomic levels. (APA, 2009)

Education and Training in Clinical PsychologyCommonalities among most training programsDoctoral degreeMost enter with bachelors, some with masters degreeRequired courseworkThesis/dissertationPredoctoral internship

Three Models of TrainingScientist-practitioner model (or Boulder model)Practitioner-scholar model (or Vail model)Clinical scientist model

Boulder Model: Balancing Practice and ScienceCreated in 1949 at a conference in Boulder, Colorado of directors of clinical psychology training programsAlso known as scientist-practitioner modelEmphasizes both practice and researchGraduates should be able to competently practice (e.g., therapy, assessment) and conduct researchA balanced approach

Vail Model: Emphasizing PracticeCreated in 1973 in a conference in Vail, ColoradoAlso known as practitioner-scholar modelEmphasizes practice over researchYields the Psy. D. degree (not the traditional Ph. D.)Higher acceptance rates and larger classesProliferated in recent years

Ph. D. vs. Psy. D.Emphasize practice and researchSmaller classesLower acceptance rateTypically in university depts.Offer more funding to studentsEmphasize practice over researchLarger classesGreater acceptance rateOften in free-standing professional schoolsOffer less funding to students

Clinical scientist model: Emphasizing ResearchEmerged in 1990s, primarily as a reaction against the trend toward practice represented by Vail modelRichard McFalls 1991 Manifesto for a Science of Clinical Psychology sparked this movementA subset of Ph. D. institutions who strongly endorse empiricism and scienceTend to train researchers rather than practitioners

Sample Grad Program Website Self-DescriptionBoulder model example: U. of KansasBecause we believe that the education of a sophisticated clinical psychologist requires systematic exposure to both the academic/research and clinical/applied areas of professional activity, our curriculum adheres to the Boulder Model we labor to strike a vital balance between the scientist and practitioner facets of clinical psychology.

Sample Grad Program Website Self-DescriptionVail model example: Chicago School of Professional PsychologyAs a professional school, our focus is not strictly on research and theory, but on preparing students to become outstanding practitioners, providing direct service to help individuals and organizations thrive.

Sample Grad Program Website Self-DescriptionClinical scientist model example: Indiana UniversityIndiana Universitys Clinical Training Program is designed with a special mission in mind: To train first-rate clinical scientists applicants with primary interests in pursuing careers as service providers are not likely to thrive here.

Getting in to Graduate School in Clinical PsychologyKnow your professional optionsTake the appropriate undergraduate coursesGet to know your professorsGet research experienceGet clinically relevant experienceMaximize your GRE scoreSelect graduate programs wiselyConsider your long-term goals

Internships: Predoc and PostdocPredoctoral internshipTakes place at the end of doctoral training programs (before Ph. D. or Psy. D. is awarded)A full year of supervised clinical experience in an applied settingAn apprenticeship of sorts, to transition from student to professional

Internships: Predoc and PostdocPostdoctoral internshipTakes place after the doctoral degree is awardedTypically lasts 1-2 yearsStill supervised, but more independenceOften specialized trainingOften required for state licensure

Getting LicensedLicensure enables independent practice and identification as a member of the professionRequires appropriate graduate coursework, postdoctoral internship, and licensing exams Each state has its own licensing requirementsTo stay licensed, most states require continuing education units (CEUs)

Where Do Clinical Psychologists Work?A variety of settings, but private practice is most commonTrue since 1980sOther common work settings includeUniversitiesPsychiatric and general hospitalsCommunity mental health centersOther settings

What do Clinical Psychologists Do?A variety of activities, but psychotherapy is most commonTrue since 1970sOther common professional activities include:Diagnosis/assessmentTeaching/supervisionResearch/writingOther activities

How Are Clinical Psychologists Different From Other Professionals?Counseling Psychologists:Tend to see less seriously disturbed clientsTend to work less often in settings like inpatient hospitals or unitsTend to endorse humanism more and behaviorism lessTend to be more interested in vocational and career counseling

How Are Clinical Psychologists Different From Other Professionals?Psychiatrists:Go to medical school and are physiciansHave prescription privileges (this is changing for clinical psychologistssee Chapter 3)Increasingly emphasize biological/pharmaceutical rather than talk therapy intervention

How Are Clinical Psychologists Different From Other Professionals?Social WorkersTend to emphasize social factors in clients problemsEarn a masters degree rather than a doctorateTraining emphasizes treatment and fieldwork over research or formalized assessment

How Are Clinical Psychologists Different From Other Professionals?School Psychologists:Tend to work in schoolsTend to have a more limited professional focus than clinical psychologists (student wellness and learning)Frequently conduct school-related testing and determine LD and ADHD diagnosesConsult with adults in childrens lives (e.g., teachers, staff, parents)

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