If you are interested in seeing a clinical psychologist, you should know that there are a variety to choose from. New York has the second-highest concentration of clinical psychologists anywhere in the United States.
You may be wondering what a clinical psychologist does? What type of training do they have? What types of therapies do they utilize? We’ll let you know what role clinical psychologists play in mental health treatment and how you can benefit from their help.
What is Clinical Psychology?
While it is by far the most common branch of psychology, many don’t know that clinical psychology encompasses so much.
Clinical psychology focuses on
- normal and abnormal behavior
- mental and emotional health
- healthy behaviors
- mental disorders and their prevention
Clinical Psychologists do this by administering and interpreting cognitive and personality tests, diagnosing mental illnesses, creating treatment plans, and conducting psychotherapy.
They can work in public settings, like mental health facilities and schools, or in their own private practices. Oftentimes, clinical psychologists employ cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or psychoanalytical therapy. These therapies are open to individuals, couples, and groups.
What Does a Clinical Psychologist Do?
Depending on the specialty, mental health professionals like clinical psychologists need to perform different types of therapies. Because of the broad range of settings they can work in, clinical psychologists must have a large variety of skills that can make them successful in helping their patients succeed.
Here are some clinical psychologist duties that they must do during sessions with their patients:
- Meet with clients, generally one-on-one, to provide services
- Communicate with a client’s relatives, parents, or loved ones
- Develop and put in place a particular therapy or treatment for individual clients
- Identify any psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues
- Track their client’s progress
- Help clients define their goals and courses of action to achieve them
Through them, a clinical psychologist can do everything in their power to help you better your emotional well-being. Helping their patients in the most successful manner means engaging them in solving their problems.
Their goal is to provide assessment, evaluation services, psychological testing, and potential treatment options in the settings they work in. One important note you need to consider: the one aspect of psychology they cannot do is provide medication for any mental health disorders someone may have.
How are Clinical Psychologists Trained?
The educational requirements to become a clinical psychologist are typically a doctoral degree in psychology. A doctoral degree that would fulfill that need can include a:
The program must be accredited by the American Psychology Association (APA). A Psy.D focuses more on clinical work and requires an internship in a clinical facility. A Ph.D. involves research and a dissertation upon coursework completion.
Are Clinical Psychologists Licensed?
It’s not enough to get a diploma to work in psychology. You also need to have a license stating that you are eligible to work in the psychology field in your location. While licenses have different requirements based on the state their practice is in, you must be licensed in New York and have
- An application for licensure and other forms submitted to the Office of the Professions
- A good moral character
- Be at least 21 years old
- Be able to meet education, examination, and experience requirements
Any aspiring psychologist in New York must have evidence of two years of full-time supervised experience to show to the State Board for Psychology. This amounts to 1750 clock hours per year. They can also have a part-time equivalent to that.
You can rest assured that they have gone under rigorous educational and professional training. They will be qualified for administering mental health care.
What is the Difference Between a Psychologist and a Psychiatrist?
A clinical psychologist is board-certified through the American Board of Clinical Psychology. They have a Master’s degree or Ph. D at the least. They cannot prescribe medication for their patients (though there are special exceptions).
A psychiatrist is a licensed medical doctor. They have the power to prescribe and administer medication. A psychiatrist gets certified through the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. They are the authority to diagnose any mental illness.
A clinical psychologist will focus more on your behavior. A psychiatrist looks at any biological factors behind your mental health disorders.
Get Mental Health Care with a Clinical Psychologist
A clinical psychologist helps people struggling with their mental and emotional well-being every day. Whether they work in private practice or help people in specific settings, making sure your mental health improves is the main priority in their care for you. If you feel they would be the right therapists to help you out, set up a consultation.
Williamsburg Therapy Group is a collective of psychologists operating in Brooklyn, NY. We can help you find the clinical psychologist that is the right fit for you and your emotional well-being. You don’t need to struggle alone. Contact us today to make an appointment.
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