Nature and Scope of Clinical Psychology
Nature and Scope of Clinical Psychology
This assignment assesses the following Course Outcome:
PS380-1: Describe the nature and scope of the field of clinical psychology.
This unit has introduced the field of clinical psychology, and several related aspects including areas of practice, goals in the field and emphasizing the scientific focus of this field. In this paper, you will describe your understanding of these important concepts, which will serve as an important foundation for your ongoing study in this course.
In a 2-3-page descriptive essay, please describe the following aspects regarding the nature and scope of the field of clinical psychology:
A detailed description of the nature of the field of clinical psychology
Include a definition of clinical psychology, supported by course material.
Discuss the scientific focus of the field and why that is important in understanding the nature of the field of clinical psychology.
Discuss the integration of science in theory and practice.
Discuss the scope of the field of clinical psychology through a discussion of at least three areas of clinical practice that are included in the field.
The paper should include support from the textbook and at least one additional scholarly source.
Reference: Clinical Psychology by Andrew M. Pomerantz
Nature and Scope of Clinical Psychology
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Nature and Scope of Clinical Psychology
The high prevalence of psychological conditions necessitates clinical psychology to study behavior and mental processes. Many individuals encounter psychological disorders that need immediate interventions to improve their mental health. Therefore, the need for mental illness treatment has made clinical psychology one of the significant disciplines in a medical setting. This essay examines the nature and scope of clinical psychology, emphasizing scientific approaches and theoretical applications in identifying and treating psychological disorders and behavioral problems.
Nature of Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology is the psychological specialty of assessing and treating mental illness and behavioral health problems. This field incorporates science to treat psychological disorders (Davey et al., 2015). Clinical psychologists observe and work directly with patients. They are trained in various techniques and theoretical approaches, such as psychoanalysis, psychodynamic approach, humanistic perspective, and cognitive behavioral approaches (Kison et al., 2015). These techniques and perspectives equip clinical psychologists with the specialized knowledge and skills required to advance the science of psychology, their career, and patients' health and well-being.
Scientific Focus of Clinical Psychology
Clinical psychology scientifically focuses on behavioral and mental health issues, including adjustment issues and traumatic stress reactions; social problems and dysfunction; emotional and psychological problems like depression; behavioral problems; and cognitive, intellectual, and neurological conditions (Kramer et al., 2019). It addresses these problems by integrating human science, behavioral science, theory, and clinical knowledge with observation and evidence-based practices to enable psychologists to understand psychologically-based distress and work toward promoting clients' health and well-being (Pomerantz, 2019). The scientific focus is essential in understanding the nature of clinical psychology because it provides comprehensive knowledge about psychological problems and establishes effective evidence-based interventions that address those problems t...