Clinical Psychologist
Definition
A Clinical Psychologist is a trained mental health professional who specializes in evaluating and treating people experiencing psychological distress. Clinical psychologists can provide individual and group psychotherapy, conduct psychological assessments, and design behavioral treatment programs for individuals, couples, families and groups. A clinical psychologist will often specialize in an area of psychology such as children and teens or adults.
Clinical psychologists are also referred to by the following titles:
- Psychologists
- Child Psychologists
- Therapists
- Psychotherapists
Key Things to Know About Clinical Psychologists
- Psychologists treat conditions rooted in emotions or behavior.
- Psychologists cannot prescribe medication.
How Clinical Psychology Relates to Mental Health Wellness
The screening and assessment services provided by psychologists are key to detecting and identifying patients' mental health issues. Psychologists are trained to help patients develop coping strategies and healthy behaviors, which promote and maintain both mental and physical health.
About Clinical Psychology at Dakota Family Services
The clinical psychologists at Dakota Family Services are specialty providers who care for individuals and families across the lifespan and from all ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic backgrounds. Through assessment, intervention, consultation, and research, they treat people who have intellectual, emotional, psychological, social and behavioral challenges.
More Resources:
- What Do Practicing Psychologists Do? (American Psychological Association)