What is Clinical Psychology

Clinical Psychology is the integration of a wide array of disciplines and the application of scientific knowledge for the purpose of understanding, preventing and alleviating emotional, social and behavioural issues. It is a speciality that provides continuing and comprehensive care to individuals, families and groups across the lifespan and from all ethnic, cultural and socioeconomic backgrounds. Behavioural and mental health issues addressed by clinical psychologists are broadly inclusive and can range between mild adjustment issues to severe psychopathology, such as intellectual, emotional, social and behavioural maladjustment, disability and discomfort, as well as minor adjustment issues. Beyond intervention, clinical psychology strives to support individuals in building resilience through the development and enhancement of skills needed to face hardships and prevent the development of more serious problems.

Our clinical psychologists form part of the interdisciplinary team at our centre and are trained to provide mental health services to individuals of all ages, including children, adolescents, and their families, αs well as to young adults. Services can be offered both in-person and online.

Training and Ethical Practice

Clinical psychologists receive most of their training during graduate school. Most psychologists enter master’s or doctoral programs in clinical psychology after graduating with a bachelor’s degree in psychology. During their graduate programs, clinical psychologists are trained in providing mental health services and complete their clinical practice under the supervision of other professionals who provide guidance and feedback and who ensure that trainees uphold the ethical and legal principles of the profession. In addition to clinical practice, clinical psychologists are trained in analysing and conducting their own research, which equips them with the ability to critically review science and to apply research and evidence-based knowledge and methods to their practice. The number of years over which a clinical psychologist completes their training prior to receiving their license differ depending on the graduate program; however, all licensed clinical psychologists have completed at least 2 years of graduate training and have received at least 1000 hours of clinical practice.

Many clinical psychologists continue to be supervised even after becoming licensed and after many years of clinical experience. This ensures that clinical psychologists remain updated on critical components of ethical practice and continue to provide quality services. Most clinical psychologists are required to continue their education by attending trainings, seminars and workshops and by staying updated on the scientific literature of the profession.

Services Provided by Clinical Psychologists:

  • Assessment
    • Diagnostic interviewing
    • Behavioral assessment
    • Administration and interpretation of psychological (g. emotional, behavioural, social) and cognitive test measures
    • Integration of different, evidence-based measures in the development of a treatment plan and in the measurement of progress throughout treatment
  • Therapy and Prevention Programs for all Ages
    • Individual Psychotherapy
    • Parent Counseling
    • Group Therapy
    • Family and Couple Therapy
  • Consultation
    • With other health professionals and organizations
  • Research-Based Practice
    • Critical review of science
    • Clinical research (focused on improving knowledge of mental health difficulties, developing diagnostic methods and appropriate interventions)
    • Application of research-based knowledge and methods
  • Seminars and Workshops
    • Focused on a range of issues
    • Aimed at both prevention and intervention

You can learn more about the training of each clinical psychologist on our team by visiting their profile on our website.