Functions of the Clinical Psychologist

Psychology is a discipline full of myths and stereotypes, where psychologists are often seen as mental deities, judges of behavior and objectivity, or someone to ask whether Pedro’s actions are right or wrong, how to properly raise children, or what a dream might mean (Begara & Bascoy, 2016). However, as Begara & Bascoy (2016) point out, psychology programs do not include courses called "dream interpretation," "how to raise children correctly," or "judgment of whether people are doing things right."

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What Does a Clinical Psychologist Do?

The figure of the clinical psychologist is one of the most well-known in today’s society (Universidad Internacional de Valencia, 2018). Perhaps for that reason, many people have a limited understanding of their role. For some, it’s simply someone wearing a white coat in an office, sitting across from a patient. Others, with a more classical image, picture the psychologist next to a couch while the patient lies down. But what does that person in the white coat really do? Most people would say they “talk” to the patient. And it's true—they converse (Universidad Internacional de Valencia, 2018). But what do they talk about? And with what purpose?

Generally speaking, a clinical psychologist is a professional specialized in human behavior who uses various intervention methods to help improve emotional health and quality of life (Arana et al., 2006). They are trained to research, prevent, diagnose, assess, and treat psychological issues (Lesnik, 2018). According to Lesnik (2018), their practice is grounded in scientific evidence and takes into account each patient's characteristics, such as their personality, life history, and environment.

One of their main functions is to provide psychological counseling and psychotherapy, also known as “talk therapy” (APA, 2011). In other words, they support people with different emotional needs by offering tools to transform attitudes and behaviors (Daza, 2015). When starting a therapeutic process, it's important to know that you can ask the professional for their license and academic credentials (Tonini, 2017). Likewise, psychologists should clearly explain their working approach and theoretical foundations, acknowledging that there are various schools of thought within clinical psychology. If the treatment ends, patients have the right to access their clinical records, which must be kept up to date. Finally, it’s essential to remember that a psychologist cannot prescribe medication or guarantee specific results regarding a “cure” (Tonini, 2017). According to Tonini (2017), their role is to accompany, guide, and facilitate processes through ethical, professional, and evidence-based intervention.

However, the work of a clinical psychologist goes far beyond psychotherapy (Lesnik, 2018). Clinical psychologists also engage in preventive work, promoting mental health in individuals and communities, especially among at-risk populations (Lesnik, 2018). In this field, they may help create healthcare networks and strengthen the knowledge and resources of vulnerable groups (Daza, 2015). Many clinical psychologists also engage in research (Lesnik, 2018). They may validate assessment tools, predict variables, design tests, and contribute scientific knowledge to improve professional practice. According to Lesnik (2018), they use both theory and clinical experience to understand and modify behavioral patterns, always with a focus on well-being.

They are also trained in the application and interpretation of psychological assessments, which are used not only for clinical diagnosis but also to explore personal characteristics and better understand how each individual thinks, feels, and behaves (Tonini, 2017). Their field of practice includes hospitals, clinics, community centers, nursing homes, educational institutions, detention centers, and more (Lesnik, 2018). Another area of practice is teaching and training future professionals (Daza, 2015). As Daza (2015) states, they may teach undergraduate and graduate programs in topics such as personality, psychopathology, clinical assessment, psychotherapy, community interventions, research design, and more.

References

1. APA. (2011). Los psicólogos: Qué hacen y cómo nos ayudan. Retrieved 21 October 2020, from https://www.apa.org/centrodeapoyo/ayudan

2. Arana et al. (2006). El concepto de psicología. Entre la diversidad conceptual y la conveniencia de unificación. Apreciaciones desde la epistemología. Retrieved 5 October 2020, from https://www.redalyc.org/pdf/802/80280107.pdf

3. Begara, O., & Bascoy, A. (2016). ¿Qué es, y qué no es, psicología?, PsicoactivaMente en La Nueva España. Obtenido 5 Octubre 2020, de https://www.lne.es/blogs/psicoactiva-mente/que-es-y-que-no-es-psicologia.html

4. Daza, D. (2015). Descubre cómo es un Psicólogo Clínico: Competencias, funciones, formación. Emagister.com. Recuperado 29 July 2021, a partir de https://www.emagister.com/blog/descubre-como-es-un-psicologo-clinico-competencias-funciones-formacion/

5. Lesnik, M. (2018). ¿Que Hace un Psicólogo Clínico? Psicólogos Córdoba. Obtenido 21 Octubre 2020, de https://psicologoscordoba.org/que-hace-un-psicologo-clinico/

6. Tonini, F. (2017). ¿Qué hace un psicólogo clínico?. Retrieved 21 October 2020, from https://medium.com/@Psinonimo/qué-hace-un-psicólogo-cl%C3%ADnico-2c9545de0af8

7. Universidad Internacional de Valencia. (2018). ¿Quieres ser psicólogo clínico? Estas serán tus funciones. | VIU. Obtenido 21 Octubre 2020, de https://www.universidadviu.com/quieres-psicologo-clinico-estas-seran-tus-funciones/