Clinical Psychology James Smolin, Ph.D. Orange Coast College
Clinical Psychology: Outline What is Clinical Psychology? Is Clinical Psychology the right career for me? Education and Degrees Coursework Research Clinical Work Teaching Clinical Psychology: Getting In Resources
What is Clinical Psychology? APA Division 12: The field of Clinical Psychology integrates science, theory, and practice to understand, predict, and alleviate maladjustment, disability, and discomfort as well as to promote human adaptation, adjustment, and personal development. Clinical Psychology focuses on the intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social, and behavioral aspects of human functioning across the life span, in varying cultures, and at all socioeconomic levels.
Education and Degrees Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Science (B.S.) Master of Arts (M.A.) or Science (M.S.) Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) Requirements of the degree Coursework Research Clinical work Differences between degrees (e.g., Psy.D.) Licensure as a Clinical Psychologist
Coursework Examples Research Methods and Experimental Design Statistical Analyses Behavior Disorders Clinical Interviewing Clinical Assessment Personality Theory and Assessment Principles and Techniques of Psychotherapy Ethical and Professional Issues History of Psychology Specialty Seminars (e.g., Social Psychology, Biopsychology)
Research in Clinical Psychology Scientist-Practitioner Model Boulder Model Integrating Research and Practice Empirically validated treatments Research Team Projects Master s Thesis Preliminary Exams or Research Project Doctoral Thesis
Clinical Work Clinical work as an undergraduate and graduate student Fieldwork, Practicum, and Internships Clinical Psychologists General Settings Type of Work Types of Clients/Patients Types of Therapies Specific Areas of Clinical Psychology Associated Responsibilities
How Can I Become Involved Today? Volunteer your time to become familiar with the field. Opportunities Youth Shelters Homeless Shelters Women s Centers Senior Centers Hotlines Specialty Programs (e.g., autism, Boys/Girls Club) School Programs (e.g., after-school reading) Research Assistantships
Clinical Psychology: Getting In Investigate the area(s) of psychology that interest you. You can t start too early! Talk with your professors and other psychologists. Network with professors you may want to work with. Current Coursework and GPA Graduate Record Examination (GRE) Research: assistantships, conferences, interests, plans Clinical Experience: volunteer and coursework (e.g., Fieldwork) Commitment to the field and getting involved Psi Beta American Psychological Association Student Affiliate Western Psychological Association
Web Resources American Psychological Association (APA; www.apa.org) APA Books (www.apa.org/books/) APA Brochures (www.apa.org/publications/brochures.html) APA Careers in Psychology (www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx) APA: Division 12 - Society of Clinical Psychology (www.apa.org/divisions/div12/homepage.html) Anxiety Disorders Association of America (www.adaa.org) Association for Advancement of Behavior Therapy (www.aabt.org) My Psych Mentor (www.mypsychmentor.com/) Psi Beta (http://psibeta.org/) Psi Beta (Graduate School, CVs; Tucker & Rudmann; http://psibeta.org/site/two-new-career-development-videosfor-psi-beta-members) Western Psychological Association (www.westernpsych.org)
Book Resources American Psychological Association (2004). Getting in: A step-by-step plan for gaining admission to graduate school in psychology. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. (Information about the process of applying to graduate school programs) American Psychological Association (2004). Graduate study in psychology. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. (Information about specific graduate school programs) Sayette, M. A., Mayne, T. J., & Norcross, J. C. (2004). Insider s guide to graduate programs in clinical and counseling psychology. New York: Guilford Press. (Information about specific graduate school programs in Clinical Psychology) Sternberg, R. J. (1997). Career paths in psychology: Where your degree can take you. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Wegenec, A. R., & Buskist, W. (2010). The insider's guide to the psychology major: Everything you need to know about the degree and profession. Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.