What is Clinical Psychology?

What is clinical psychology? What do clinical psychologists do? Answering these questions is not a simple task, as there are multiple definitions, theoretical approaches, and opinions that vary depending on academic, cultural, and professional contexts (Puigbó, 2019). However, according to Puigbó (2019), there are a number of aspects that appear in almost all definitions of clinical psychology.

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History of Clinical Psychology

The history of clinical psychology as a discipline, profession, and branch of general psychology begins in 1879 (Guízar, 2018). That year, Wilhelm Wundt established the first psychology laboratory in Leipzig, Germany, where most of his research focused on perception and sensation processes, aiming to find consistent evidence about human behavioral problems (Guízar, 2018). In the United States, in the late 19th century, a psychologist named Lightner Witmer — Wilhelm Wundt's student — opened the first psychology clinic at the University of Pennsylvania to treat individuals with psychological problems (Regader, n.d.). Seven years later, there were already 26 more clinics operating in the U.S. alone (Puigbó, 2019). Later on, according to Guízar (2018), in 1907, Wundt’s disciple, who was also the head of the Psychology Department at the University of Pennsylvania, used the term clinical psychology for the first time to describe the work carried out at the clinic.

In Europe, Sigmund Freud, the father of psychoanalysis, is often credited as one of the pioneers of clinical psychology (Regader, n.d.). However, many academics question whether Freud should be considered one of the founders of clinical psychology, as psychoanalysis has sparked long-standing controversies. Nonetheless, Freud was among the first neuroscientists to conduct early research aimed at treating patients with mental disorders. He believed that a person's behavior was largely influenced by repressed thoughts, desires, and childhood memories. According to Regader (n.d.), his approach to therapeutic intervention and its theoretical foundation was based on three levels: research, direct therapeutic intervention, and theory formulation. This methodology would go on to establish the basic standards of applied clinical psychology.

For a long time, clinical psychology focused mainly on study and psychological assessment (Puigbó, 2019). However, after World War II, the large number of individuals suffering from psychological damage led to a growing interest in revising treatment methods (Puigbó, 2019). This historical period marked the need to provide resources to the field of clinical psychology (Regader, n.d.). Eventually, a dedicated psychology department was created, along with a consultation space and a specialized office for mental health treatment (Regader, n.d.). According to Puigbó (2019), by the late 1930s, the field that would become modern clinical psychology was already organized, and clinical psychologists began working in clinics, hospitals, and prisons, with both adults and children.

What is Clinical Psychology?

Psychology encompasses various fields and professional areas that can serve different disciplines with greater precision — one of these is clinical psychology (Regader, n.d.). Throughout the 20th century and in recent years, this branch has become a focal point for many experts and academics devoted to the study of human behavior. Clinical psychology is defined as a subdiscipline of psychology focused on the study of mental disorders as well as broader research related to mental health (Regader, n.d.). According to Badia (2019), clinical psychology can be practiced in different contexts, though its main areas of application include clinical centers, mental health institutions, and general hospitals.

The goals of clinical psychology include understanding, treating, and preventing psychological problems and disorders through assessment, diagnosis, intervention, and research (Badia, 2019). However, its primary purpose is to promote, protect, and improve individuals’ overall health from a biopsychosocial approach, applying the knowledge, skills, techniques, and methods specific to psychology (Badia, 2019). Psychological support can be sought by people of all ages—from childhood through adulthood (Vega, 2019). According to Regader (n.d.), this includes both individuals with underlying medical conditions and those without a formal diagnosis; from those dealing with psychological disorders to others facing difficulties related to inadequate family or social dynamics.

Psychological care can be provided individually, as a couple, or in groups (Vega, 2019). While many issues are addressed on an individual level, in certain cases the involvement of others is necessary. For example, according to Vega (2019), couples’ conflicts usually require the participation of both partners, while situations involving family coexistence or mediation are often approached in a group setting.

References

1. Badia, A. (2019). ¿Qué es la psicología clínica? - Definición, Historia, Objetivo y Ejemplos. Obtenido 18 octubre 2020, de https://www.psicologia-online.com/que-es-la-psicologia-clinica-definicion-historia-objetivo-y-ejemplos-4387.html

2. Guízar, P. (2018). El concepto de la psicología clínica y dónde estudiarla. Retrieved 18 October 2020, from https://blog.ucq.edu.mx/concepto-psicologia-clinica

3. Puigbó, J. (2019). Qué es la psicología clínica: historia funciones y objetivos. psicologia-online.com. Recuperado 20 July 2021, a partir de https://www.psicologia-online.com/que-es-la-psicologia-clinica-historia-funciones-y-objetivos-4325.html

4. Regader, B. (s.f.). Psicología clínica: definición y funciones del psicólogo clínico. Obtenido 18 octubre 2020, de https://psicologiaymente.com/psicologia/clinica

5. Vega, N. (2019). Psicoterapia: Todo lo que debes saber sobre psicología clínica. Obtenido 18 octubre 2020, de https://blog.cognifit.com/es/psicoterapia-todo-lo-que-debes-saber-sobre-psicologia-clinica/