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What is a Clinical Psychologist?

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Summary

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A clinical psychologist is a doctor who helps people with mental health problems. They talk to people about their thoughts, feelings, and behaviors to understand what’s going on and find ways to help them feel better.

Frequently Asked Question

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How can a clinical psychologist help my child?

They offer therapeutic interventions and tools, helping kids better understand and manage their feelings and behaviors.

Are clinical psychologists different from regular therapists?

Yes, clinical psychologists specialize in diagnosing disorders, while therapists focus mainly on counseling and emotional support.

How often should my child see a clinical psychologist?

The frequency varies based on individual needs; however, regular sessions are typically recommended for consistent progress.

Do I need a referral to see a clinical psychologist?

It depends on your location and health insurance plan. Some regions and insurance providers require a referral from a general practitioner, while others allow you to self-refer.

Scientific Definition

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A clinical psychologist is a licensed mental health professional with a doctoral degree in psychology who assesses, diagnoses and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Clinical psychologists employ evidence-based techniques such as psychotherapy and cognitive-behavioral therapy to help individuals cope with life challenges and manage symptoms of psychological distress. Approximately 41% of clinical psychologists work in private practice.

 

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Real World Example of a Clinical Psychologist

Liam, an 8-year-old with autism, struggled with anxiety and behavioral outbursts. His parents decided to seek help from a clinical psychologist. Here’s how it went:

  • Assessment: The psychologist met with Liam and his parents to gather information about his developmental history, strengths, and challenges.
  • Diagnosis: Based on the assessment, the psychologist diagnosed Liam with autism spectrum disorder and an anxiety disorder.
  • Treatment plan: The psychologist developed a personalized treatment plan for Liam, including weekly cognitive-behavioral therapy sessions and parent training.
  • Progress: Over time, Liam learned coping strategies for managing his anxiety and his outbursts decreased. His parents felt more confident in supporting his needs.

Working with a clinical psychologist empowered Liam and his family with the tools and support they needed to thrive.

How Does a Clinical Psychologist Work?

Clinical psychologists help kids with special needs in several key ways:

Service Description
Evaluation They conduct comprehensive assessments to identify a child’s strengths and needs.
Diagnosis They determine if a child meets criteria for a specific diagnosis, such as autism, ADHD, or anxiety.
Therapy They provide evidence-based therapies to help kids build coping skills and reduce symptoms.
Collaboration They work with parents, teachers, and other providers to coordinate care.

Clinical psychologists are uniquely qualified to support neurodivergent kids by providing specialized evaluation, diagnosis, therapy and coordination of care to help them reach their full potential.

 

This post was originally published on August 14, 2023. It was updated on April 4, 2024.