Clinical psychologists are experts in mental health. They have undertaken highly specialised training in the diagnosis and psychological treatment of mental, behavioural and emotional disorders.  Clinical psychology is a science-based profession which integrates theory and clinical practice to understand, prevent, and relieve psychologically based distress or dysfunction.

 

Clinical psychologists provide a wide range of psychological services to individuals across the lifespan for mental health conditions that range from mild to severe and complex.

In addition to professional practice, clinical psychologists may be involved in research, teaching and supervision, program development and evaluation, public policy and other activities that promote psychological health.

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Cinical psychologists such as Marissa have skills in the following areas:

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Assessment and Diagnosis

Clinical psychologists are trained in the assessment and diagnosis of mental illnesses and psychological problems and are qualified to provide advice in clinical and compensation areas.

 

Treatment

Clinical psychologists use a range of techniques and therapies to treat mental health disorders. They hold particular skills to solve complex clinical psychology problems requiring individually-tailored treatment.

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Learning

Research, teaching and evaluation are all integral to being a clinical psychologist. Research is often conducted on prevention, diagnosis, assessment and treatment. Clinical psychologists are involved in the design and implementation of treatment strategies in various settings (such as primary care, psychiatric and rehabilitation) and in the subsequent evaluation of treatment outcomes.

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What training does a clinical psychologist have?

A qualified clinical Psychologist has either a Masters or a Doctoral degree and receives one of the highest levels of education of all health care professionals, spending an average of eight years in education and training specifically in psychology. First they do an accredited undergraduate degree in psychology and then either a two-year Master’s degree or a three-year Doctoral degree in clinical psychology. Following their university training they then undertake registrar training for up to two years, overseen by the Psychology Board of Australia, to gain  endorsement as a clinical psychologist.  In Australia psychology is a regulated health profession under the Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency in partnership with the Psychology Board of Australia.

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Learn more about a specific psychologist’s or clinical psychologist’s qualifications:

Go to www.psychologyboard.gov.au and search the Registers of Practitioners by the psychologist’s name, state and the profession of psychology; click on View Details to view their qualifications and to determine if they are endorsed as a clinical psychologist.