What is clinical psychology? Definition and History

1. What is clinical psychology? Definition and History The Clinical Psychologist is a figure in full evolution. Psychology has been changing, growing, and dividing into specialties. For this reason, it is sometimes difficult to differentiate the branches of psychology. Clinical psychology is one of the specialties of psychology and is characterized by being focused on the mental health and psychological well- being of people. Here we are going to explain what clinical psychology is and we detail its definition and its objective. What is clinical psychology: definition and objective? Currently, clinical psychology is a scientific and professional discipline that is defined as the branch of psychology that is responsible for carrying out the evaluation, explanation, diagnosis, Mental Health Treatment, and prevention of mental disorders and the promotion of psychological well-being. The goals of clinical psychology are to understand, treat, and prevent psychological problems and disorders through evaluation, diagnosis, intervention, and research. Its main objective is to seek, care for, and improve health at all levels, from a bio-psycho-social perspective of people. All this is done through the application of the knowledge, skills, techniques, and instruments of psychology. Clinical psychology can be practiced in different contexts. However, the main settings are still clinical centers, mental health counseling services, and general hospitals. Furthermore, clinical psychology is a profession that is continually evolving, expanding its functions and fields of work. Functions of clinical psychology: Currently, the functions of clinical psychology are considered to be: - Evaluate - To diagnose - Treat, intervene, rehabilitate - Advice or advice - Promote health and prevent - Research - Teach and supervise Tools of clinical psychology: These functions are carried out by clinical and health psychologists through techniques and procedures such as interviews, where the professional asks to collect the necessary information for the evaluation. These interviews can be more or less guided. Information is also collected through direct observation of the professional. Another tool is the tests, in general, consistent and validated psychometric instruments to measure from symptoms to capacities in a patient. Although there are many types of psychological tests. There are also psychophysiological records that serve to measure the physiological responses of the body. Self-reports, surveys, and exercises are also used in which the patient himself observes and records his thoughts or behaviors. Once all the information has been collected, it is usually summarized in a psychological report. The report will vary depending on the recipient. But in general, it usually includes the reason for consultation, the tests applied during the evaluation process with the corresponding scores and interpretations, and the conclusions with a diagnostic orientation.