What is clinical psychology?

Clinical psychology is an area of psychology that deals with the investigation, evaluation, diagnosis, treatment, prognosis and rehabilitation of issues that are affecting a patient's mental health and are generating discomfort or suffering. Clinical psychology aims to restore your psychological balance and well-being.

What conditions does clinical psychology treat?

There are various psychological symptoms that clinical psychology can manage. These include somatic disorders, psychiatric disorders and behavioural disorders. Some of the main mental health conditions that clinical psychologists deal with are:

• Depression
• Bipolar disorder
• Anxiety
• OCD
• Post-traumatic stress disorder
• Acute stress disorder
• Somatisation (physical symptoms brought on by anxiety)
• Sexual dysfunction
• Sexual abuse
• Emotional dependence
• Insomnia and sleep disorders
• Personality disorders
• Couples therapy

What are the subspecialities of clinical psychology?

Throughout history, clinical psychology has evolved, encompassing different areas within psychology. Some of these include:

• Social psychology;
• Psychopathology;
• Family and couples psychology;
• Paediatric and adolescent clinical psychology;
• Psychotherapy;
• Adult clinical psychology;
• Psychological evaluation;
• Clinical neuropsychology;
• Neuropsychological rehabilitation;
• Community psychology;
• Psychosociology;
• Psychoneuroimmunology;

What is the difference between a general psychologist and a clinical psychologist?

There is a slight difference between the two, and it mainly lies in their training. A general psychologist studies mental behaviours and psychological functions and offers therapy and counselling to people with a range of everyday problems to help them understand themselves and make certain changes in their lives. However, clinical psychologists go slightly further and deal specifically with the assessment and treatment of psychiatric and mental illnesses. They are also heavily involved in research and employ scientific methods to treat people working collaboratively with other medical professionals. A person who suffers from a severe mental health problem would typically see a clinical psychologist over a general psychologist.