Clinical Psychologists

Interact with clients to assist them in gaining insight, defining goals, and planning action to achieve effective personal, social, educational, or vocational development and adjustment.

Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.

Use a variety of treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, behavior modification, stress reduction therapy, psychodrama, or play therapy.

Counsel individuals and groups regarding problems, such as stress, substance abuse, or family situations, to modify behavior or to improve personal, social, or vocational adjustment.

Discuss the treatment of problems with clients.

Write reports on clients and maintain required paperwork.

Consult with or provide consultation to other doctors, therapists, or clinicians regarding patient care.

Obtain and study medical, psychological, social, and family histories by interviewing individuals, couples, or families and by reviewing records.

Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, modifying plans or diagnoses as necessary.

Select, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests to obtain information on individuals' intelligence, achievements, interests, or personalities.

Develop and implement individual treatment plans, specifying type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.

Refer clients to other specialists, institutions, or support services as necessary.

Maintain current knowledge of relevant research.

Consult reference material, such as textbooks, manuals, or journals, to identify symptoms, make diagnoses, or develop approaches to treatment.

Plan and develop accredited psychological service programs in psychiatric centers or hospitals, in collaboration with psychiatrists and other professional staff.

Observe individuals at play, in group interactions, or in other contexts to detect indications of mental deficiency, abnormal behavior, or maladjustment.

Direct, coordinate, and evaluate activities of staff and interns engaged in patient assessment and treatment.

Develop, direct, and participate in training programs for staff and students.

Provide occupational, educational, or other information to individuals so that they can make educational or vocational plans.

Provide psychological or administrative services and advice to private firms or community agencies regarding mental health programs or individual cases.

Plan, supervise, and conduct psychological research and write papers describing research results.

Conduct assessments of patients' risk for harm to self or others.

Prepare written evaluations of individuals' psychological competence for court hearings.