Talk:Clinical psychology

From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

Portal

This article is within the scope of WikiProject Psychology, which collaborates on Psychology and related subjects on Wikipedia. To participate, help improve this article or visit the project page for details on the project. B This article has been rated as B-Class on the quality scale. High This article has been rated as High-importance on the importance scale. Article Grading: The article has been rated for quality and/or importance but has no comments yet. If appropriate, please review the article and then leave comments to identify the strengths and weaknesses of the article and what work it needs.

Can we add history (i.e. Univ. of Pennsylvania, etc)? Thanks Usertalk:Dpr

Contents 1 humansitic psychology 2 Psychiatry vs. psychology article? 3 History paragraph moved 4 "Clinical Psychology" is not a restricted phrase

[edit] humansitic psychology

some points of concern in the section "humanistic psychology" (HP):

1. use of the word "reaction" in the opening sentence. it sounds, in short, behavioral, like a unmediated stimulus. the early thinker made very strong choices about humansitic psych. i think a more fitting word would be respond, as in "response-able"

2. A final sentence reads: "The mission of the humanistic psychologist is to point the individual in the direction of these resources." Roger's CCT is non-directive in its basic principles: the CCT does not direct, but reflects and supports, provides a clearing where the client can then recognize his or her own capacity for choice.

Please discuss.

[edit] Psychiatry vs. psychology article?

I'm going to be posting this around at a few of the affected articles, but I was thinking of creating a separate article comparing psychiatry and psychology and counseling in general. I think there is a lot of confusion in the world as to the differences and similarities and Wikipedia could be a great resource to come to for those who aren't professionals in these related fields.

Kind of an example, psychiatrists carry a MD doctorate whereas psychologists & clinical psychologists carry a PhD doctorate. Perhaps we could explain differences in training and specialties. (ie you'll find more psychologists counseling marriages then psychiatrists, but you'll find more psychiatrists treating mental illnesses then psychologists.)

Anyway, I wanted to create this article and perhaps link to it on many of the related articles. Thoughts??? Chupper 20:10, 26 July 2006 (UTC)

Something comparing this would be great, because, as you say, there is a lot of confusion. Some people don't even recognize that psychologists and psychiatrists often use the same kind of methods.

---G. 21:46, 26 July 2006 (UTC)

I've given it more thought and I'm thinking maybe an article titled "Mental Health Professionals" not only comparing ology and iatry but maybe therapists, etc. I've seen a lot of people not giving enough credit to each - some say psychologists dont have MD's so they aren't really doctors (even though a PhD and MD are both doctorates, same level in the academic world) and I've also heard some people say psychiatrists don't know anything about therapy and only use medicine to solve mental problems (also quite inaccurate). Maybe I'll get started on this article soon... Chupper 22:19, 26 July 2006 (UTC)

[edit] History paragraph moved

I moved the history bit to the top of the article. Also, I added "Other scientific perspectives" - feel free to edit. The "scientific" bit is of course important, considering the diverging unscientific opinions on this subject out there. Narssarssuaq 21:51, 18 August 2006 (UTC)

[edit] "Clinical Psychology" is not a restricted phrase

This message is in reference to a recent edit by Frater5. In America, as per adminstrative law in most states, a person cannot call themselves a "licensed psychologist" unless they have passed the license that is specifically based upon a doctorate and has been given that title.

But "clinical psychology" is not a restricted term. "Clinical psychology" is the phrase that describes all forms of psychology that occur in a clinical setting - that is, with a patient or client. Psychotherapy is just one of many processes that can be performed in the field of clinical psychology.

The APA, one of many private, professional membership organizataions, has suggested and lobbied for the the term "Psychologist" to have a legally restricted use in licensing. You can see this in the WP article on the American Psychological Association article. Many state licensing boards have worded licensing regulations accordingly. That is not the case with the phrase "clinical Psychology." Counselors and psychotherapists also engage in the practice of psychology within a clinical setting - that is "Clinical Psychology". Steve 17:38, 25 November 2006 (UTC)

Counselors and psychotherapists also engage in the practice of psychology within a clinical setting - that is "Clinical Psychology" ... not according to the APA and almost all state licensing boards. The fact that one is working in a clinical setting doesn't mean the clinician is practicing Clinical Psychology. It is a specific area of expertise, whose practice generally requires a doctorate. From the APA:

Psychologists in independent practice or those who offer any type of patient care, including clinical, counseling, and school psychologists, must meet certification or licensing requirements. All states and the District of Columbia have such requirements. Licensing laws vary by state, but generally require a doctorate in psychology, completion of an approved internship, and 1 to 2 years of professional experience...

Look more closely at that quote: "Psychologists ... must meet certification or licensing requirements. All states and the District of Columbia have such requirements. Licensing laws vary by state, but generally require a doctorate in psychology..." Note that the subject of the sentence is Psychologists. In that context, meaning licensed psychologists. The sentence is about licensing requirements for licensed psychologists and does not restrict the phrase "clinical psychology." Also, you said, "...and almost all state licensing boards." I do not know of a single licensing board that restricts the use of the phrase "Clinical Psychology". The full regulations are on-line for many states - take a look. Steve 20:51, 25 November 2006 (UTC)

The American Board of Professional Psychology recognizes professional achievement by awarding diplomas primarily in clinical psychology, clinical neuropsychology, and counseling, forensic, industrial and organizational, and school psychology. Candidates need a doctorate in psychology, 5 years of experience, and professional endorsements; they also must pass an examination. (from here)

The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP - http://www.abpp.org) is a private organization that can only speak for its members. All that it is doing is spelling out, for those who wish to acquire an ABPP certification, what is needed. It doesn't, and can't, restrict clinical psychology to those with a doctorate. ABPP does not have the statutory authority to make a phrase restricted. Steve 20:51, 25 November 2006 (UTC)

and

In the U.S., the doctoral degree is generally recognized and accepted as the education credential for license eligibility to practice independently as a clinical psychologist. (from here)

That quote is from an APA FAQ page and it is the answer to this question: "What are the qualifications to become licensed as a psychologist in the U.S.?" Again, this is about licensed psychologists - not a restriction on the use of the phrase "clinical psychology". The APA is a private organization that competes with other organizations for membership and it lobbies as a special interest on behalf of its members. It does not have the authority to restrict a phrase - it can only make that suggestion to those governmental bodies who do have that authority. Steve 20:51, 25 November 2006 (UTC)

and

An earned doctorate from a Clinical Psychology program represents the basic entry level for the provision of Clinical Psychology services. (from here).

They are just plain wrong in this case. Maybe they failed to state a context of "For licensed psychologists, an earned doctorate..." Or, maybe it is just wishful thinking or sloppy use of words. But they are wrong. Anyone who has a valid license to diagnose and treat mental disorders can practice clinical psychology. The APA's pronouncements do NOT have the force of law. Steve 20:51, 25 November 2006 (UTC)

I understand you want to make Clinical Psychology a general term, but in the US, it just isn't. –Frater5 (talk/con) 19:46, 25 November 2006 (UTC)

It is not me who is trying to "make Clinical Psychology a general term." It already is and has been a simple English phrase for a long time. We have accredited universities that graduate people with degrees in "Clinical Psychology" - it is a subject area. There are Master's level licenses in every state whose successful applicants diagnose and treat mental disorders - Which is "Clinical Psychology." It is improper to tell all of these people that they are no longer doing what their degree and license gives them a right to do because a professional membership organization made up of licensed psychologists might like to restrict the use of that phrase (depending upon how one interprets that last quote) even though they haven't the authority to do more than make suggestions. In the absence of laws restricting the use of that phrase, it becomes POV to push the point of view of the APA over that of common usage. Steve 20:51, 25 November 2006 (UTC)

"Clinical Psychology" is an area of practice that requires a doctorate in the US. No matter how much you want to generalize the term, it doesn't change the fact that to practice "clinical psychology", you need a doctorate. This name isn't merely descriptive, but is technical. I'm not "pushing" APA's point of view with this information, I'm reporting the facts. Go to any university psychology professor and ask, "what degree do you need to practice clinical psychology" and you will hear "a doctorate." That is the common usage of the word, which is accepted within the field. Someone with a Masters cannot get a license to practice clinical psychology. To claim otherwise is not ethical. –Frater5 (talk/con) 21:02, 25 November 2006 (UTC)

You are wrong. Show me any regulation from any state in the U.S. that prohibits a holder of a valid Master's level license from practicing clinical psychology. What in the world do think all of those thousands and thousands of people are doing? I don't have to "ask a university professor" - I have taught at an accredited university and I have practiced clinical psychology under a valid master's level license and I am not "unethical." And I deeply resent your accusation. A master's level practitioner is prohibited from advertising their services as a licensed psychologist. That is because the use the term has restrictions that are a part of law and the individual would be making a false claim regarding their license. That is not the case with the phrase "Clinical Psychology" - you are doing a grave injustice to all of the therapists and counselors - properly licensed - that are seeing patients in a clinical setting to address psychological issues. I say again, find a single law on the books in any state that makes "clincal psychology" restricted. Until you have a citation like that, you should quit pushing the APA POV and you should be more respectful than to call me "unethical". Steve 21:18, 25 November 2006 (UTC)