Clinical Psychology: History, Approaches, & Career

It has become normal to hear news about suicides, depression, and anxiety. Every day, we see countless posts or videos talking about their mental health struggles. People are becoming more aware of disorders beyond depression and anxiety. Now, more than ever, people are ready to begin their healing journey.

According to the World Health Organization (2019), about 970 million people worldwide suffer from a form of mental disorder. Depression and anxiety are at an all-time high. One could argue that there are medications available for most disorders. However, it is important to note that psychological medicines come along with a long list of side effects. For most of its history, psychology has focused on developing medications and pharmacotherapeutics.

In recent years, the focus has shifted more to psychotherapies. Psychologists are recognising that medicines alone can only do so much. Researchers have pointed out that to effectively treat or manage a disorder a combination of medication and psychotherapy is required. 

What is Clinical Psychology? 

Clinical Psychology is defined as the psychological speciality that provides ongoing and comprehensive mental and behavioural health care for individuals families, and groups. It also provides consultation to agencies and communities based on research and evidence-based strategies (American Psychological Association, 2022). Clinical psychologists are mental health professionals who focus on assessing, diagnosing and treating individuals with mental disorders. This branch is called “clinical” psychology as its main focus is to observe and treat patients in a clinical setting.

They use a variety of psychological tests and psychotherapies to treat or manage mental disorders. Clinical psychologists work in various settings including, hospitals, schools, universities, and research institutions. It is one of the largest speciality areas in psychology with an ever-growing body of literature. 

History of Clinical Psychology 

Psychology has a long rich history with its roots dating back to ancient Greek philosophers such as Socrates, Plato and Confucious. Unlike psychology clinical psychology is a fairly new field and was officially established around the 20th century (Benjamin et al., 2023). Despite being a relatively new discipline it has a rich history and a bright future ahead of it. During the 1700s and 1800s people with mental illnesses were treated as evil and possessed beings. They were shunned by society and were treated in institutions that resembled prisons more than hospitals. Many psychologists from Europe and North America such as William Tuke, Phillipe Pinel and Eli Todd took it upon themselves to build more humane institutions for treating mentally ill people, foretelling the emergence of clinical psychology as a discipline. 

Clinical Psychology was formally established as a discipline in 1896 when Lightner Witmer established the first psychological clinic at the University of Pennsylvania. Lightner Witmer is considered the father of clinical psychology and was the first person to apply psychology systematically to solve people’s problems. By, 1935 there were about 150 clinics modelled after Witmer (Brown, 1935).

He also published the first journal in the field called “The Psychological Clinic” in 1907 (Benjamin et al., 2023). Witmer’s journal is the first known journal to use the word “clinical psychology” and explain it. However, it was not until much later that clinical psychology gained its current significance. 

Clinical psychology owes its current popularity to Sigmund Freud. He is considered one of the first to develop and use psychotherapy to treat patients. While for most of its history clinical psychology had focused on research and science, the focus has now changed to psychotherapy with more focus on practicality and application. 

Approaches to Clinical Psychology 

Clinical psychologists use a diverse range of approaches to understand and address the human mind and behaviour (Olivia-Garcia, 2024). The method and approach used to assess and treat a disorder varies from practitioner to practitioner. 

• Psychoanalytic Approach: Emerging from the ideas of Sigmund Freud, the psychoanalytic approach explores the depths of the unconscious mind, highlighting the significance of early experiences and the resolution of unconscious conflicts to attain emotional well-being. Techniques such as free association and dream analysis are employed to delve into hidden thoughts and emotions. 
• Behaviorist Approach: Behaviorism, advanced by scholars like B.F. Skinner concentrates on observable behaviours and the external influences that shape them. Clinical psychologists employing this approach aim to adjust maladaptive behaviours through methods like operant conditioning, which focuses on rewards and punishment, and behaviour modification. 
• Cognitive-Behavioral Approach (CBT): Integrating cognitive and behavioural strategies, CBT seeks to comprehend and address psychological disorders by highlighting the impact of thoughts and beliefs on emotions and behaviours. By identifying and challenging negative thought patterns, clients are supported in developing healthier coping mechanisms. 
• Humanistic-Existential Approach: Founded on the theories of Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, the humanistic-existential approach prioritizes personal growth, self-actualization, and individual potential. This client-centred approach underscores empathy, unconditional positive regard, and a focus on the present moment, valuing the client’s subjective experience.
• Integrative Approach: The integrative approach incorporates components from various theoretical perspectives. Psychologists utilizing this approach acknowledge that no single theory can account for all aspects of human behaviour and tailor interventions to meet each client’s specific needs, providing a holistic and flexible approach to mental health. 

Careers in Clinical Psychology

As mentioned before clinical psychologists work and thrive in various work settings. You can choose to specialize in an area that aligns with your interest and passion. Some fields that clinical psychologists Generally practice in are hospitals, schools, counselling centres, group or private health care practices and hospital systems.

Clinical psychology is a rapidly growing field. With more and more people seeking therapy for their problems, there is an increasing demand for clinical psychologists. However, being a clinical psychologist can be overwhelming and emotionally exhausting as you rarely deal with happy and fulfilled patients. Despite being taxing, it is an extremely fulfilling career where you get to help thousands of people live happily and find satisfaction in their lives. If you are unsure whether this field is right for you, exploring and taking a psychology career test may help. 

Frequently Asked Questions

What does a clinical psychologist do? 

Clinical psychologists are mental health professionals who are trained to address mental and behavioural concerns faced by individuals, families or groups. They are equipped with a variety of psychological tools and psychotherapies to assess, diagnose and treat disorders. 

Is a clinical psychologist a doctor? 

Clinical psychologists can have a doctoral degree either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). They do not have a medical degree and cannot be considered a medical doctor and prescribe medicines. 

How long is a PhD in clinical psychology? 

In CIP Ranchi and RINPAS, it takes 2 years to complete a PhD. Apart from that, it generally takes 3 to 5 Years.

Can a Clinical Psychologist work in a hospital? 

Yes, a clinical psychologist can either work in a hospital or open a private clinic.