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Psychology is a career area which captures our imagination like few others. The field of psychology is immensely varied and touches on a huge cross-section of industries: from marketing and communications to healthcare and nutrition, youth and social work, teaching, and over to leadership and management. The ideas, theories and research psychology explores have real-world application, and are crucial in helping patients.
As one of the largest areas of psychology, clinical psychology is crucial in helping patients with psychological and mental health challenges. Healthcare professionals working in clinical psychology provide invaluable support to patients experiencing tremendously difficult challenges.
Emergencies aren’t 9-5 so neither is the job of a paramedic! As paramedics tend to be the first medical professionals on scene it can be a high pressured role, but equally one that is hugely varied and highly rewarding. Paramedic roles provide plenty of varied opportunities, but there are many career opportunities that will allow you to make a huge difference.
Clinical psychology primarily focuses on assessment, diagnosis, validation, and treatment of mental health conditions and psychological challenges. Psychologists practising in this area usually work in clinical (health) or counselling services, and they help support individuals with mental health conditions that range from mild to severe and complex.
Clinical psychologists provide a wide range of psychological services to individuals across all age groups, with many specialising in work with children or adults.
In addition to working with individuals and groups, clinical psychologists may also undertake research, teaching and PhD supervision. Some are also involved in health programme development and evaluation, advising on public policy, and working with community groups to promote psychological health.
Some of the most common areas that clinical psychologists work and aim to address include depression, anxiety, addiction, phobias, relationship or family issues, or ADHD or autism-spectrum disorders.
Clinical psychology is a career that can take you in many different directions, with plenty of scope for creating your own path. With so much choice available, which one might suit you?
Clinical psychologists work in various settings, which can include hospitals, health clinics, private practice, universities, schools, community services, and prisons. Depending on where they work, these professionals draw on their expertise in unique ways and for different purposes. Although the core skills behind them are the same, clinical psychology brings interesting possibilities and new challenges. Let’s take a look!
They may work in healthcare or prison settings, helping patients through their treatment and recovery.
Some clinical psychologists teach, either alongside working in practice or conducting research, typically at a university level
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This is what newly qualified clinical psychologists can expect to start their careers earning, and there will often be opportunities for this to increase with experience, too.
This is what a typical working week looks like - clinical psychologists tend to work set working hours (normally 9am - 5pm), although there can be some work that occurs in either the evenings or weekends.
Many clinical psychologists will choose to specialise in one or more related areas to focus their learning and development on supporting individuals that experience challenges in their area(s) of specialist expertise to the very best of their ability.
Healthcare providers will help provide a healthy work/life balance, including part-time opportunities, flexibility, and childcare support. When you care for others, it’s important that the healthcare provider places the value in you, meaning that you’re able to focus on providing the best quality care.
Clinical psychology is a varied career area, but there are a core set of responsibilities that’ll you experience no matter which type of patients you care for. Let’s take a look!
Clinical psychologists play a fundamental role in assessing patients, understanding their needs, and considering necessary approaches to support. They’ll play a part in assessing behaviour or abilities through a variety of methods, including psychometric tests, interviews and direct observation.
Treatment programmes, known as care plans, are central to a person’s care. Clinical psychologists will help plan, monitor, and amend the plan if needed, to benefit the patient’s treatment or even recovery.
Clinical psychologists will deal with patients experiencing a variety of issues. Different techniques and treatments may be more suitable for different mental health conditions, and clinical psychologists will work with patients to find out what will work best for them.
Patients can differ in their responses to treatments, and so it’s important for clinical psychologists to spend time understanding the efficacy and outcomes of these, to evaluate whether a new approach is needed, or if it’s important to persevere with a particular treatment.
It’s important for clinical psychologists to keep an eye on any observations they make, and keep regular and accurate records to ensure that all the relevant information on the patient is stored correctly so other healthcare professionals have access to clear information, if required.
Some patients may be experiencing distressing mental health crises, and it’s important that clinical psychologists have the skills and awareness of how to help people who may be feeling incredibly vulnerable in these situations.
It’s important that clinical psychologists remain connected to their colleagues and peers, and continually strive to be up-to-date with any new developments.
In some instances, clinical psychologists may be called upon to write legal reports and act as experts witnesses. They’ll keep detailed paperwork about clients to monitor their progress.
It’s important that patients are involved in their own care. Clinical psychologists will often have to explain treatments and care plans to both patients, carers, and families. They can even be responsible for educating people on how to manage through different techniques. It’s all about knowing what information to give, and how to explain it.
Like most healthcare professionals, clinical psychologists will work as part of a multidisciplinary team to provide the best care possible for their patients. By relying on different expertise and opinion, they can play a key role in a team that looks after the complete health needs of a patient.
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