Psychology Specialties

Psychology Special

Psychology is very diverse with a range of specialty areas. Psychologists specialize in a subfield that focuses on a specific subject within psychology. The specialty areas require graduate study in the particular area of interest. The sub-specialties in the field of psychology include clinical psychology, counseling psychology, educational psychology, experimental psychology, health psychology, and industrial or organizational psychology.

Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychologists reduce psychological distress while promoting and enhancing psychological well-being. Clinical psychologists work with patients with physical or mental health problems. They assess, diagnose and treat people suffering from mental illness. Clinical psychologists perform wide range of duties such as conducting assessments, interviewing patients, performing psychotherapy, giving diagnostic tests and administering programs. Their common work setting includes schools, hospitals, prisons, universities, prisons; mental health institutions and private practices Clinical psychologists need to have a doctoral degree.

The clinical psychology programs are accredited by APA (American Psychological Association) in many states. The programs are also accepted upon meeting the designation criteria of the ASPPB (Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards) and the National Register. The awarded degree is either PsyD or PhD. A PsyD I shorter and does not include dissertation. It focuses more on practice. . Before graduating with a doctorate degree, students are required to complete a year of formal internship. Before they begin practicing, clinical psychologists are required to pass examination for professional practice in psychology (EPPP).The society of clinical psychology and Division 12 of the APA are professional organizations offering resources for clinical psychologists. Clinical psychologists apply for specialty certification through the American Board of Professional psychology. The ABPP reviews credentials including education after which the candidate submits work samples. Later, an oral examination is scheduled.

The paper must be neatly formatted, double-spaced with a one-inch margin on the top, bottom, and sides of each page. When submitting hard copy, be sure to use white paper and print out using dark ink. If it is hard to read your essay, it will also be hard to follow your argument.

This is a great field that brings a lot of interaction with the patients. I would be interested in studying this specialty because of the type of work and opportunities present in the various areas involved.

Psychology Specialties