Clinical psychologists are mental health professionals who specialise in diagnosing, assessing, and treating a wide range of mental health and emotional issues. Their primary focus is on helping individuals and sometimes families or groups, to better understand and manage their psychological well-being.
Clinical psychologists conduct comprehensive assessments to diagnose mental health disorders and gain a thorough understanding of an individual’s psychological issues. They use various assessment methods, including standardized tests, clinical interviews, and observations.
Clinical psychologists develop personalised treatment plans for their clients based on their assessments and diagnoses. These plans often include setting specific treatment goals and outlining the steps to achieve them, which may involve therapy and lifestyle changes.
A significant part of their work involves providing therapy or counselling to clients who are struggling with emotional and psychological challenges. Clinical psychologists use evidence-based therapeutic approaches to help clients address issues such as anxiety, depression, stress, trauma, and relationship problems.
People seek support from clinical psychologists for a variety of reasons. Some common reasons people may need to see a psychologist include:
Everyone’s journey is different, and it depends on the reason you are seeking support and what it is that you are hoping to get out of treatment.
Sessions often start with discussing the issues that have brought you into treatment. If a GP or psychiatrist has referred you, then this may include discussing the details of your Mental Health Treatment Plan. The Clinical Psychologist will seek to develop a thorough understanding of your concerns and relevant background history, e.g., family, social relationships, work history, and past counselling. You will also discuss goals for treatment.
