Clinical psychology Chapter 1: Introduction

Paraprofessionals. Individuals (e.g., crisis hotline workers) who have been trained to assist professional mental health workers.

Psy.D. degree. An advanced degree in psychology that is emerging as an alternative to traditional research-oriented Ph.D. degrees.

Psychiatrist. A physician with intensive training in the diagnosis and treatment of a variety of mental disorders. Because of their medical backgrounds, psychiatrists may prescribe medications for the alleviation of problematic behavior or psychological distress.

Scientist-practitioner model of training. The predominant training philosophy in clinical psychology today. This model is based on that idea that clinical psychologists should integrate their roles of scientist and practitioner. Requires that students acquire research competence by contributing to ongoing studies and eventually conducting their own original research project.

Theoretical orientation. The theoretical framework that a psychologist relies on to conceptualize and treat clients’ problems. Examples of such orientations include psychodynamic, cognitive, behavioral, interpersonal, systems, and eclectic/integrative. Psychodynamic decreasing over the years. Cognitive-behavioral is increasing. Many consider themselves eclectic.