What is a clinical psychologist?

Clinical psychology is a science-based profession that integrates theory and clinical practice to understand, prevent, and relieve psychological problems or disorders whether they are mild, moderate, severe, chronic, or complex.

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A clinical psychologist is a psychologist who is an expert in mental health. Clinical psychologists have undertaken highly specialised training in the assessment, diagnosis, formulation, and psychological treatment of mental health, behavioural, and emotional disorders across the lifespan. 

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Clinical psychologists are the only psychologists with this advanced level of education and training in mental health. Education and training of clinical psychologists takes at least eight years including 4 years of basic university training, a minimum of 2 years of postgraduate training and then a further 2 years of supervised practice.

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Other psychologists may have advanced levels of education and training specialising in areas other than mental health, such as clinical neuropsychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, organisational psychology, educational and developmental psychology, sport and exercise psychology, community psychology or counselling psychology. Areas of specialisation are recognised via endorsement by the Psychology Board of Australia. General psychologists do not undertake advanced education and training to specialise in an endorsed area of specialised practice.

 

Associate Professor Stafford is a Founding Member of the Australian Clinical Psychology Association (ACPA), the national professional body that represents clinical psychologists who hold the accredited postgraduate qualifications that meeting the criteria established by the Psychology Board of Australia for endorsement in clinical psychology.