What Are Clinical Psychologists?

Clinical psychologists help people cope with emotional and physical issues. They address problems such as abuse, grief, anxiety, addictions, disabling phobias and more. Generally they help people with more severe and debilitating psychological problems than counseling psychologists do. They usually work in counseling centers, mental health clinics, hospitals and long-term care facilities. Clinical psychologists must hold a master's degree at a minimum.

Physical Issues

Clinical psychologists working in hospitals commonly help people cope with the psychological effects of physical issues such as spinal cord injuries, amputation and chronic illness.

Neuropsychology

Neuropsychologists assist patients in recovering emotionally from a stroke or head injury.

Children and Teenagers

Some clinical psychologists focus on working with children and teenagers. These youngsters may have been traumatized by violence, or may need psychological help coping with learning disabilities, attention deficit and hyperactivity disorder, or other problems.

Group Therapy

Some clinical psychologists hold group therapy sessions with families or with several individuals experiencing similar problems.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is another area in which clinical psychologists can specialize. These psychologists evaluate the mental health of criminal suspects and act as expert witnesses in criminal trials.