Chapter 1 - An Introduction

Question 1

Accreditation

Answer 1

A designation bestowed by the APA on psychological training programs that meet acceptable training standards.

Question 2

Clinical Practicum

Answer 2

A training experience designed to build specific clinical skills (in assessment, psychotherapy, etc.). Often, a practicum combines academic content, or theory, with practical experience.

Question 3

Clinical Psychologist

Answer 3

A member of a profession devoted to understanding and treating individuals affected by a variety of emotional, behavioral, and/or cognitive difficulties. Clinical psychologists may be involved in numerous activities, including supervision, research, consultation, and administration.

Question 4

Clinical Science Model

Answer 4

A clinical psychology training model that emphasizes empirically supported approaches to assessment, prevention, and clinical intervention. This model arose from concerns that clinical psychology was not firmly grounded in science.

Question 5

Clinical Social Workers

Answer 5

Mental health professionals trained in psychiatric diagnosis and in individual and group psychotherapy. Compared to psychologists and psychiatrists, psychiatric social workers’ training is relatively brief, limited to a 2-year master’s degree. Social workers are intensely involved in the day-to-day lives of their patients and focus more on the social and environmental factors contributing to their patients’ difficulties.

Question 6

Counseling Psychologists

Answer 6

Psychologists whose interests and activities overlap significantly with those of clinical psychologists. Traditionally, counseling psychologists have provided individual and group psychotherapy for normal or moderately maladjusted individuals and have offered educational and occupational counseling.

Question 7

Doctoral Degree

Answer 7

A degree that requires training beyond the master’s degree. In clinical psychology, the doctoral degree is usually obtainable after 4 years of graduate training in assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, and research, plus a 1-year internship.

Question 8

Graduate Record Examination

Answer 8

A test frequently required of applicants to graduate training programs. The GRE assesses quantitative, verbal, and analytical abilities. In addition, the GRE offers subject tests for several disciplines, including psychology.

Question 9

Health Psychologists

Answer 9

Psychologists whose research or practical work focuses on the prevention of illness, the promotion and maintenance of good health, or the treatment of individuals with diagnosed medical conditions.

Question 10

Internship

Answer 10

An intensive clinical experience required of all clinical psychology students and usually occurring at the very end of their graduate training. Typically, internships last 1 year and involve full-time work at an independent facility.

Question 11

Master’s Degree

Answer 11

An advanced degree, usually obtainable after 2 years of graduate work. Individuals with master’s-level training in clinical psychology work in a variety of service-delivery settings but may be less likely to gain professional independence than individuals with doctoral degrees.

Question 12

Paraprofessionals

Answer 12

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

Question 13

Professional Schools

Answer 13

Schools offering advanced training in psychology that emphasizes competence in assessment and psychotherapy over competence in research. Many professional schools are not affiliated with universities, and most award the Psy.D. degree.

Question 14

Psy.D. Degree

Answer 14

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

Question 15

Psychiatrist

Answer 15

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.

Question 16

Qualifying Examination

Answer 16

An examination required of all clinical psychology students, usually in their third year of training. The function of the exam is to ensure the student’s academic competence.

Question 17

Rehabilitation Psychologists

Answer 17

Psychologists whose practice focuses upon individuals with physical or cognitive disabilities. They often work in general or rehabilitation hospitals, and they help individuals with disabilities deal with the psychological, social, and environmental ramifications of their conditions.

Question 18

School Psychologists

Answer 18

Psychologists who work with educators to promote the intellectual, social, and emotional growth of school-age children. Their activities may include evaluating children with special needs, developing interventions or programs to address these needs, and consulting with teachers and administrators about issues of school policy.

Question 19

Scientist-Practitioner Model of Training

Answer 19

The predominant training philosophy in clinical psychology today. This model is based on the idea that clinical psychologists should integrate their roles of scientist and practitioner.

Question 20

Theoretical Orientation

Answer 20

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.