Clinical psychology is the branch of psychology that deals directly with assessing, diagnosing and treating psychological problems and mental health conditions. A doctorate in this field means that, beyond research, the person has completed long periods of supervised clinical work.
Put simply, a clinical psychologist is trained to work with issues such as depression, anxiety, obsessive compulsive problems, the effects of trauma and personality difficulties. They are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medication, but they specialise in talk based treatment and psychological assessment.
Something else may fit better if…
Work usually begins with an assessment: an interview about symptoms, history and life circumstances, sometimes with standardised questionnaires. The psychologist then shares their understanding of the problem and you agree on goals and approach.
Methods vary with the therapist's training, for example cognitive behavioural therapy, schema therapy, acceptance and commitment therapy or psychodynamic approaches. Where needed, a clinical psychologist coordinates with a psychiatrist or your doctor.
A brief comparison: a psychiatrist is a physician focused more on medical diagnosis and medication; a counsellor often works on life issues and adjustment; a clinical psychologist focuses on psychological assessment and treatment. The title "clinical psychologist" is protected in some countries and licensing rules differ by country.
Online sessions are often around fifty minutes and usually weekly. You may be given exercises or asked to record thoughts and feelings between sessions.
The length of treatment depends on the problem and goals; some work takes a few months, some longer. Progress often has ups and downs and no therapist can guarantee the outcome in advance.
Examples are fictional and illustrative.
Two years after arriving in Sweden, Samira has little energy most days and enjoys almost nothing. Her clinical psychologist first does a careful assessment and suggests she also speak with a doctor about the medical side. Then they begin weekly therapy. This is a fictional example.
Hamed cannot stop checking the door lock again and again. His clinical psychologist designs a structured, gradual treatment plan with him. This story is invented.
After a difficult experience Zahra has nightmares and avoids certain places. She chooses a therapist with clinical training in working with trauma. This example is for illustration only.
These therapists list this on their profile. All sessions are online and in Persian.
A psychiatrist is a physician and can prescribe medication. A clinical psychologist is not a physician and works through conversation and psychotherapy methods. In many cases the two work together.
In many countries clinical psychologists are trained and permitted to assess and diagnose, but the rules vary. You can ask the therapist what they do within the framework of your country.
Yes. Clinical psychologists work with mild to severe issues. For purely practical goals, counselling or coaching may also be enough.
For many issues online therapy is a well established option and allows working in your first language wherever you live. In a crisis, urgent in person help comes first.
This page is general information and does not replace a professional assessment. If you are in immediate danger or thinking about harming yourself, contact your local emergency services. Urgent help
