About Psychology
What is a Psychologist?
A clinical psychologist is a mental health professional with advanced, doctoral-level training in psychology. Clinical psychologists are trained to understand how people think, feel, and behave, and how these factors affect mental health and well-being.
They provide psychotherapy, assessment, diagnosis, and treatment for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, and other mental health conditions. Many also specialize in areas such as psychological testing, child and adolescent mental health, health psychology, or specific types of therapy.
What sets clinical psychologists apart is the depth and breadth of their training in the science and practice of psychology. Their education combines the study of human behavior and mental health with extensive clinical training, allowing them to use scientific research and psychological expertise to understand and treat complex problems.
In simple terms, clinical psychologists are experts in the science and practice of psychology and in helping people understand and improve their mental health.
How are Psychologists Trained?
Licensed psychologist-doctors complete a 4- to 6-year program to earn a psychology doctoral degree (Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.), including coursework and training in:
- biological, cognitive, and social bases of behavior
- assessment and diagnosis
- personality and intellectual assessment
- psychotherapy
- psychopathology and dysfunction
- data analysis and research methodology
- clinical consultation and supervision
In Vermont, individuals who complete a 2- to 3-year course to earn a master’s degree in psychology may be licensed as psychologist-masters. The coursework required to become a psychologist-master is similar to that required for psychologist-doctors, as are the licensing exams and supervision requirements.
Before licensure, psychologists (in Vermont, both psychologist-doctors and psychologist-masters) complete 2 years of supervised direct clinical experience, including an internship. The depth and breadth of this education and training is unique among behavioral health professionals.
Psychologists work with all kinds of patients in a wide range of settings, by . . .
- Providing psychotherapy to patients with post-traumatic stress disorder in offices, clinics, and via telehealth;
- Supervising patient treatment as the director of a partial hospitalization program or outpatient rehabilitation facility;
- Conducting neuropsychological evaluations and behavioral assessments of patients with dementia or Alzheimer’s disease within a skilled nursing facility;
- Seeing patients with different types of psychopathology as part of a group practice;
- Researching causes of and interventions to treat patients with serious mental illnesses, such as schizophrenia, to improve functioning within the community and inpatient settings;
- Coordinating the integration of behavioral health services with general medical services within a general hospital or primary care clinic.
Psychotherapy, the most common service provided by psychologists, is usually the preferred form of treatment for individuals with mental disorders. In most cases, psychotherapy is as–or more–effective than treatment with drugs. Psychotherapy also does not cuase unfortunate and unwanted side effects (such as agitation, weight gain, drowsiness, nausea, restlessness, and more) that usually occur with use of psychotropic drugs.
Looking for Mental Health Care?
When you’re looking for mental health care, you may encounter many different types of professionals—including psychologists, clinical social workers, and mental health counselors. All can provide valuable mental health services, but their education and areas of expertise differ.
Which Professional Is Right for You?
There is considerable overlap among these professions. Psychologists, clinical social workers, and mental health counselors can all be qualified to provide psychotherapy and treat mental health conditions. The most important consideration is often the individual professional’s experience, training, and area of specialization.
You may want to consider a psychologist if you are looking for someone with doctoral-level training in psychology, specialized expertise in psychological assessment, or advanced training in a particular area of psychological practice.
Whatever type of professional you choose, look for someone who is appropriately licensed and whose training and experience match your needs.
Clinical Psychologists
Clinical psychologists are mental health professionals with doctoral-level training in psychology, typically earning a PhD or PsyD. Their education includes extensive training in psychological science, human behavior, mental health conditions, assessment, diagnosis, and psychotherapy.
Psychologists can provide psychotherapy for a wide range of concerns, including anxiety, depression, trauma, relationship difficulties, life transitions, and other mental health conditions. Many psychologists also have specialized expertise in psychological assessment and testing, which can be used to better understand cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and personality functioning.
Because of their training in both the science and practice of psychology, psychologists may bring a particularly broad perspective to understanding how people think, feel, behave, and interact with the world around them.
Clinical Social Workers (LICSW)
Clinical social workers typically hold a master’s degree in social work and complete supervised clinical experience before becoming independently licensed. Their training emphasizes mental health and psychotherapy as well as the ways that families, relationships, communities, and social circumstances affect a person’s well-being.
Clinical social workers provide psychotherapy, assessment, diagnosis, and other mental health services in settings ranging from community agencies and hospitals to private practices.
Mental Health Counselors (LCMHC)
Mental health counselors typically hold a master’s degree in counseling and complete supervised clinical experience before becoming independently licensed. Their education focuses on counseling, human development, emotional well-being, and therapeutic approaches for addressing mental health and life challenges.
Mental health counselors provide psychotherapy and other clinical services for concerns such as anxiety, depression, relationships, stress, trauma, and life transitions. Many practice independently in private practices, clinics, schools, and community settings.
Understanding Psychology: Common Questions
Psychology is a broad field that explores the mind and behavior. Here are some common questions people have about psychology and the role of psychologists.
What is psychology?
Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior, encompassing various aspects such as cognition, emotion, and social interactions.