Clinical Psychologists are trained to support clients of all ages, at all stages of life and from all backgrounds either through direct interventions or indirectly by supporting other clinicians to deliver psychological therapies. Clinical Psychologists typically work within services categorised into the following broad populations:
- Children
- Young People and Families
- Learning Disabilities
- Adults of Working Age
- Older Adults
- Forensic
- Addictions
- Clinical Health
Clients may be referred for psychological input when they are experiencing psychological distress related to a range of stressors, circumstances, experiences, and conditions. These may result in presentations such as:
- Mood depression, anxiety, psychosis
- Adjustment difficulties
- Interpersonal and relationship difficulties
- Neurological conditions
- Challenging or risky decision-making and behaviours
- Substance misuse and addiction
- Physical health problems and conditions
Clinical psychologists complete clinical assessments to help develop an understanding of the presenting problem and how it came about. This ‘formulation’ process informs the choice of evidence-based intervention and psychological model offered to help address the presenting problem. Clinical psychologists aim to work collaboratively with their clients to monitor progress by use of formal tools and informal measures of mood and, or behaviour change.
Clinical Psychologists work alongside, and in collaboration with, other health and social care professionals to ensure that care management is delivered with the individual’s best interests in mind.
In NHSScotland, Clinical Psychologists may be based in the following healthcare settings:
- Community Health Centres
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Other clinics
- Rehabilitation units
- Secure settings