A clinical psychologist has either a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology or a Psy.D. a Doctor of Psychology degree. The former will write a dissertation based upon original research. The latter will complete a project or more practical research that contributes to the field of psychology. S/he will have completed a pre-doctoral internship and a post-doctoral internship for the required hours to sit for the national EPPP licensing examination.
What can s/he do that a regular person cannot do? A clinical psychologist can see clients/patients for individual, couples, or family therapy. S/he can administer psychological testing for a variety of problems, e.g., learning disorders, psychological disorders, or academic/behavioral problems. Depending upon their training they may work with children providing therapy, they may work in a medical setting or in industrial settings to assess work-related problems. The last area where a psychologist may provide services is in the field of forensic psychology. There are many other areas of specialization where additional training is necessary. Unlike a psychiatrist who has a medical degree and a specialty in psychiatry, psychologists cannot write prescriptions.
Some of the newer areas of training and certification are in Pain Management, the use of Hypnotherapy and Psychology for Addiction & Health Related Problems and the area of Psychoneuroimmunology, the use of the mind/body interaction for the management/treatment of chronic disease processes.
Be Well!
Lawrence J. Schulte, Ph.D. C.Ht.
Ph.D. Clinical Health Psychology (1990-Present)
Registered Hypnotherapist (2016-Present)
First answered in Quora March 25, 2018
