Clinical Psychology Discussion

Question

Clinical psychology is a broad field that encompasses both research- and clinical-based activities. Psychologists can work exclusively as researchers in an academic setting, but a large majority become clinical practitioners working with people who have mental health needs in private practice, clinics, or institutions such as hospitals or prisons. Psychologists who are focused primarily on clinical practice and do not plan on engaging in any type of research activity are still trained in the scientific method including firm grounding in statistical procedures in order to become critical consumers of research. 

Discuss why this would be important for the field particularly with regard to treating mental or psychological disorders. Does a psychologist working exclusively with patients in a clinical setting (no academic research involvement) have an ethical responsibility to stay current with research in the field? Why or why not? Additionally, conduct some research via the internet and familiarize yourself with the scientist-practitioner model in the field of clinical psychology. Share your thoughts about what you have learned with this model and how it may align with the ethical code of conduct for psychologists.

Answer 1

Being critical consumers of research is incredibly valuable, whether or not a psychologist works exclusively in a clinical setting or academic environment. For example, for a psychologist working in a clinical setting, it is crucial to be up to date on current research surrounding the treatment modalities that they are implementing and intervening with, as well as the disorders they are treating. Certain specialties and psychological disorders have evidence-based therapeutic modalities. For example, for Obsessive Compulsive Disorder, the gold-standard treatment is ERP, or Exposure and Response Prevention. This, however, could transform over the years, or there may be new data surrounding the best practices to treat this disorder. This phenomenon also applies to other psychological diagnoses. Therefore, given the ever-evolving field, it is ethically most responsible for clinicians to stay informed on current research on the modalities they are implementing. This can ensure that clients receive the best, most recent quality of care.