Why Clinical Psychology Interest Me? - Essay Sample

Introduction

I am interested in clinical psychology. My interest in clinical psychology is driven by the need to address the rising cases of psychiatric disorders and abnormal behavior. I am particularly interested in promoting positive mental health because of its many benefits. First, positive mental health allows an individual to achieve his or her full potential. Secondly, I hope my expertise in clinical psychology will enable me to assist my future clients to cope with the stressors of life. More importantly, by addressing mental health concerns, I hope to ensure that my prospective patients achieve maximum productivity in their workplace. Through skills and knowledge gained in the clinical psychology program, I also intend to contribute meaningfully to my community.

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My interest in clinical psychology is also attributed to the need for common mental disorders in ethnic minorities, primarily African-American communities. More specifically, my counseling psychology training will help to alleviate the problem of anxiety and depression in youths. To address this problem, I hope to increase awareness of the disorder that is currently still lacking. Increased awareness is helpful in making many individuals come out and share their experiences about their conditions.

How I Will Describe Counseling Psychology to a Non-psychology Student

In describing the field of clinical psychology to a non-psychology student, I will highlight four areas of crucial concern. First, I will explain to the non-psychology student that the sub-field is the only field that is concerned with the assessment and treatment of a mental disorder such as anxiety, depression, schizophrenia, eating disorders, and attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (APA). Consequently, I will explain to the non-psychology student that clinical psychology is vital in the promotion of positive mental health.

Counselling psychologists can be found in community centers, private practices and institutions of higher learning where they offer their services. In health care settings, they collaborate with other mental health care professionals, psychiatrists, and physicians in provision of mental health services. Therefore, counselling psychologists help in maintaining positive mental health as well as in ensuring that those who deserve mental health attention.

Career Options Are Available for Counselling Psychology

There are many career options available for clinical psychologists. They can be employed in either social care or health care settings. More specifically, clinical psychologists can work in prisons, schools and institutions of higher learning, social services, child and adolescent mental health services, community mental health organizations, local clinics and health centers, psychiatric units, and hospitals.

Education Required for a Career in Clinical Psychology

For a person to be a clinical psychologists, he or she must have a postgraduate degree in clinical psychology. More specifically, he or she must have a doctorate in clinical psychology. According to APA (2018), licensure and practice academic requirements for any psychologist is a doctoral degree. With this degree, an individual is capable of practicing independently as a clinical psychologist.

Resources Used To Find the Information

The following resources were used to find this information:

American Psychological Association website: http://www.apa.org/support/licensure.aspx. This website contained education qualifications for a career in clinical psychology

The major branches of psychology: https://www.verywellmind.com/major-branches-of-psychology-4139786. This website contained information on the meaning of clinical psychology.

Careers in clinical psychology: http://www.apa.org/careers/resources/guides/careers.aspx#. This website contained descriptions of various field of clinical psychology. Additionally, it contains careers related to psychology.