Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Key Responsibilities

• Supervise and train interns, clinicians in training, and other counselors.
• Plan, supervise, and conduct psychological research and write papers describing research results.
• Refer clients to other specialists, institutions, or support services as necessary.
• Develop, direct, and participate in training programs for staff and students.
• Conduct assessments of patients' risk for harm to self or others.
• Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, modifying plans or diagnoses as necessary.
• Develop and implement individual treatment plans, specifying type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.
• Provide psychological or administrative services and advice to private firms or community agencies regarding mental health programs or individual cases.
• Interact with clients to assist them in gaining insight, defining goals, and planning action to achieve effective personal, social, educational, or vocational development and adjustment.
• Plan and develop accredited psychological service programs in psychiatric centers or hospitals, in collaboration with psychiatrists and other professional staff.
• Write reports on clients and maintain required paperwork.
• Use a variety of treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, behavior modification, stress reduction therapy, psychodrama, or play therapy.
• Provide consulting services, including educational programs, outreach programs, or prevention talks to schools, social service agencies, businesses, or the general public.
• Advise clients on how they could be helped by counseling.
• Consult reference material, such as textbooks, manuals, or journals, to identify symptoms, make diagnoses, or develop approaches to treatment.
• Prepare written evaluations of individuals' psychological competence for court hearings.
• Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
• Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.
• Conduct research to develop or improve diagnostic or therapeutic counseling techniques.
• Select, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests to obtain information on individuals' intelligence, achievements, interests, or personalities.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant research.
• Consult with other professionals, agencies, or universities to discuss therapies, treatments, counseling resources or techniques, and to share occupational information.
• Obtain and study medical, psychological, social, and family histories by interviewing individuals, couples, or families and by reviewing records.
• Develop therapeutic and treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, or needs.
• Consult with or provide consultation to other doctors, therapists, or clinicians regarding patient care.
• Direct, coordinate, and evaluate activities of staff and interns engaged in patient assessment and treatment.
• Provide occupational, educational, or other information to individuals so that they can make educational or vocational plans.
• Observe individuals at play, in group interactions, or in other contexts to detect indications of cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.
• Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.