Clinical Psychologist

Common tasks

• Conduct assessments of patients' risk for harm to self or others.
• Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
• Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.
• Write reports on clients and maintain required paperwork.
• Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.
• 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.
• Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, modifying plans or diagnoses as necessary.
• Use a variety of treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, behavior modification, stress reduction therapy, psychodrama, or play therapy.
• Develop therapeutic and treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, or needs.

Most important skills

Reading Comprehension

Reading work-related information.

Social Perceptiveness

Understanding people's reactions.

Critical Thinking

Thinking about the pros and cons of different ways to solve a problem.

Active Listening

Listening to others, not interrupting, and asking good questions.

Writing

Writing things for co-workers or customers.

Speaking

Talking to others.

Active Learning

Figuring out how to use new ideas or things.

Service Orientation

Looking for ways to help people.