Scope of Clinical Psychology

Clinical Psychology is an umbrella term that refers to a collection of specialties and competencies pertaining to teaching, assessment, research, supervision and practicum (placement) besides program development and evaluation. It falls within the four primary applied training programs (clinical psychology, psychiatry, nursing and social work) identified by National Institute of Mental Health (1996). Clinical psychology has particularly flourished over past two decades. The number of clinical psychologists in health service providing subfields has tripled during this time.

Currently clinical psychology has become one of the most important disciplines in health and care. Demands for clinical psychologists in hospitals, medical settings and private sector have been dramatically increased. The objective is to promote physical and emotional well-being in individuals, families and organizations using a wide variety of assessment tools and therapeutic interventions. It evolved from a conflict and has exerted its influence in the themes of education beyond diagnosis, psychotherapy, and research, the ‘holy trinity’ of postwar (Korchin, 1976, p.45). In work settings it includes individual practice, mental health service units, managed health care organizations, counseling centers, different departments in hospitals, armed forces. schools, universities, industry, legal and medical systems and government agencies etc. There is a growing concern among professionals how clinical psychology can best educate and train clinicians to be responsive to emerging and increasing demands of psychological services in both public and private sectors. Department of Clinical Psychology under the auspices of Shifa Tameer e Millat University is fully equipped to play its role on time and effectively.

A clinical psychologist has a future in diverse fields in Pakistan, including Hospitals, Clinics, Drugs & Rehabilitation Centres, Autism Resource Centres, Armed Forces, Police, Jails, FIA and other agencies. Scope of clinical psychology is immensely increasing in Pakistan and all across the globe due to ever growing need for mental health care and personality development.