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Chapter

On Becoming a Clinical Psychologist

1.1 Characteristics of Effective Clinical Psychologists

Psychology is a field dedicated to studying the human mind and using that understanding
to help individuals, couples and families strengthen their relationships, overcome challenges and
enjoy a higher quality of life. Effective psychologists must have some degree of these common
traits, which passionate students can cultivate over time.

1.1.1 Active Listeners

Communication is one of the most important skills a psychologist can possess. Aspiring
psychologists should practice being active listeners by giving each conversation their full focus
and taking the time to consider other people are saying in a conversation. Active listening also
involves paying attention to nonverbal cues such as body language. This is particularly important
for psychologists, as some patients are not comfortable revealing personal information. A sharp-
eyed psychologist can determine when a patient is having trouble communicating openly.

1.1.2 Empathetic Professionals

When a psychologist meets a new patient, one of the first steps he or she will take is to
establish a good rapport, or connection. A good connection is important because it encourages
patients to trust the professional and to open up about their feelings. Empathetic psychologists
tend to have an easier time establishing a strong report. In order to convey their genuine concern,
psychologists use careful tone of voice and communicate clearly.

At the same time, however, psychologists must also maintain a professional bearing at all
times. Psychologists sometimes work with difficult patients who may have committed crimes or
who conflict with their own worldview and values. It is important that psychologists mask their
own adverse reactions when necessary.

1.1.3 Ethical Individuals

Many professions require strict ethical codes and standards of conduct, and psychology is
no exception. Effective psychologists take the initiative to follow the standards set by the
American Psychological Association and their own state licensing boards. They conduct
themselves according to these strict standards in all of their professional tasks—from insurance
billing and client counseling to case management.

1.1.4 Patient Counselors

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Therapy is not a fast process. It takes time to help clients overcome major problems in
their lives. Psychologists need to have plenty of patience. They must be able to maintain their
focus while patients talk through their problems. Every patient makes progress at his or her own
pace. In some cases, it may take years to make progress, especially if a patient is dealing with
significant trauma.

1.1.5 Lifelong Learners

Effective psychologists would likely describe themselves as lifelong learners. The

science of psychology is continually changing with new studies and insights. These professionals
need to stay on top of the latest information in order to help their clients to the best of their
ability. They may attend professional events such as seminars and lectures, network with their
colleagues and read professional journals. A clinical psychologist is a mental health professional
with highly specialized training in the diagnosis and psychological treatment of mental,
behavioral and emotional illnesses.

1.2 The Role of Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists do not prescribe medications to treat mental illness, except in a

handful of states where they do have that authority. Rather, they use psychological techniques,
such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychoanalytic therapy.

Clinical psychologists must usually complete a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy D.) in
clinical psychology before being able to see patients and use these techniques. However, in some
states and provinces, a master’s degree is sufficient. In most states and provinces, the
professional activities of clinical psychologists are regulated by a licensing board and/or
professional college. In addition to the delivery of psychotherapy, psychologists may perform
psychological testing or research, or they may teach.

1.2.1 Clinical Psychologist Certification

While board certification is not required to practice clinical psychology, The American Board of
Clinical Psychology (ABCP) offers board certification for clinical psychologists, which includes
basic competencies for practicing, teaching, or conducting research. These competencies include:

 Being aware of ethical and legal principles and employing them effectively

 Building effective relationships with others, including clients, fellow practitioners, and
the public

 Continually practicing self-evaluation and always striving to improve treatment methods

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 Being fair, respectful, a clear communicator, and able to handle potentially difficult
situations with understanding and diplomacy

 Keeping up with the latest research and identifying how it can improve clinical practice

 Having a professional attitude, values, and behaviors that are apparent in interactions
with others

 Being sensitive to individual and cultural diversity and understanding how these factors
affect who we are and how we think

 Being skilled in collaborating with others from different disciplines and organizations,
employing respect, appreciation, and communication

 Understanding different scientific disciplines that relate to psychology and how they may
impact treatment

1.2.2 Specific Skills for Clinical Psychologists

Clinical psychologists have a whole host of specific skills that they employ in their work,
including:

 Performing research and collecting data to enhance the understanding of clinical

psychology

 Consulting with a variety of other behavioral and health professionals and organizations
about violence, suicide, and severe mental distress

 Possessing extensive knowledge of mental illness and how to diagnose and treat it

 Understanding the broad expanse of mental health issues and how they may occur at any
age.

1.2.3 Duties and Responsibilities

 Diagnoses or evaluates mental and emotional disorders of individuals and administers

programs of treatment; interviews patients in clinics, hospitals, and other settings and
studies medical and social case histories.

 Observes patients in various situations; selects, administers, and interprets intelligence,

personality, or other psychological tests to diagnose disorders and formulate plans of
treatment, and provides consultation to other mental health professionals with regard to
test results.
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 Treats psychological disorders to effect improved adjustments utilizing various

psychological techniques; selects appropriate treatment approach and plans frequency,
intensity, and duration of individual, group, and family therapies.

 Assesses patient progress and modifies treatment programs accordingly; communicates

with and counsels family members as appropriate.

 Documents therapy in accordance with policies and procedures regarding medical records;
implements and adheres to policies which ensure patient confidentiality.

 Provides crisis intervention in situations requiring immediate psychological treatment.

 Participates in educational programs, in-service meetings, clinician meetings, and

workshops to enhance professional development and maintain currency of methodology
and techniques.

 May instruct and direct students serving psychological internships in hospitals and clinics.

 Provides psychological consultations to other mental health professionals within hospitals,

clinics, and other community based agencies with regard to clients and/or patient care.

 May develop and implement clinical research programs.

 Performs miscellaneous job-related duties as assigned.

1.2.4 Minimum Job Requirements

1. Ability to observe, assess, and record symptoms, reactions, and progress.

2. Ability to effectively communicate medical information, test results, diagnoses and/or

proposed treatment in a manner easily understood by the client.

3. Interviewing and psychological/developmental evaluation skills.

4. Ability to evaluate the progress of therapeutic programs and to make individual

modifications.

5. Ability to use independent judgment and to Doctorate degree in Psychology, and

completion of Pre-doctoral Clinical Internship; at least 1 year of experience directly
related to the duties and responsibilities specified. Certification/Licensure State of NM
Licensed Psychologist, or eligibility for NM licensure, as documented by out-of-state
licensure.

6. Completed degree(s) from an accredited institution that are above the minimum
education requirement may be substituted for experience on a year for year basis.
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7. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Required

8. Knowledge of and ability to apply relevant current special education methodologies and
techniques.

9. Knowledge of accreditation and certification requirements and standards.

10. Knowledge of crisis intervention techniques.

11. Manage and impart confidential information.

12. Ability to assess mental status in clients and to develop individual treatment goals and
plans.

13. Knowledge of psychological test administration, scoring, and interpretation.

14. Ability to maintain emotional stability to cope with human suffering, emergencies, and
other stresses.

15. Skill in preparing and maintaining patient records.

1.2.5 Distinguishing Characteristics

Position requires: a) professional diagnosis and evaluation of nature and severity of

mental and emotional disorders in individual patients, families, and/or groups; b) administration,
assessment, and interpretation of various psychological tests and assessments; c) formulation,
implementation, and evaluation of a range of psychological therapeutic treatment plans; d)
establishment and maintenance of patient medical records in accordance with regulations,
policies, and established practices.

1.3 Personal Values of Clinical Psychologists

Psychologists typically have the following values:

 Consider relationships important. They like to work in a friendly, non-competitive

environment. They like to do things for other people. They prefer jobs where they are not
pressured to do things that go against their sense of right and wrong.

 Consider good working conditions important. They like jobs offering steady employment
and good pay. They want employment that fits their individual work style. They may
prefer doing a variety of tasks, working alone, or being busy all the time.

 Consider independence important. They like to make decisions and try out ideas on their
own. They prefer jobs where they can plan their work with little supervision.
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 Consider achievement important. They like to see the results of their work and to use
their strongest abilities. They like to get a feeling of accomplishment from their work.

 Consider recognition important. They like to work in jobs which have opportunities for
them to advance, be recognized for their work, and direct and instruct others. They
usually prefer jobs in which they are looked up to by others.

Professional Ethics

The APA Code of Ethics guides professionals working in psychology so that they're better
equipped with the knowledge of what to do when they encounter some moral or ethical dilemma.
Some of these are principles or values that psychologists should aspire to uphold. In other cases,
the APA outlines standards that are enforceable expectations. Ethics are an important concern in
psychology, particularly regarding therapy and research. Working with patients and conducting
psychological research can pose various ethical and moral issues that must be addressed.

1.4 The APA Codes of Ethics

The American Psychological Association (APA) publishes the Ethical Principles of

Psychologists and Code of Conduct which outlines aspirational principles as well as enforceable
standards that psychologists should use when making decisions. In 1948, APA president
Nicholas Hobbs said, "[The APA Code of Ethics] should be of palpable aid to the ethical
psychologist in making daily decisions. In other words, these ethical codes are meant to guide
mental health professionals in making the best ethical decisions on a regular basis.

The APA first published its ethics code in 1953 and has been continuously evolving the
code ever since. The APA code of ethics is composed of key principles and ethical standards:

Principles: The principles are intended as a guide to help inspire psychologists as they work in
their profession, whether they are working in mental health, in research, or in business.

Standards: The standards outline expectations of conduct. If any of these are violated, it can
result in professional and legal ramifications.

The code of ethics applies only to work-related, professional activities including research,
teaching, counseling, psychotherapy, and consulting. Private conduct is not subject to scrutiny by
the APA's ethics committee.

1.4.1 APA's Ethical Codes

Not all ethical issues are clear-cut, but the APA strives to offer psychologists guiding principles
to help them make sound ethical choices within their profession.

The APA Code of Ethics have Five Principles:

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Principle A: Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility

Principle C: Integrity

Principle D: Justice

Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity

Principle A: Beneficence and Non-Maleficence

The first principle of the APA ethics code states that psychologists should strive to
protect the rights and welfare of those with whom they work professionally.3 This includes the
clients they see in clinical practice, animals that are involved in research and experiments, and
anyone else with whom they engage in professional interaction. This principle encourages
psychologists to strive to eliminate biases, affiliations, and prejudices that might influence their
work. This includes acting independently in research and not allowing affiliations or
sponsorships to influence results.

Principle B: Fidelity and Responsibility

Principle B states that psychologists have a moral responsibility to help ensure that others
working in their profession also uphold high ethical standards. This principle suggests that
psychologists should participate in activities that enhance the ethical compliance and conduct of
their colleagues. Serving as a mentor, taking part in peer review, and pointing out ethical
concerns or misconduct are examples of how this principle might be put into action.
Psychologists are also encouraged to donate some of their time to the betterment of the
community.

Principle C: Integrity

This principle states that, in research and practice, psychologists should never attempt to
deceive or misrepresent. For instance, in research, deception can involve fabricating or
manipulating results in some way to achieve desired outcomes.4 Psychologists should also strive
for transparency and honesty in their practice.

Principle D: Justice

The principle of justice says that mental health professionals have a responsibility to be
fair and impartial. It also states that people have a right to access and benefit from advances that
have been made in the field of psychology. It is important for psychologists to treat people
equally. Psychologists should also always practice within their area of expertise and also be
aware of their level of competence and limitations.
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Principle E: Respect for People's Rights and Dignity

Principle E states that psychologists should respect the right to dignity, privacy, and
confidentiality of those they work with professionally. They should also strive to minimize their
own biases as well as be aware of issues related to diversity and the concerns of particular
populations. For example, people may have specific concerns related to their age, socioeconomic
status, race, gender, religion, ethnicity, or disability.

1.4.2 The APA Code of Ethics' Standards

The 10 standards found in the APA ethics code are enforceable rules of conduct for
psychologists working in clinical practice and academia.

Resolving Ethical Issues

Competence

Human Relations

Privacy and Confidentiality

Advertising and Other Public Statements

Record Keeping and Fees

Education and Training

Research and Publication

Assessment

Therapy

These standards tend to be broad in order to help guide the behavior of psychologists across a
wide variety of domains and situations. They apply to areas such as education, therapy,
advertising, privacy, research, and publication.

1.4.2.1 Resolving Ethical Issues

This standard of the APA ethics code provides information about what psychologists
should do to resolve ethical situations they may encounter in their work. This includes advice for
what researchers should do when their work is misrepresented and when to report ethical
violations.

1.4.2.2 Competence
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It is important that psychologists practice within their area of expertise. When treating
clients or working with the public, psychologists must make it clear what they are trained to do
as well as what they are not trained to do.

1.4.2.3 Human Relations

Psychologists frequently work with a team of other mental health professionals. This
standard of the ethics code is designed to guide psychologists in their interactions with others in
the field. This includes guidelines for dealing with sexual harassment, and discrimination,
avoiding harm during treatment and avoiding exploitative relationships (such as a sexual
relationship with a student or subordinate).

1.4.2.4 Privacy and Confidentiality

This standard outlines psychologists’ responsibilities with regard to maintaining patient

confidentiality.6 Psychologists are obligated to take reasonable precautions to keep client
information private. However, the APA also notes that there are limitations to confidentiality.
Sometimes psychologists need to disclose information about their patients in order to consult
with other mental health professionals, for example. While there are cases where information is
divulged, psychologists must strive to minimize these intrusions on privacy and confidentiality.

1.4.2.5 Advertising and Other Public Statements

Psychologists who advertise their services must ensure that they accurately depict their
training, experience, and expertise. They also need to avoid marketing statements that are
deceptive or false. This also applies to how psychologists are portrayed by the media when
providing their expertise or opinion in articles, blogs, books, or television programs. When
presenting at conferences or giving workshops, psychologists should also ensure that the
brochures and other marketing materials for the event accurately depict what the event will cover.

1.4.2.6 Record Keeping and Fees

Maintaining accurate records is an important part of a psychologist’s work, whether the

individual is working in research or with patients. Patient records include case notes and other
diagnostic assessments used in the course of treatment. In terms of research, record-keeping
involves detailing how studies were performed and the procedures that were used. This allows
other researchers to assess the research and ensures that the study can be replicated.

1.4.2.7 Education and Training

This standard focuses on expectations for behavior when psychologists are teaching or
training students. When creating courses and programs to train other psychologists and mental
health professionals, current and accurate evidence-based research should be used.This standard
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also states that faculty members are not allowed to provide psychotherapy services to their
students.

1.4.2.8 Research and Publication

This standard focuses on ethical considerations when conducting research and publishing
results. For example, the APA states that psychologists must obtain approval from the institution
that is carrying out the research, present information about the purpose of the study to
participants, and inform participants about the potential risks of taking part in the research.

1.4.2.9 Assessment

Psychologists should obtain informed consent before administering assessments.

Assessments should be used to support a psychologist’s professional opinion, but psychologists
should also understand the limitations of these tools. They should also take steps to ensure the
privacy of those who have taken assessments.

1.4.2.10 Therapy

This standard outlines professional expectations within the context of providing therapy.
Areas that are addressed include the importance of obtaining informed consent and explaining
the treatment process to clients. Confidentiality is addressed, as well as some of the limitations to
confidentiality, such as when a client poses an immediate danger to himself or others.
Minimizing harm, avoiding sexual relationships with clients, and continuation of care are other
areas that are addressed by this standard. For example, if a psychologist must stop providing
services to a client for some reason, psychologists are expected to prepare clients for the change
and help locate alternative services.

1.5 Ethical Considerations

Because psychologists often deal with extremely sensitive or volatile situations, ethical
concerns can play a big role in professional life.

The most significant ethical issues include the following:

1.5.1 Client Welfare

Due to the role they serve, psychologists often work with individuals who are vulnerable
due to their age, disability, intellectual ability, and other concerns. When working with these
individuals, psychologists must always strive to protect the welfare of their clients.

1.5.2 Informed Consent

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Psychologists are responsible for providing a wide range of services in their roles as
therapists, researchers, educators, and consultants. When people are acting as consumers of
psychological services, they have a right to know what to expect. In therapy, obtaining informed
consent involves explaining what services are offered, what the possible risks might be, and the
patient’s right to leave treatment. When conducting research, informed consent involves letting
participants know about any possible risks of taking part in the research.

1.5.3 Confidentiality

Therapy requires providing a safe place for clients to discuss highly personal issues
without fear of having this information shared with others or made public. However, sometimes
a psychologist might need to share some details such as when consulting with other professionals
or when they are publishing research. Ethical guidelines dictate when and how some information
might be shared, as well as some of the steps that psychologists should take to protect client
privacy.

1.5.4 Competence

The training, education, and experience of psychologists is also an important ethical

concern. Psychologists must possess the skill and knowledge to properly provide the services
that clients need. For example, if a psychologist needs to administer a particular assessment in
the course of treatment, they should have an understanding of both the administration and
interpretation of that specific test.

While ethical codes exist to help psychologists, this does not mean that psychology is free of
ethical controversy today. Current debates over psychologists’ participation in torture and the use
of animals in psychological research remain hot-button ethical concerns.
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References

APA Code of Ethics: Principles, Purpose, and Guidelines by Kendra Cherry February 14, 2023.

Behnke, S. (2004, January). Ethics rounds-Multiple relationships and APA’s new Ethics Code:
Values and Applications. Monitor on Psychology, 35(1).

Constantine, M. (2007). Racial micro-aggression against African American clients in cross-racial

counseling relationship. Journal of Counseling Psychology, 54(1), 1-16.

Clinical Psychologists: apps.illinoisworknet.com. Department of Employment Security.

Clinical Psychologist Role and Training by Owen Kelly, PhD October 8 2021.

Duties and Responsibilities of Clinical Psychologist. The University of New Mexico – Human
Resources Albuquerque, NM 87131, (505) 277-6947.

5 Traits of Effective Clinical Psychologists. November 25, 2019 in [Psychology and Counseling].