field of clinical psychology: arriving at a definition, The

Canadian Psychology, May 1996 by Vallis, T Michael, Howes, Janice L

IMPORTANCE OF ETHICAL STANDARDS

The conduct of psychological activities in a highly ethical manner is an essential aspect of the behaviour of clinical psychologists. All clinical psychologists, by requirements of their provincial/territorial registration, are required to be familiar with the ethical standards relevant to their activities, and to follow these standards at all times. A number of relevant documents have been published to help guide the ethical behaviour of clinical psychologists. Example documents include: The Canadian Code of Ethics for Psychologists; Practice Guidelines for Providers of Psychological Services; Guidelines for Therapy and Counselling with Women; Guidelines for the Elimination of Sexual Harassment; and, Guidelines for the Use of Animals in Research and Instruction in Psychology. A more complete list, including references, is contained in Appendix A.

ACTIVITIES OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS

Clinical psychology is an active and evolving field of practice. Given the nature of the training of many clinical psychologists (i.e., academic doctoral level training), there is ongoing development of knowledge and service in new areas of practice. Doctoral level training well equips clinical psychologists to develop new knowledge. Although it is difficult to provide a comprehensive listing of the activities of clinical psychologists, common activities can be identified, which, while not exhaustive, are representative.

Populations Seen

Clinical psychologists work with a broad range of populations, including the following: individuals (infants, children, adolescents, adults, the elderly); couples (regardless of gender composition); families (traditional, multi - generational, and blended families); groups; organizations; and systems.

Service Settings

Clinical psychologists are found in a number of service settings, including the following: General Hospitals and Medical Clinics; Mental Health Clinics and Psychiatric Hospitals; Rehabilitation Hospitals and Clinics; Community Service Agencies; Private Practice; Universities and Colleges; Industry; the Military; Prisons and Correctional Facilities; Private and Government Research Agencies; and Schools.

Services Provided

The typical services provided by clinical psychologists include: assessment and measurement; diagnosis; treatment; consultation: teaching and supervision; policy planning; research; program evaluation; and, administration.

CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY AND THE LAW

Clinical psychologists are aware of the legal aspects of their practice. Psychology Acts in each province and territory regulate the practice of psychology; they define the conditions for registration, the process for handling complaints, disciplinary actions, as well as the structures and powers of provincial/territorial psychological associations. The provincial/territorial regulatory bodies are listed in Appendix B.

In addition, clinical psychologists often do work which is governed by the Criminal Code of Canada, the Young Offenders Act, the Mental Health Act, as well as legal precedents which relate to the practice of psychology (e.g., the duty to warn, the reporting of child abuse). Clinical psychologists providing psycho - legal services (e.g., child custody assessment, forensic assessment, expert witness) have learned to be particularly knowledgeable of the law and legal requirements for their areas of practice, including proper preparation of reports, testimony in court, and so on.