Clinical Psychology (PSY 334 Introduction to Clinical Psychology) 8th Edition

Book Preface

Welcome to the eighth edition of Clinical Psychology! Clinical Psychology strives to present an in-depth look at the field of clinical psychology, document the many activities of clinical psychologists, and highlight the trends in the field that are likely to shape the field in the coming years. This book emphasizes evidence-based assessment and treatment approaches, as well as the influence of culture, gender, and diversity in these approaches. The first major change you will notice is that Mitch Prinstein, Ph.D. has joined the author team. Mitch brings some great expertise and perspectives to this edition. In addition to being an expert in child and adolescent psychopathology, Mitch is known for his accomplishments in the teaching of clinical psychology, in mentoring undergraduate students who seek careers in psychology, and in training the next generation of clinical psychologists. You will see his “fingerprints” throughout this edition.

As before, this edition of the text has been updated to reflect changes in the field of clinical psychology and new empirical evidence evaluating major approaches to prevention, assessment, and treatment. Briefly, we would like to highlight some of this edition’s major features.

Clinical Psychology: Defining the Field
What features define clinical psychology, and what aspects of clinical psychology make it a unique specialty? Chapters 1–3 present definitions of clinical psychology and its historical roots, contrast clinical psychology with other related fields, and discuss trends and issues (e.g., managed care, prescription privileges, technological innovations) that are influencing the field. In addition, information regarding various training models for clinical psychologists is presented in order to provide a better understanding of the diversity of training within the field. Furthermore, important issues related to multiculturalism and diversity are presented in Chapter 3 (and throughout the book). Finally, we discuss how a clinical psychologist might provide culturally sensitive mental health services throughout the book but particularly in Chapters 3, 11, and 16.

Scientific Foundations of Clinical Psychology
What is the scientific basis of clinical psychology, and what scientific procedures are used in the field? The field of clinical psychology has increasingly focused on establishing and demonstrating the scientific basis for assessment and treatment. Chapter 4 presents the primary research methodology that is used in clinical psychology, while the remaining chapters present the empirical evidence supporting (or in some cases, not supporting) approaches to assessment and intervention. The American Psychological Association’s (APA) 2002 Ethical Guidelines that are relevant to research are discussed in this chapter as well. As stated above, each chapter presents and interprets the empirical evidence that is available to address the topic at hand, whether it is the utility of a psychological test, the support for a treatment approach, or the adequacy of a theory.

Clinical Assessment
What clinical assessment procedures are used in the field, and what procedures have the strongest evidence base? Chapters 5–10 provide an in-depth look into major assessment approaches and procedures used by clinical psychologists, including diagnostic assessment, interviewing, intelligence testing, personality assessment, behavioral assessment, and clinical judgment. There are new assessment approaches covered in this edition (e.g., WAIS-IV), new technological advances (Internet-based assessments), as well as a focus on the issue of incremental validity of psychological tests and procedures.

Interventions
What are the leading evidence-based treatments that are used by clinical psychologists? Chapters 11–15 present the major intervention models and techniques. These chapters also take a critical look at the efficacy and utility of these approaches. These issues are further addressed in Chapters 16–19 (which discuss specialties).