What Does a Clinical Psychologist Do?

By Dr. Matthew Loux and Bryce Loux  |  03/24/2026

When the general population hears the term “clinical psychologist,” they tend to think of a mental health counselor who sits in an office and listens to a patient. However, this mindset does not offer a complete picture of this profession.

In fact, clinical psychologists are involved in a variety of activities across many different fields. These mental health professionals use different types of methodologies and remain a vital part in:

• Assisting individuals with mental health disorders
• Understanding the psychology behind human behavior
• Enhancing the human experience

What Is Clinical Psychology?

Clinical psychology is a prominent and specialty area in psychology. It is concerned with the assessment, evaluation, diagnosis, and treatment of:

• Mental illness
• Emotional
• Behavioral disorders

Clinical psychology offers services for the numerous challenges in life, and not only for patients resulting from mental illnesses. Clinical psychologists assist people in adjusting to life stressors, relational problems, and chronic disease, as well as trauma or issues related to self-growth.

They also provide their services to people of all ages, regardless of their cultural and social backgrounds.

The Daily Work of a Clinical Psychologist

Although their tasks may differ depending on the context and area of specialization, many clinical psychologists participate in the same core activities, such as:

• Conducting psychological assessment and evaluation
• Identifying mental health problems
• Helping patients with psychotherapy and rehabilitation
• Undertaking risk assessments and crisis interventions
• Conducting scientific research

Conducting Psychological Assessments and Evaluations 

A major responsibility of clinical psychologists involves psychological assessments. These assessments strive to capture the cognitive, emotional, behavioral, and social functioning of affected individuals.

These assessments that help psychologists to achieve a better understanding of an individual may include:

• Clinical interviews
• Standardized psychological tests
• Behavioral observations
• Personality assessments
• Neuropsychological testing

Clinical psychologists frequently employ diagnostic tools such as the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders (DSM), to determine the presence of any mental illnesses. These illnesses include:

• Depression
• Anxiety disorders
• Bipolar disorder
• Schizophrenia
• Any disorders related to the development of the nervous system

Assessments are much more than the documentation of a diagnosis. They involve a thorough understanding of a whole person, such as their strengths and difficulties, personal history, social environment, chronic conditions, and life goals. This type of evaluation aids clinical psychologists in formulating a reasonable, effective treatment plan to provide psychotherapy.

Identifying Mental Health Problems

Using assessment data, trained clinical psychologists can determine the severity and type of a mental disorder. That information is the basis for further clinical decisions to treat complex human problems, the justification for specific services, and the clarification of the disorder’s effects to the patient. 

A diagnosis can only be made after someone acquires sufficient clinical training, experience, and judgment. Clinical psychologists also exercise their clinical judgment on an individual's culture, development, family systems, health, emotional issues, and situational psychology.

Helping Patients with Psychotherapy and Rehabilitation

In addition to their other duties, clinical psychologists conduct psychotherapy (also known as “talk therapy”). Psychotherapy helps to alleviate psychological suffering and enhances the overall psychological health of an individual.

Clinical psychologists are trained in a variety of evidence-based therapeutic methods, such as:

• Cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) – Emphasizes the identification and alteration of destructive thought and action patterns
• Psychodynamic therapy – Deals with latent psychological mechanisms and former experiences 
• Humanistic therapy – Centers on empathy, self-acceptance, and initiation of personal development
• Behavioral therapy – Modifies undesirable behavior by applying the principles of behaviorism
• Trauma-focused therapy – Aimed at a specific target group who have been psychologically traumatized or abused

The duration of treatment may be either short-term or long-term. It may include individuals, couples, families, or groups.

Undertaking Risk Assessment and Crisis Intervention

When needed, psychologists will participate in different crisis situations relating to individuals, such as:

• Self-injury or suicidal thoughts
• Domestic violence situations
• Severe trauma reactions
• Acute psychosis

This intervention involves doing a risk assessment, providing psychological assistance and safety of the patient, and coordinating with other stakeholders like emergency services and psychiatrists. This work requires strong decision-making ability, emotional strength, and ethical clarity.

Conducting Scientific Research

Most psychologists participate in scientific research to acquire a deeper understanding of mental health challenges, which can inform possible treatment methods and interventions. This type of work involves:

• Research study design and execution
• Evaluation of treatment effectiveness
• Development of novel assessment methods
• Data analysis
• Publication of research findings

For instance, psychologists in research hospitals or universities integrate their teaching and clinical practice. This practice stimulates the further development of psychological science.

Where Do Clinical Psychologists Work?

Clinical psychologists typically work in a wide range of environments because their knowledge can be applied to different industries. Some of these settings include:

• Healthcare
• Private practice
• Academia
• Community organizations and government agencies
• Business

Healthcare

In a healthcare setting, clinical psychologists work closely with a multi-disciplinary team. This team can include social workers, psychiatrists, and nurses, as well as medical doctors who can prescribe medication if needed to treat chronic illnesses.

Typical healthcare settings include:

• Rehabilitation centers
• Mental health clinics
• Hospitals
• Primary healthcare clinics

Private Practice

Many clinical psychologists join private practices or establish their own independent practice to treat mental health patients and provide therapeutic and assessment services to communities. While private practice offers a greater degree of freedom than most workplace settings, it also comes with entrepreneurial responsibilities, including billing, appointment scheduling, and maintaining ethical guidelines.

Academia

Clinical psychologists can also work for academic employers as a school psychologist or instructor. At the university level, clinical psychologists may:

• Instruct graduate and undergraduate students
• Supervise aspiring psychologists (for example, preparing students in a graduate program or a doctoral study for the realities of pursuing a career path in psychology)
• Conduct psychological research to advance scientific knowledge
• Offer counseling services to students with behavioral disorders at school counseling centers and encourage healthy behaviors

Community Organizations and Government Agencies

Depending upon their preferences, clinical psychologists choose to practice psychology in various settings related to communities or government organizations, including:

• Community mental health centers
• Prisons (as rehabilitation psychologists)
• Child Protective Services (CPS)
• Military and veteran service organizations
• Advocacy organizations

In these settings, they work with people who have multiple, often interrelated problems, involving social interactions, trauma, substance abuse, and social inequity.

Business

Some businesses employ industrial/organizational psychologists to aid talent acquisition, hiring, training, and performance management. These industrial/organizational psychologists can be especially useful for employee retention and employee engagement.

Education and Qualifications for Clinical Psychologists

Becoming a clinical psychologist requires extensive education and supervised training. While requirements differ depending on the country, the common career path involves:

• Obtaining a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related discipline
• Earning a master’s degree and/or a doctoral degree in clinical psychology
• Undergoing supervised clinical training or an internship (such as a one-year internship)
• Attaining the licensing requirements of a regulatory organization

Clinical psychologists must be regulated to ensure public safety and to uphold the ethical standards of this profession. In the U.S., for instance, the American Psychological Association sets standards for most clinical psychologists. Other countries have similar regulatory organizations.

Ethical Responsibilities

Ethics serves as the backbone of clinical psychology. Clinical psychologists have many ethics that they must follow, including:

• Confidentiality
• Informed consent
• Professional competence
• Respect for diversity and human rights
• Avoidance of dual relationships

In clinical practice, ethics must always be considered, especially with work involving vulnerable groups and high-risk scenarios.

Competencies for Becoming a Clinical Psychologist

Besides education and training, clinical psychologists should possess these skills:

• Strong analytical skills and critical reasoning
• Emotional intelligence and empathy
• Good communication skills
• An understanding and appreciation of diverse cultures
• Sound ethical reasoning
• Self-understanding and emotional resilience

Psychologists also need to commit to lifelong learning and complete continuing education courses. They must keep abreast with the latest developments in their profession.

Clinical Psychologists in Communities

Psychologists play a role in enhancing the wellbeing of individuals and communities. Their contributions include:

• Alleviating the impact of mental disorders
• Improving interpersonal, family, and couple relationships
• Fostering the healthy development of children
• Increasing productivity in organizations
• Aiding the development of mental health policies

Psychologists are key in addressing the mental health of individuals in the community during major events resulting in severe mental stress. These events include:

• Pandemics
• Natural and man-made disasters
• Social unrest

Challenges Clinical Psychologists Face

Psychology is both satisfying and challenging. The challenges that practicing psychologists face include:

• The emotional repercussions of dealing with trauma and distress
• Psychological burnout from heavy caseloads
• Lengthy and fierce competitive training, especially in a doctoral program
• Ethical and legal issues

The Future of Clinical Psychology

The field of clinical psychology is continuously changing. Some of the newest trends involve:

• Offering psychological services virtually
• Placing greater emphasis on preventative measures and the importance of early intervention
• Fusing psychology and neuroscience

With increased awareness surrounding mental health issues, there is a growing demand for clinical psychologists around the globe.

Ultimately, clinical psychology is a field that cures suffering and pain, and it also leads to enlightenment about the intricate structure of the human brain. The motivation behind choosing this type of career should align with the understanding of these principles.

The Bachelor of Arts in Psychology at APU

For students interested in studying various aspects of psychology, American Public University (APU) offers an online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology. For this B.A. in psychology, students can enroll in psychology courses covering human life span development, personality theories, and learning and cognition. Other courses in this program focus on the history and systems of psychology, perception, biopsychology, and psychopathology.

For more details about this degree, visit APU’s arts and humanities degree program page.

Note: A bachelor’s in psychology does not provide licensure; preparation for licensure; or professional certification required for mental health counselors, practitioners, or psychologists.