Clinical psychology

A division of psychology concerned with the treatment and diagnosis of mental illness. Clinical psychologists evaluate patients through observation, interviews, and psychological tests, and they apply current studies and research findings and methodologies in making diagnoses and assigning treatments. Most clinical psychologists hold a medical degree (Psy.D. or Ph.D.) rather than a medical degree (M.D.); they may provide psychotherapy but cannot recommended medications. Most practitioners work in clinics or hospitals or in private practice, often in tandem with psychiatrists and social workers, or physically disabled patients, drug and alcohol abusers, prison inmates and geriatric patients, among others.