Clinical Psychology

Description

Clinical Psychology is both a general practice and a health service provider specialty in professional psychology providing services to the public. Clinical Psychologists possess specialized training and expertise in the areas of diagnosis, assessment, evaluation, treatment and prevention of psychological, emotional, psychophysiological and behavioral disorders across the lifespan. The clinical interventions provided by professional Licensed Psychologists include procedures for understanding, predicting, and alleviating intellectual, emotional, physical, and psychological distress, social and behavioral maladjustment, and mental illness, as well as other forms of discomfort. Clinical psychologists may provide services directly or support and facilitate the provision of services through supervision, teaching, management, administration, advocacy and similar roles. Individual and cultural diversity recognizes the broad scope of factors such as race, ethnicity, language, sexual orientation, gender, age, disability, class status, education, religion/spiritual orientation, and other cultural dimensions.

Overview

The field is often considered to have begun in 1896 with the opening of the first psychological clinic at the University of Pennsylvania. In the first half of the 20th century, clinical psychology was focused on psychological assessment, with little attention given to treatment. This changed after the 1940s when World War II resulted in the need for a large increase in the number of trained clinicians. Since its early beginnings, the field has expanded to include significant advances in the assessment and treatment of individuals suffering from a broad range of conditions and disorders. The focus of professional psychology has been in the integration of scientific findings with treatment outcomes and improved functioning of clients and patients.

Over his 33 year career in the mental health field, Dr. Cunliffe has received advanced training and supervision in the provision of services for individuals suffering from a wide range of psychiatric and psychological disorders and conditions. Additionally, he has provided professional services on an inpatient and outpatient basis to clients and patients and lists his areas of expertise to include psychotic, mood, anxiety, and personality disorders. As a Clinical Psychologist, he has developed significant knowledge, skills and proficiency in the assessment and diagnosis of these and other conditions. Additionally, Dr. Cunliffe has particular expertise in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of adolescents, adults, couples and families struggling with issues related to suicide and self-harming behavior.

Examples of questions and areas of change Dr. Cunliffe would be able to assist:

• Why do I feel depressed and what can I do about it?
• I have a lot to live for and a family that loves but why do I want to die?
• My anxiety is so terrible, it is interfering with my ability to work and function on an daily basis. What can I do about and how can I stop feeling so anxious?
• How can I improve the treatment I am providing to my clients and how can I be more sure of the diagnosis and treatment plan I have developed for this patient?