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The role of the clinical psychologist is to assist the patient and family in managing emotional and psychological distress and to facilitate living and coping with a painful, chronic, and sometimes disabling disease. Many psychologists (clinical, research, educational, etc.) conduct research studies to provide valuable information concerning the course, consequences, and management of rheumatic illnesses and health promoting behavior.
What Does the Clinical Psychologist Do?
The clinical psychologist assesses the individual’s and family’s psychological status and ability to cope with the patient’s disease. The psychologist conducts psychological tests and interviews that may be used to assess the psychosocial status including:
adjustment to disability adherence to treatment coping style levels of anxiety, depression, and cognitive function
Based on evaluation, the clinical psychologist tailors a treatment plan to meet the needs of the patient. The clinical psychologist provides a wide range of interventions designed to enhance coping, including cognitive behavioral therapy, pain, sleep and stress management, sexual and relationship counseling, and psychotherapy.
Psychological therapy may range from short-term crisis intervention for dealing with adjustment issues to long-term psychotherapy for the treatment of more chronic psychological disorders, and it may be provided individually or in a group setting. In the rehabilitation setting, the clinical psychologist may be called upon for consultation in matters related to behavioral management, treatment adherence, and cognitive dysfunction. The clinical psychologist interacts with rheumatologists and psychiatrists when there is a need for psychological medication. The psychologist may be involved in program planning, validation and research.
Where Does the Clinical Psychologist Work?
The psychologist works in a wide variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, rehabilitation centers, outpatient clinics, transitional living centers, nursing homes, industry, and educational settings.
What Kind of Training Does the Clinical Psychologist Have?
Supervised predoctoral internships are required to obtain a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. In many states, an additional one- to two-year postdoctoral traineeship may also be required to obtain licensure as a clinical psychologist. Psychologists also may obtain certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology, but it is not required for clinical practice. Psychologists not providing clinical care may have different licensure requirements.
For additional information, contact the Association of Rheumatology Health Professionals, 2200 Lake Boulevard NE, Atlanta, GA 30319, and (404) 633-3777.
June 2008 (Revised) Practice & Membership and Executive Committee
October 2002 (Revised) Executive Committee
2001-2002 (Revised) Professional Papers Task Force
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