Chapter 1: Evolution of Clinical Psychology
Chapter 1 – Evolution of Clinical Psychology
Chapter Overview
A strong foundation of knowledge is the cornerstone for mastering a subject.
Chapter 1 provides the foundation for the next fourteen chapters by defining key
terminology and presenting notable facts about mental illness. The chapter
explores the issue of evidence-based psychology and the issue of overreliance
on science. Students are introduced to the various professions within the field
and potential career options. A brief, yet thorough history of clinical psychology,
assessment, intervention, and prevention is presented.
Chapter Contents

Introduction

Defining the Nature and Scope of Clinical Psychology

Evidence-Based Practice in Psychology

Mental Health Professions

Counseling Psychology

School Psychology

Psychiatry

Social Work

Other Mental Health Professions

Availability of Mental Health Service Providers

A Brief History of Clinical Psychology

The Roots of Clinical Psychology

The History of Assessment in Clinical Psychology

The History of Intervention in Clinical Psychology

The History of Prevention in Clinical Psychology

The Future

Summary and Conclusions
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Chapter 1: Evolution of Clinical Psychology
Learning Objectives
1. What are the various mental disorders and the prevalence rates in
America?
2. How does mental illness impact daily functioning, the economy, and
communities?
3. What is clinical psychology? What are its limitations?
4. Why is evidence-based practice beneficial and why do some disagree
about its usefulness?
5. Define and discuss the various mental health professions and career
opportunities.
6. What is the availability of mental service providers across the world?
7. What are the roots of clinical psychology?
8. How has assessment played a vital role in clinical psychology?
9. Who are the major figures in assessment?
10. Define and discuss the history of intervention in clinical psychology.
11. What are the various forms of psychotherapy?
12. Why does prevention have a short history in clinical psychology?
13. What does the future hold for clinical psychology?
Up for Discussion
1. How would depression affect a person’s everyday life?
2. How can mental illness impact one’s physical health?
3. Are mental health problems as serious as physical health problems?
4. If mental illness and physical illness are both medical conditions, shouldn’t
insurance companies provide coverage equally?
5. In what ways is clinical psychology similar to other mental health
professions?
6. In what ways is clinical psychology distinct from other mental health
professions?
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Chapter 1: Evolution of Clinical Psychology
7. In what ways has scientific thinking shaped the evolution of clinical
psychology?
8. Currently, only Louisiana, New Mexico, and the territory of Guam allow
psychologists to write prescriptions for psychotropic medications. Should
other states follow suit or should medical doctors (e.g. psychiatrists) be
the only ones writing prescriptions? Discuss the benefits and risks.
9. How would prescriptive authority for psychologists increase access to
mental health providers?
10. Why would a biopsychosocial approach be more favorable to a medical or
biological model?
11. Are psychological assessments definitive for diagnostic purposes? Why
or why not?
12. What is the importance of the DSM? Is it needed? Does it contribute to
stigma?
13. Given the various treatments and interventions for psychological
disorders, why do so many therapists choose to have an eclectic stance
in practice?
14. Why is meta-analysis limited and why should you be leery of the
findings?
15. What are the major issues in community mental health?
16. How does stigma still play a role in access to mental health care?
Out-of-Class Activities
1. Have students visit the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) website
(http://www.nami.org/) and research topics such as stigma, the various
disorders, the purpose of NAMI, and what information they could share
with others.
2. Ask students to consider what the impact of mental illness, such as
depression or an anxiety disorder) would be on their own life. Ask them to
write a one-page discussion on their feelings, concerns, and questions.
You may expand this as a multiple week project or full semester project
and require students to keep a journal about their particular illness. The
purpose is to help students gain awareness and understanding not only of
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Chapter 1: Evolution of Clinical Psychology
the complexities of the disorder but the impact on all aspects of their lives.
3. Ask students to visit various websites on assessments such as MultiHealth Systems, Western Psychological Services, and Pearson
Assessments to gain an understanding of the complexity and large array
of tests available. Have students discuss the various qualifications needed
to administer these tests and tie into the various health professions.
4. Ask students to develop a plan for reducing homelessness for the mentally
ill. Students should consider cost, feasibility, urban versus rural areas,
various disorders, as well as community impact.
Web Links
The website of the American Psychological Association includes related to the
sciences and practice of psychology
www.apa.org
Psychologist Kenneth Pope’s website provides resources on ethics, intervention,
and critical thinking.
www.kspope.com
The website for the National Institute of Mental Health provides information on
diagnosis and treatment of mental disorders.
http://www.nimh.nih.gov/index.shtml
The website of the UK National Institute for Health and Clinical Excellence
provides clinical guidance on health issues:
www.nice.org.uk
This is the home page of the American Psychiatric Association, the publishers of
the DSM-5. You will find links to the various sections, journals, and online
resources about education, practice, and self-help resources. Most psychiatrists
belong to this organization.
http://www.psych.org/
Video Suggestions
Acutely Anxious (DVD, color, 48 min.). Acute anxiety, one of the most common
psychiatric illnesses, makes everyday experiences a source of potential terror.
This program explains how and why this happens as it examines the physiology
and psychology of anxiety, its symptoms, its highly maladaptive consequences,
and treatments such as cognitive behavioral therapy. Princeton, NJ: Films for the
Humanities & Sciences, c2006
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Chapter 1: Evolution of Clinical Psychology
Understanding Depression (DVD, color, 22min.) Focuses on the most current
research into depression, explaining the medications and psychosocial therapies
that can help to eliminate the symptoms of the disease. Profiles a woman with
clinical depression and examines how the disease has affected her life and that
of her family. Princeton, NJ: Films for the Humanities & Sciences, [2004], c1995
Brainwaves (VHS, color, 60 min.). From the PBS Madness series. This video
examines the explanations and treatments of mental illness from the late 18th
century to the present. PBS Video Catalog. 1-800-344-3337.
Out of Sight (VHS, color, 60 min.). From the PBS Madness series. This video
examines the development of mental institutions and care of the mentally ill. PBS
Video Catalog. 1-800-344-3337.
To Define True Madness (VHS, color, 60 min.). From the PBS Madness series.
This video examines the history and progress of understanding the various
disorders. PBS Video Catalog. 1-800-344-3337.
Suggested Readings
Barlow, D. H. (Ed.). (in press). Oxford handbook of clinical psychology. New
York: Oxford University press.
Routh, D. K. (1994). Clinical psychology since 1917: Science, practice, and
organization. New York: Plenum Press.
Miserandino, M. (1994). Freudian principles in everyday life. Teaching of
Psychology, 21(2), 93–95.
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