Introduction to Clinical Psychology

Eligibility for Psychologist Registration

• A person can apply for psychologist registration and licensure after providing evidence of:
  • Filipino citizenship, permanent residency, or citizenship of a foreign state/country with reciprocity to the Philippines
  • Holding a master's degree in psychology from a recognized/accredited university or college
  • Completing a minimum of 200 hours of supervised practicum/internship/clinical experience
  • Good moral character
  • No conviction of an offense involving moral turpitude

Registration and Oath

• Successful examinees and qualified applicants must take an oath to uphold the profession before a Board member or authorized officer
• The oath is required before entering into the practice of psychology or psychometrics in the Philippines

Clinical Psychology Definition

• Clinical psychology involves research, teaching, and services related to understanding, predicting, and alleviating intellectual, emotional, biological, psychological, social, and behavioral maladjustment, disability, and discomfort
• It applies to a wide range of client populations and focuses on human adaptation, adjustment, and personal development
• According to the American Psychological Association's Division 12, clinical psychology integrates science, theory, and practice to promote human adaptation, adjustment, and personal development
• The British Psychological Society's Division of Clinical Psychology defines clinical psychology as reducing psychological distress and enhancing psychological well-being through the application of knowledge derived from psychological theory and data
• The Canadian Psychological Association defines clinical psychology as a broad field of practice and research that applies psychological principles to assessment, prevention, amelioration, and rehabilitation of psychological distress, disability, and health-risk behavior

Psychologist Definition

• A psychologist is a natural person who is duly registered and holds a valid certificate of registration and a valid professional identification card as a professional psychologist
• The registration and identification card are issued by the Professional Regulatory Board of Psychology and the Professional Regulation Commission

Licensure Examinations

• The qualifications for the licensure examination for psychologists are stated in the provided text