Mental Health Assessments and Treatments Quiz

Clinical and Health Psychology Session 1: Introduction to Course & Clinical Psychology

• This session introduces the course and clinical psychology.
• Key topics covered in the session are: introduction, attendance, assessment (MCQ exam), and course content.
• The module overview dives into the sub-disciplines of clinical and health psychology.
• Key priorities of contemporary clinical and health psychology include reducing suffering and improving patient mental health and wellbeing.
• The course emphasizes critical evaluation of psychological research and theory applied to clinical and health issues.
• Students will scrutinize competing empirical arguments and therapeutic approaches.
• Additional learning outcomes include critical thinking when evaluating theory and research.

Module Overview

• The module aims to provide insights into various sub-disciplines of clinical and health psychology.
• It will examine what clinical psychology is and what clinical psychology researchers and practitioners do.
• The module utilizes contemporary psychological theory and research.
• Key priorities of contemporary clinical psychology include reducing suffering and improving patient mental health and wellbeing, and developing evidence-based interventions and treatments.
• Community engagement and public health are emphasized alongside influencing policy and systems change.
• Hughes, Lavender & Latchford's 2018 research is cited in the context of contemporary clinical psychology.

Course Learning Outcomes

• Students will be able to critically evaluate psychological research and theory applied to clinical and health issues.
• They will scrutinize competing empirical arguments and therapeutic approaches to best treatment for patients.
• Critical thinking is an integral part for evaluating theory and research.

What is Clinical Psychology?

• Clinical psychology is an evolving field.
• It often involves assessing and treating mental ill health and managing behaviour.
• It also involves applying psychological principles to therapeutic practice which may also be done by counselors, therapists, or life coaches.
• A Clinical Psychologist's role is in assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental illness and behavioural manifestations.

Historical Background of Clinical Psychology (CP)

• Early roots of clinical psychology, as understood today, date back to the late 19th century.
• Early theorists like Wilhelm Wundt, Sigmund Freud, and Carl Rogers developed psychotherapies and laid the groundwork for CP's understanding and treatment of mental illness.
• These theorists established different therapeutic traditions for treating mental illness and behavioral difficulties.
• Ancient Greek, Chinese, and Egyptian philosophers recognized links between mental wellbeing and physical health.

What is Clinical Psychology, Today?

• Clinical psychologists have extensive education and training, typically 10+ years of academic study and clinical practice experience.
• Qualifications often include PhD, PsyD (US), or DClinPsy (UK).
• Specialized training enables them to conduct clinical assessments, diagnose illnesses, and implement appropriate treatments/interventions.
• Psychotherapy is used instead of prescribing medication, a role typically held by a psychiatrist.
• Triangulation is used, meaning clinicians use multiple sources of information, such as clinical interviews, psych assessments, and patients' case histories.

What do Clinical Psychologists Treat?

• Clinical psychologists treat a wide range of mental health and behavioral problems throughout the lifespan.
• Adjustment issues (trauma, stress responses) and coping with serious illness/death impact the client.
• Emotional and psychological difficulties (e.g., coping with serious illness, death of a loved one).
• Interpersonal or social dysfunction (e.g., personality disorders, anxiety, or other related problems)
• Behavioral difficulties (e.g., substance abuse, impulse control, or sexual deviance)
• Intellectual, cognitive, and neurological conditions (e.g., autism, life after stroke)
• APA (2022) publication source is noted in this section.

Who do Clinical Psychologists Treat?

• Clinical psychologists work with individuals (most common).
• They also work with couples and families.
• Health settings (hospitals, secure units) are common places for consultation and support.
• Private practice and crisis response settings (war zones) are less common.

Teaching Timetable

• The provided timetable details the structure of the course, including specific modules, dates and topics, such as specific learning concepts across each session.
• The course covers Introduction to Course, Foundations of Clinical Psychology, Clinical Assessments, Clinical Diagnosis, Health and Disease in Clinical Psychology, and various approaches to treatment.
• It also includes wider reading and learning, and a module overview break.

Module Components

• The module consists of 30 lectures delivered by Dr Dom Willmott.
• It includes 24 workshops led by Magdalena Witkowicz.
• Assessments are in MCQ format.
• There is scheduled additional wider reading & learning and an assessment at the end of the module.

Assessment Information (Exam)

• The assessment is an MCQ exam, consisting of 30 questions.
• The exam is scheduled for 23rd January, 2025.
• In-class exercises are also an integral part of the assessment, and part of the overall learning experiences.

Example MCQ Question

• Alfred Binet's most important contribution to psychology was in the area of intelligence testing.

The Exam

• Please do not panic as the exam will be covered later in the course schedule.
• There is support available.

How do I get an A?

• Good attendance is essential to the learning outcome targets of the course(at least 80%).
• Asking questions when you are unsure is a good learning habit.
• Completing the readings assigned is vital for understanding concepts correctly.

What if you have questions about the module or assessment information?

• Questions regarding the module can be asked in class (unless confidential).
• If it's confidential, personal inquiries may be addressed at the end of class, or by direct email.
• [email protected] is the email address given.

Learning outside these sessions

• The students need to read widely beyond the lecture slides.
• Important textbooks for the module are important to consult.
• Relevant journal articles related to each week's learning are also vital

Required Reading

• The course has readings from several sources – relevant textbooks and journals, including authors and titles.

Additional Reading & Tasks

• The provided resources include textbooks by Davey, Laek & Whittington (2021) and Sigurdardóttir, et al (2024), as examples.

Other Information

• Dr. Dom Willmott is the adjunct professor teaching the course
• The course is through SWPS University.
• Contact email and website information are available
• Sensitive content warning is given.