The Clinical Health Psychology Field...
For clinical health psychologists, the phrase it's all in your head has more meaning than suggesting an illness is imaginary. In fact clinical health psychologists believe that knowing how people think uncovers important predictors for health, recuperation from illness, and the success of preventive medicine.
We now know, according to a research report by the American Psychological Association, that after surgery, patients in a hospital room with a pleasant view go home sooner and with fewer complications that those looking at a blank wall. Regan A.R. Gurung, chair of the APA's Division 38 (Health Psychology) education and training committee, states that hostile, angry people are more likely to suffer a heart attack than others, and spouses or partners who conflict or fight are more likely to develop colds.
Clinical health psychologists rely on these types of research results for patient treatment plans, or for broader health recommendations in public health positions. At a time in history when chronic illnesses are on the rise along with medical costs, the practice and application of clinical health psychology has never been more important.
Health Psychology Links
The rise in health care costs associated with unhealthy lifestyles, such as smoking, alcoholism, and obesity, has made prevention and treatment more critical," states the U.S. Department of Labor in the Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-2009. The handbook predicts that employment for all psychologists is expected to grow 15 percent from 2006 to 2016, faster than the average for all occupations, and calls health psychology one of the desired applied specialties.
Many clinical health psychologists work in medical centers advising and educating patients. They evaluate, test and treat patients. They might work, for example, with fibromyalgia or arthritis patients on developing a treatment plan for managing pain, including exercises, relaxation techniques and creative forms of distraction. Or they might help depressed patients recuperating from heart surgery find alternatives to drugs, such as massage and yoga.
Counseling patients with long-term chronic illness may involve developing a patient's self-esteem, or the ability to take control of situations that appear hopeless. Oftentimes clinical health psychologists counsel families on appropriate ways to care for a family member with a chronic condition while maintaining the caregiver's own health.
Still other clinical health psychologists prefer to specialize in preventive medicine, advising the general population on how to stay healthy through exercise programs, proper nutrition, and positive thinking.
Clinical health psychologists apply research and science in a variety of clinical settings working with an interdisciplinary team of professionals. They work for the government, schools and corporations, and also work in research and teaching positions at universities. A PhD or PsyD is required for clinical health psychology positions and most require board certification. Those with master's degrees in health psychology work under the direction of board certified clinical health psychologists.
Clinical health psychology professionals advance the science of linking cognitive processes to biology, and also study health within the context of social and cultural influences. If you find enjoyment in working as a motivator, educator, and healer, you should consider a career in clinical health psychology.
Find out how you can become involved, request information from schools offering Psychology degree programs. Also, learn more about the psychology career licensing processes and what the requirements for licensure are: Psychology Career Licensure.
Careers in the Clinical Health Psychology Industry
- Social Workers
- Substance Abuse Counselors and Therapists
- Clinical Health Psychologists