Dr. Kim Ujcich Ward

Summary

In this interview, Dr. Kim Ujcich Ward, a clinical psychology faculty member at MTSU, discusses the broad career opportunities within clinical psychology. She highlights the distinction between applied clinical work (such as therapy and assessment) and the research side (focused on abnormal psychology). Dr. Ward explains the required training and licensure, touching on the differences between master's and doctoral paths. She also emphasizes the importance of personal qualities like empathy, analytical thinking, and emotional resilience for those entering the field. Finally, Dr. Ward offers advice for aspiring students on how to prepare for a career in clinical psychology.

Takeaways

• 😀 Clinical Psychology is a broad field with opportunities in both applied practice (working with clients) and scientific research (studying human behavior and psychopathology).
• 😀 In Clinical Psychology, professionals can work directly with clients on mental health issues, provide therapy, or focus on research to better understand psychological disorders.
• 😀 The field has two primary career paths: the applied side (clinical practice with clients) and the research side (focused on scientific studies and publishing findings).
• 😀 Clinical psychologists may work in various settings, including private practice, research institutions, or academic environments.
• 😀 A typical workday for a clinical psychologist can involve assessments, therapy sessions, evaluations, and paperwork. Research-focused professionals spend time teaching and conducting studies.
• 😀 Advanced training is essential to work in Clinical Psychology, with many roles requiring at least a master's degree or more commonly a doctoral degree.
• 😀 To work in Tennessee as a clinical psychologist, a doctorate is required for therapy roles, while a master's degree allows for psychological assessments and diagnosis but not treatment.
• 😀 A Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology focuses on both research and applied practice, while a Psy.D. emphasizes clinical practice with less research involvement.
• 😀 Clinical Psychology requires professionals to balance empathy with analytical thinking. Emotional resilience is important to prevent burnout, as the field involves working with distressed individuals.
• 😀 The field is continually evolving, with lots of room for new research, especially in understanding human behavior and developing effective treatment methods.
• 😀 To prepare for a career in Clinical Psychology, students should take relevant courses in psychology, psychological testing, and counseling methods, and engage with professionals in the field to gain insights into the day-to-day work.

Q & A

What are the career opportunities for students specializing in Clinical Psychology?

Clinical Psychology offers various career opportunities. Students can either focus on the applied side, working directly with individuals struggling with life stressors, or they can pursue the scientific research side, studying abnormal psychology, psychopathology, and how to help individuals with mental health issues.

What does a typical workday look like for someone in Clinical Psychology?

A typical workday in Clinical Psychology can be quite varied. If focusing on applied work, professionals might conduct assessments, evaluations, and therapy sessions (individual, couple, or group). They also spend time on paperwork, such as writing notes. Those working in research may spend their days teaching, conducting studies, gathering data, and analyzing results.

What are the training requirements to work in Clinical Psychology?

To work in Clinical Psychology, advanced training is necessary. At a minimum, a master's degree is required, but many positions, especially those involving direct patient care, require a doctorate. Licensing requirements vary by state, with some states allowing licensure with a master's degree (for roles like Psychological Assistant), while others require a doctoral degree for full clinical practice.

What is the licensing situation for Clinical Psychologists in Tennessee?

In Tennessee, individuals with a master's degree in Clinical Psychology can be licensed as 'Psychological Assistants,' which allows them to conduct assessments and diagnosis but not provide therapy. To offer both assessments and therapy, a doctoral degree is required.

Is a doctorate necessary for research roles in Clinical Psychology?

Typically, a doctorate is necessary for research roles in Clinical Psychology, particularly in academic or research institutions. However, there are opportunities at the master's level to work as a research associate in labs or research settings.

What personal characteristics are important for someone pursuing Clinical Psychology?

Key personal traits for a Clinical Psychologist include being a good listener, problem solver, and analytical thinker. Because the field involves working with distressed individuals, it also requires emotional resilience and the ability to separate one's own emotions from those of clients to prevent burnout.

What are the major positives and negatives of working in Clinical Psychology?

The major positives include the ability to help people through well-established therapeutic methods and the broad opportunities for research in the field. On the downside, the field lacks scientific support for certain conditions, making it challenging to help all individuals effectively. Additionally, working with severely distressed clients can be emotionally draining.

What is the difference between a Ph.D. and a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology?

The Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology follows a scientist-practitioner model, combining applied practice and research. Students must complete both a master's thesis and a doctoral dissertation. The Psy.D., on the other hand, follows a practitioner-scholar model, focusing more on the applied side of clinical psychology with less emphasis on conducting independent research.

How should students prepare for a career in Clinical Psychology?

Students should take courses in clinical psychology, psychological testing, and counseling methods. It's also beneficial to talk to professionals in the field to understand the different career paths. While it's difficult to shadow professionals directly due to ethical constraints, learning about the day-to-day work through conversations can provide valuable insights.

What kind of research is still needed in Clinical Psychology?

Despite its long history, Clinical Psychology continues to explore various aspects of human behavior and how things can go wrong. Research is still needed to better understand mental health disorders and develop more effective treatments. The field is open for new studies, especially in unexplored areas.