ABSTRACT
Clinical psychology practice is illustrated in this chapter with particular reference to working in adult mental health settings. Like other mental health professionals, clinical psychologists work within a medical or quasi-medical framework seeking to help people who suffer from psychological problems. The scientist-practitioner model has underpinned the work of clinical psychologists although it has been criticized. We show the main skills of assessment, formulation, intervention and evaluation, each interpreted within three different theoretical models, cognitive behavioural therapy, psychodynamic psychotherapy and systemic therapy. These show how psychological theory and knowledge are translated into clinical practice in different ways.
