ABSTRACT
This chapter discusses six major areas of a clinical psychologist's role in Massachusetts as he collaborates with the other "helping professions": diagnosis, psychotherapy, research, education and training, consultation, and administration. Clinical psychologists have made a major contribution to the diagnostic evaluation of patients. Psychologists are trained and experienced in both group and individual psychotherapy, and receive psychiatric supervision during their professional training. Psychologists are trained as behavioral scientists and are experienced in research strategy, design, and methodology. With regard to hospital in-service training, psychologists provide courses, group discussions, lectures, and special programs for nurses, psychiatrists, social workers, and lay personnel. Psychologists play key roles in community mental health education programs; they plan, organize, and conduct programs to explain mental health principles, human development, and the nature of mental disorders. Psychologists have demonstrated their skills in practicing the specialized techniques of mental health consultation. The role of psychologists in administration is a new and expanding one.
