Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

19-3033.00

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

Occupation-Specific Information

Tasks

• Interact with clients to assist them in gaining insight, defining goals, and planning action to achieve effective personal, social, educational, or vocational development and adjustment.
• Conduct assessments of patients' risk for harm to self or others.
• Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.
• Write reports on clients and maintain required paperwork.
• Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.
• Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
• Develop and implement individual treatment plans, specifying type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.
• Use a variety of treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, behavior modification, stress reduction therapy, psychodrama, or play therapy.
• Develop therapeutic and treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, or needs.
• Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, modifying plans or diagnoses as necessary.
• Consult with or provide consultation to other doctors, therapists, or clinicians regarding patient care.
• Obtain and study medical, psychological, social, and family histories by interviewing individuals, couples, or families and by reviewing records.
• Direct, coordinate, and evaluate activities of staff and interns engaged in patient assessment and treatment.
• Advise clients on how they could be helped by counseling.
• Maintain current knowledge of relevant research.
• Consult reference material, such as textbooks, manuals, or journals, to identify symptoms, make diagnoses, or develop approaches to treatment.
• Refer clients to other specialists, institutions, or support services as necessary.
• Supervise and train interns, clinicians in training, and other counselors.
• Develop, direct, and participate in training programs for staff and students.
• Provide consulting services, including educational programs, outreach programs, or prevention talks to schools, social service agencies, businesses, or the general public.
• Consult with other professionals, agencies, or universities to discuss therapies, treatments, counseling resources or techniques, and to share occupational information.
• Select, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests to obtain information on individuals' intelligence, achievements, interests, or personalities.
• Provide occupational, educational, or other information to individuals so that they can make educational or vocational plans.
• Prepare written evaluations of individuals' psychological competence for court hearings.
• Observe individuals at play, in group interactions, or in other contexts to detect indications of cognitive, intellectual, or developmental disabilities.
• Plan and develop accredited psychological service programs in psychiatric centers or hospitals, in collaboration with psychiatrists and other professional staff.
• Provide psychological or administrative services and advice to private firms or community agencies regarding mental health programs or individual cases.
• Plan, supervise, and conduct psychological research and write papers describing research results.
• Conduct research to develop or improve diagnostic or therapeutic counseling techniques.

Technology Skills

• Accounting software - MPMsoft billing
• Analytical or scientific software - Comprehensive Affect Testing System CATS; Noldus Information Technology The Observer XT; Statistical software; Testing software
• Calendar and scheduling software - SpectraSoft AppointmentsPRO; Thriveworks TherapyBuddy
• Data base user interface and query software - O*NET OnLine
• Electronic mail software - Microsoft Outlook 🔥
• Internet browser software - Web browser software
• Medical software - Addison Health Systems WritePad EHR; Anasazi Software Client Data System; Athena Software Penelope Case Management; B Sharp Technologies B Care; BlackHawk Canyon Publishers PracticianWorks; Blueberry Harbor Software Clinical Record Keeper; Bluewater Management Systems BMCASE; BRB Software HorizonMIS; Clinivate Clinitrak; Core Solutions Care Enterprise; DocuTrac QuicDoc; eClinicalWorks EHR software 🔥; Fagerman Technologies MedLook; Health Care Software HCS INTERACTANT; Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS; ICANotes; JTL Enterprises MedIntake; Mdansby The PsychReport; MedEZ behavioral healthcare and substance abuse software; Medical Outcome Systems eMINI Software Suite; Medicine Rules PowerSEAT 360; MICA Information Systems MICA-MED Practice Manager; MS*Health Software/CMHC; My Clients Plus; Neuro Innovations Therapist's Toolkit; Neurobehavioral Systems Presentation; Office Management Systems Mental Health Office All-in-One; Polaris Health Directions Polaris-MH; Practice Management Technologies Visual Private Office; PsychAssistant; PsychNotesEMR; Psyquel; PsyTech Solutions Epitomax; Serenic Navigator CommunityCare; Sigmund Software Sigmund Enterprise Management; TheraManager; Trinity Software Solutions BEACON; UNI/CARE Pro-Filer
• Office suite software - Microsoft Office software 🔥
• Presentation software - Microsoft PowerPoint 🔥
• Spreadsheet software - Google Sheets 🔥; Microsoft Excel 🔥; Spreadsheet software
• Word processing software - Google Docs 🔥; Microsoft Word 🔥

Occupational Requirements

Work Activities

• Getting Information - Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
• Monitoring Processes, Materials, or Surroundings - Monitoring and reviewing information from materials, events, or the environment, to detect or assess problems.
• Identifying Objects, Actions, and Events - Identifying information by categorizing, estimating, recognizing differences or similarities, and detecting changes in circumstances or events.
• Inspecting Equipment, Structures, or Materials - Inspecting equipment, structures, or materials to identify the cause of errors or other problems or defects.
• Estimating the Quantifiable Characteristics of Products, Events, or Information - Estimating sizes, distances, and quantities; or determining time, costs, resources, or materials needed to perform a work activity.
• Judging the Qualities of Objects, Services, or People - Assessing the value, importance, or quality of things or people.
• Processing Information - Compiling, coding, categorizing, calculating, tabulating, auditing, or verifying information or data.
• Evaluating Information to Determine Compliance with Standards - Using relevant information and individual judgment to determine whether events or processes comply with laws, regulations, or standards.
• Analyzing Data or Information - Identifying the underlying principles, reasons, or facts of information by breaking down information or data into separate parts.
• Making Decisions and Solving Problems - Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
• Thinking Creatively - Developing, designing, or creating new applications, ideas, relationships, systems, or products, including artistic contributions.
• Updating and Using Relevant Knowledge - Keeping up-to-date technically and applying new knowledge to your job.
• Developing Objectives and Strategies - Establishing long-range objectives and specifying the strategies and actions to achieve them.
• Scheduling Work and Activities - Scheduling events, programs, and activities, as well as the work of others.
• Organizing, Planning, and Prioritizing Work - Developing specific goals and plans to prioritize, organize, and accomplish your work.
• Performing General Physical Activities - Performing physical activities that require considerable use of your arms and legs and moving your whole body, such as climbing, lifting, balancing, walking, stooping, and handling materials.
• Handling and Moving Objects - Using hands and arms in handling, installing, positioning, and moving materials, and manipulating things.
• Controlling Machines and Processes - Using either control mechanisms or direct physical activity to operate machines or processes (not including computers or vehicles).
• Operating Vehicles, Mechanized Devices, or Equipment - Running, maneuvering, navigating, or driving vehicles or mechanized equipment, such as forklifts, passenger vehicles, aircraft, or watercraft.
• Working with Computers - Using computers and computer systems (including hardware and software) to program, write software, set up functions, enter data, or process information.
• Drafting, Laying Out, and Specifying Technical Devices, Parts, and Equipment - Providing documentation, detailed instructions, drawings, or specifications to tell others about how devices, parts, equipment, or structures are to be fabricated, constructed, assembled, modified, maintained, or used.
• Repairing and Maintaining Mechanical Equipment - Servicing, repairing, adjusting, and testing machines, devices, moving parts, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of mechanical (not electronic) principles.
• Repairing and Maintaining Electronic Equipment - Servicing, repairing, calibrating, regulating, fine-tuning, or testing machines, devices, and equipment that operate primarily on the basis of electrical or electronic (not mechanical) principles.
• Documenting/Recording Information - Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
• Interpreting the Meaning of Information for Others - Translating or explaining what information means and how it can be used.
• Communicating with Supervisors, Peers, or Subordinates - Providing information to supervisors, co-workers, and subordinates by telephone, in written form, e-mail, or in person.
• Communicating with People Outside the Organization - Communicating with people outside the organization, representing the organization to customers, the public, government, and other external sources. This information can be exchanged in person, in writing, or by telephone or e-mail.
• Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships - Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
• Assisting and Caring for Others - Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
• Selling or Influencing Others - Convincing others to buy merchandise/goods or to otherwise change their minds or actions.
• Resolving Conflicts and Negotiating with Others - Handling complaints, settling disputes, and resolving grievances and conflicts, or otherwise negotiating with others.
• Performing for or Working Directly with the Public - Performing for people or dealing directly with the public. This includes serving customers in restaurants and stores, and receiving clients or guests.
• Coordinating the Work and Activities of Others - Getting members of a group to work together to accomplish tasks.
• Developing and Building Teams - Encouraging and building mutual trust, respect, and cooperation among team members.
• Training and Teaching Others - Identifying the educational needs of others, developing formal educational or training programs or classes, and teaching or instructing others.
• Guiding, Directing, and Motivating Subordinates - Providing guidance and direction to subordinates, including setting performance standards and monitoring performance.
• Coaching and Developing Others - Identifying the developmental needs of others and coaching, mentoring, or otherwise helping others to improve their knowledge or skills.
• Providing Consultation and Advice to Others - Providing guidance and expert advice to management or other groups on technical, systems-, or process-related topics.
• Performing Administrative Activities - Performing day-to-day administrative tasks such as maintaining information files and processing paperwork.
• Staffing Organizational Units - Recruiting, interviewing, selecting, hiring, and promoting employees in an organization.
• Monitoring and Controlling Resources - Monitoring and controlling resources and overseeing the spending of money.

Detailed Work Activities

• Counsel clients on mental health or personal achievement.
• Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health.
• Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
• Collect information from people through observation, interviews, or surveys.
• Record research or operational data.
• Design psychological or educational treatment procedures or programs.
• Direct medical science or healthcare programs.
• Diagnose neural or psychological disorders.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or educational programs.
• Modify treatment plans to accommodate client needs.
• Advise others on healthcare matters.
• Collect archival data.
• Supervise trainees.
• Review professional literature to maintain professional knowledge.
• Train staff members.
• Supervise workers providing client or patient services.
• Develop educational programs.
• Advise others on educational matters.
• Collaborate with other professionals to assess client needs or plan treatments.
• Administer standardized physical or psychological tests.
• Write reports or evaluations.
• Plan social sciences research.