A medical doctor of psychology, now and again known as a clinical psychologist or a psychologist with a doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), is a trained expert in understanding human behavior, emotions, and mental processes. Their primary goal is to assess, diagnose, treat, and help prevent mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.
1. Assessment and Diagnosis
One of the core responsibilities of a psychological doctor is to assess the mental health of individuals. This process often involves conducting interviews, administering standardized psychological tests, and gathering information from a client’s history or family. These assessments help psychologists gain deep insights into a person’s emotional functioning, thought patterns, and behaviors.
For example, if someone is experiencing long periods of sadness, lack of motivation, or trouble concentrating, a psychological doctor might evaluate them for depression or anxiety disorders. Similarly, they can diagnose more complex conditions such as bipolar disorder, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), or schizophrenia.