A clinical psychologist works in the mental health field, usually in a clinic, directly diagnosing, treating, and helping patients, in both group settings and individually, with mental disorders. Clinical psychologists specialize in abnormal psychology. Typically, a clinical psychologist does not and cannot prescribe medication. Psychiatrists, by law, are able to prescribe psychiatric medication, however, new laws have been passed in a number of states that allow some clinical psychologists to prescribe medication.
A clinical psychologist’s primary objective is to understand the patient and help them recover from their struggles and problems. They use the most recent version of the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual (DSM) to guide and reinforce their diagnoses, and subsequent treatment plans. Clinical psychologists have to tailor treatment to the individual patient since each person has unique needs and will respond differently to therapies and coping tools.