A specialized branch of psychology that focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders
Clinical psychology
Concerned with the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental illness and psychological distress
Involves applying psychological principles to understand, predict, and alleviate maladaptive behavior, emotional discomfort, and cognitive dysfunction
Assessment
The systematic gathering of information about an individual's psychological functioning, including their thoughts, feelings, behaviors, and experiences
Diagnosis
The identification of a specific mental health disorder or condition based on the signs and symptoms presented by the individual, as well as information obtained through assessment
Treatment
Implementing interventions aimed at alleviating or managing the symptoms of a diagnosed mental health disorder and promoting overall psychological well-being
Prevention
Efforts aimed at reducing the incidence or severity of mental health problems before they occur or worsen
WilhelmWundt establishes the first psychology laboratory at the University of Leipzig, Germany
1879
Lightner Witmer founds the first psychological clinic at the University of Pennsylvania
1896
Witmer's clinic focuses on applying psychological principles to address learning difficulties and behavioral problems in children, laying the foundation for clinical psychology as a distinct field
Sigmund Freud, Carl Jung, and other psychoanalysts develop influential theories on the unconscious mind, psychosexual development, and the role of childhood experiences in shaping adult behavior
Early 1900s
Behaviorism emerges as a dominant school of thought in psychology, with pioneers such as John B. Watson and B.F.Skinner focusing on observable behaviors and the principles of conditioning
1920s-1930s
The rise of humanisticpsychology, spearheaded by figures like Carl Rogers and Abraham Maslow, emphasizes the importance of subjective experiences, self-actualization, and the therapeutic relationship
1950s-1960s
Cognitive-behavioraltherapy (CBT) gains prominence as a highly effective approach to treating various mental health disorders
1970s-present
Early 20th Century in the Philippines
Introduction of Western psychological concepts during American colonial rule, leading to the establishment of psychology programs in universities and colleges
Mid-20th Century in the Philippines
Emergence of pioneering Filipino psychologists advocating for the development of clinical psychology in the Philippines. Dr. Alfredo Lagmay's contributions likely occurred during this period
Establishment of the Philippine Mental Health Association (PMHA), marking a significant milestone in mental health advocacy and services in the country
1950s in the Philippines
Late 20th Century in the Philippines
Continued growth of psychology programs and institutions dedicated to mental health and psychological services, with an increasing emphasis on cultural adaptation and indigenous healing practices
Contemporary Period (21st Century) in the Philippines
Ongoing efforts to address contemporary challenges in clinical psychology, including stigma reduction, improving access to mental health services, and integrating cultural perspectives into psychological practice
Cultural Influence
Cultural factors such as beliefs, values, and traditions significantly shape individuals' experiences and expressions of mental illness
Cultural Norms and Coping
Dictate how individuals perceive and cope with psychological distress
Cultural Competence
Essential for clinicians to effectively understand and address the unique needs of diverse populations
Language and Communication
Barriers can pose challenges in clinical settings, affecting the quality of assessment, diagnosis, and treatment
Diversity in Treatment Preferences
Cultural diversity extends to treatment preferences, with individuals from different cultural backgrounds often having varied attitudes towards medication, psychotherapy, and alternative healing practices
Intersectionality
Cultural identities intersect with other aspects of individual identity, such as race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, and socioeconomic status