What does a psychologist actually do?

Psychologists can have many roles in many different settings. Here's a few of the basic functions psychologists can perform in a clinical setting.

Psychological Counselling

A psychologist is a person who has been trained in the use of psychological therapy to help people in coping with a whole range of psychological conditions and complex presentations, including stress, low mood, anxiety, trauma, low self-esteem, relationship concerns, family difficulties, and life transitions. Psychologists can work with both children and adults, in an individual or a group setting.

Reporting

Psychologists are trained to compile thorough psychological reports for a multitude of purposes including educational, occupational, or legal purposes. These reports often include a client's relevant background history, case formulations, treatment plans, assessment results and their interpretations, and future recommendations for treatment or support.

Assessment

A psychologist can use a wide range of standardised and semi-structured psychometric tests to determine the extent of a person's presenting problems or to help a person understand more about their own strengths and weaknesses. Psychologists can also conduct cognitive assessments (e.g. intelligence testing, memory testing), personality assessments, and assess behavioural concerns.

Research

A psychologist is a scientist-practitioner, and as such is mandated to provide evidence-based treatments. Psychologists are trained to monitor and interpret the psychological literature, in order to provide the most appropriate and research-based treatment options for their clients. Many psychologists also conduct and publish research to extend the current body of knowledge.