Areas of Competencies

Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat individuals with mental health disorders and emotional difficulties. Core competencies include:

• Assessment and Diagnosis: Using interviews, standardized tests, and observations to diagnose psychological disorders.
• Intervention: Delivering evidence-based therapies (e.g., CBT, DBT) to treat mental health issues such as anxiety, depression, and trauma.
• Consultation: Collaborating with other health professionals to provide comprehensive care.
• Ethics and Professionalism: Adhering to ethical guidelines and maintaining professional standards in practice.

Counselling Psychology

Counselling psychologists focus on helping individuals overcome life challenges and improve well-being. Key competencies include:

• Assessment and Formulation: Identifying personal, emotional, or developmental concerns through clinical interviews and assessments.
• Intervention: Utilising therapeutic approaches (e.g., person-centred, psychodynamic, existential) to support personal growth, relationship issues, and coping strategies.
• Career and Vocational Guidance: Assisting clients with educational and career-related decision-making and transitions.
• Multicultural Competence: Understanding and addressing the diverse cultural contexts of clients.

School Psychology

School psychologists work within educational settings to support the learning, development, and emotional well-being of students. Competencies include:

• Assessment: Conducting psychoeducational evaluations to identify learning disabilities, developmental delays, and emotional challenges.
• Intervention and Consultation: Working with teachers, parents, and students to develop interventions for academic and behavioural concerns.
• Prevention and Early Intervention: Promoting programs and strategies that support mental health and learning at the school level.
• System-Level Consultation: Advising school administrators on policies and practices that affect student well-being.

Neuropsychology

Neuropsychologists assess and treat individuals with brain injuries or neurological disorders. Core competencies include:

• Neuropsychological Assessment: Administering and interpreting tests to evaluate cognitive functions (e.g., memory, attention, executive functioning).
• Diagnosis: Identifying conditions such as traumatic brain injury (TBI), dementia, stroke, or neurodevelopmental disorders.
• Intervention: Developing rehabilitation plans to help individuals improve or compensate for cognitive deficits.
• Research and Education: Conducting research and educating patients, families, and professionals about brain-behaviour relationships.

Rehabilitation Psychology

Rehabilitation psychologists work with individuals dealing with disability, injury, or chronic illness to improve functioning and quality of life. Key competencies include:

• Assessment: Evaluating the psychological, emotional, and behavioural impact of physical conditions or disabilities.
• Intervention: Providing therapy and support to help clients cope with their physical health conditions and enhance resilience.
• Team-Based Care: Collaborating with multidisciplinary teams (e.g., physical therapists, occupational therapists) to optimise treatment outcomes.
• Vocational Rehabilitation: Assisting clients in returning to work or adjusting to new vocational realities after injury or illness.

Health Psychology

Health psychologists focus on how psychological, behavioural, and cultural factors affect physical health and illness. Core competencies include:

• Behavioral Health Assessment: Evaluating the psychological factors contributing to health conditions like diabetes, cardiovascular disease, or chronic pain.
• Intervention and Prevention: Implementing evidence-based interventions (e.g., health behaviour change, stress management) to promote health and well-being.
• Chronic Disease Management: Supporting patients in managing long-term conditions and improving adherence to medical treatments.
• Public Health and Policy: Engaging in research and advocacy related to health promotion and disease prevention at the population level.