Clinical Psychology − A Specialization Area Applicable in Health Care

Abstract

The paper is aimed at presenting some basic data concerning organization of postgraduate education of psychologists in clinical psychology, a specialization area which is applicable in health care It is also planned to emphasize the usefulness of educational programmes aimed at gaining specialization in clinical psychology, and to present their advantages and disadvantages from the perspective of a psychological practitioner. Irrespective of the drawbacks of the specialization training programmes, it is important to point to the fact that they give a chance to expand specialist knowledge in the fi eld of applied psychology and to apply it in practice with individuals who are in diffi cult health-related situations. While characterizing the procedure of educating clinical psychology specialists, it is also important to consider validity of the directions of postgraduate education with reference to contemporary standards and development objectives concerning the promotion of mental health in the European Union. The cohesion policy concerning health care in all EU countries requires maintaining the standards which support a holistic and coordinated approach to mental health care.