Clinical Psychology in the Mental Health Inpatient Setting

Book excerpt: This ground-breaking volume provides an encompassing and detailed account of clinical psychologists' highly varied work on the psychiatric ward in mental health inpatient settings. An international collection of clinical psychologists describe challenges and achievements inherent to their work, illustrating application of established, state-of-the-art, and cutting-edge methods and modes of intervention, assessment, therapeutic work, training, and leadership roles currently practiced in these settings. Chapters present numerous examples of psychologists' ability to contribute in multiple ways, benefiting patients, staff, and the overall functioning of the ward. Each of the book’s four sections is dedicated to a specific domain of the clinical psychologist’s work within the psychiatric inpatient setting. These include systemic modes of intervention; psychotherapeutic interventions; assessment and psychodiagnosis; and internship and supervision. From novice to experienced practitioners, psychologists will gain insight from the innovative and creative ideas this book brings to the practice of clinical psychology, as well as the practical suggestions that will enhance the varied interventions and therapeutic work they do in such settings.