Who is a Clinical and Health Psychologist?
A clinical and health psychologist is a professional psychologist specializing in the diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders and the promotion of psychological well-being. They combine knowledge and skills from both clinical and health psychology.
To work in this field in Latvia, one must obtain professional psychologist qualifications and be certified in the specific specialization of clinical and health psychology.
What is Clinical Psychology?
Clinical psychology focuses on:
Diagnosing and treating mental disorders (e.g., depression, anxiety, PTSD, addictions);
Personality assessment;
Crisis intervention (e.g., after traumatic experiences).
What is Health Psychology?
Health psychology focuses on:
The influence of psychological factors on physical health;
Supporting patients with chronic illnesses (e.g., diabetes, heart disease, cancer);
Behavioral change to improve health (e.g., quitting smoking, eating habits, physical activity);
Providing psychological support to patients facing serious medical diagnoses.
What Does a Clinical and Health Psychologist Do?
Conducts psychological assessments and diagnostics;
Provides psychological help, consultations, and therapy;
Collaborates with doctors, psychiatrists, and other specialists;
Promotes mental and physical health by working with both ill and healthy individuals;
Develops prevention programs and leads mental health promotion activities.
Most Often Helps Clients With the Following Emotional Issues:
Acute or chronic stress and anxiety (social anxiety, panic attacks, vegetative dystonia, etc.);
Prolonged low mood;
Burnout (emotional or professional);
Intense emotional shock (loss, separation, betrayal, friendship breakups);
Depression (seasonal, postpartum);
Behavioral issues (aggression, anger outbursts);
Self-esteem problems;
Sudden life changes (career, finances, relationships, place of residence, etc.);
Relationship difficulties (conflicts, breakups, difficulties forming relationships, loneliness);
Identity crises;
Various crisis experiences (trauma, violence, accidents, emotional shocks);
Psychological violence, mobbing, or bossing.
Specialists also conduct psychological assessments of intellectual and emotional functioning in adolescents and adults. The purpose of the assessment is to determine personality traits, thinking and communication patterns, cognitive abilities and processes (perception, memory, attention), and intelligence. A professional opinion is prepared at the end of the assessment.
During consultations, the psychologist listens to the client, provides emotional support, and helps the individual discover and use their internal resources to understand and resolve problems. The psychologist does not suggest a single correct solution or prescribe medication but helps explore various coping strategies and approaches that empower the person to help themselves.
Both insurance-covered and private services are available.
