Differences between clinical psychology and health psychology

Two branches of psychology that, although related to health, have many differences.

Clinical psychology and health psychology are two distinct disciplines within the field of psychology. within the field of psychology. Although we can sometimes confuse them because of their similarities, they have certain differences that are worth knowing.

What can a clinical psychologist do, what can a health psychologist do, do they have the same competencies, and can they both diagnose? In this article we will resolve these and other doubts related to the differences between clinical psychology and health psychology.

Differences between clinical psychology and health psychology

There are notable differences between clinical psychology and health psychology; in fact, they are two disciplines that, although they feed off each other and interact, are independent and well differentiated.

We will analyze the most important differences between the two: among other questions, we will answer the following: do they both deal with the same thing? What are their objectives? What do they both focus on? At the professional level, what does each figure do?

Objectives

The objectives of these two disciplines are quite different; while clinical psychology is concerned with identifying and applying psychological principles to prevent and treat the psychological problems of the individualHealth psychology aims to maintain health, prevent and treat illness, and identify the different causes that are at the origin of the illness.

In other words, to understand the differences between clinical psychology and health psychology, we must keep the fundamental idea that clinical psychology is more concerned with treating the disease once it has appeared (or, rather, the mental disorder) (this also includes its diagnosis), whereas health psychology is more focused on disease prevention and health promotion. and health promotion.

In addition, health psychology also aims to improve the health system and promote the formation of a health policy. Thus, in this sense, it would encompass a broader system than the patient per se, more typical of clinical psychology (always speaking in general terms).

What does each of them deal with?

Some authors have also opined on the differences between clinical psychology and health psychology; for example, in 1991 Marino Perez stated that health psychology deals with psychological issues that may have physiological consequences, while clinical psychology deals with psychological problems per se.while clinical psychology deals with psychological problems per se.

As for health psychology, one nuance: the reverse is also truei.e. health psychology also focuses on the psychological consequences that may be triggered by certain health or physiological problems.

Here, too, the following would come into play the person's disease behaviors (actions that people take when they experience symptoms of illness), as well as the patient's interaction with the health system at the institutional level.

Areas of intervention

This last point is in line with the opinion of another author, Santacreu (1991), who considers that health psychology focuses on health (health promotion) as well as disease prevention, and also understands the organism (at the somatic and psychological level) in relation to its social, family and health environment (within that context).

Clinical psychology, on the other hand, focuses more on disease and "healing", and understands or treats the organism in relation to its social, family and health environment (within that context).and understands or treats the organism at the individual level (psychological and somatic as well). This does not mean that it does not take into account the context and family relationships, but rather that it is treated more individually, while health psychology deals more with the health "system" in which the person is involved.

What does each focus on?

On the other hand, health psychology focuses on all those components or aspects associated with physical health and disease, at the cognitive, emotional and behavioral levels. In other words, focuses on the person's physical health and illness, as well as on the care of his or her physical health (which is actually related to physical health). (which is actually related to mental health).

However, clinical psychology is primarily concerned with assessing, predicting and alleviating mental disorders (i.e., disorders associated with (i.e., disorders associated with mental health, such as a depressive disorder, an anxious disorder, or a schizophrenic disorder).

Academic and professional environment: IRP or MGS?

At the academic and professional level, there are also differences between clinical and health psychology.

On the one hand, to become a clinical psychologist and practice as such in Spain, after completing a degree in psychology, one must take the PIR (Psychólogo Interno Residente). The PIR consists of an exam that allows to obtain a place as a resident, through 4 years of specialized health training in a hospital (including rotations through the different units).

After the 4 years of PIR residency in a hospital, one is already a psychologist specializing in clinical psychology (PECPC), also called clinical psychologist, and can work both in public health (e.g. in hospitals) and private (e.g. in mental health centers).

However, the health psychologist would be more similar to the Master's Degree in General Health (MGS).This Master's degree can be completed after the four years of the undergraduate degree in psychology. It allows obtaining the professional competencies to practice as a health psychologist, which basically include health promotion through psychological intervention or therapy; technically (or legally), however, they cannot diagnose (which clinical psychologists can do).

Bibliographical references:

• Colegio Oficial de Psicólogos de España (1997). Report on Definition of the area of Clinical and Health Psychology. Application frameworks. Training of professionals. Madrid. State Secretariat.
• Pérez, M. (1991). Medicine, health psychology and clinical psychology. Revista de Psicología de la Salud, (3)1, 2144.
• Rodríguez-Marín, J. (1998). Health psychology and clinical psychology. Papeles del psicólogo, 69.
• Santacreu, J. (1991). Clinical psychology and health psychology. Revista de Psicología de la Salud, (3)1, 320.