Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy

A psychologist specializing in Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy is involved in diagnosing and treating various mental and emotional disorders, helping individuals achieve mental health and improve their daily functioning.

Specialization Description

The Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy specialization focuses on issues related to the mental health of individuals suffering from illness, as well as the mechanisms of development and persistence of mental disorders at all stages of life. The aim of this specialization is to build professional knowledge and develop psychological competencies necessary for working with individuals experiencing clinical problems. These may include children, adolescents, adults, and the elderly who struggle with mental, neurological, or somatic disorders, or who are in psychological crisis.

This specialization explores clinical approaches to mental health, the processes and mechanisms underlying psychological phenomena and human behavior, and their impact on interactions with others.

Target Audience

This specialization is intended for individuals who want to support people facing psychological and social difficulties and who seek to provide professional psychological help during critical life situations. Candidates should be ready to develop interpersonal skills that enable attentiveness and empathy toward clients and patients.

Curriculum

The program focuses on key areas relevant to professional psychological support, including:

• Psychopathology

• Strategies in psychoprevention

• Crisis intervention (including work with individuals with addictions)

• Psychotherapy

• Basics of psychiatry

• Clinical neuropsychology

• Clinical sexology

• Psychological rehabilitation

Courses are taught by experienced practitioners—psychologists working in the field of clinical psychology and mental health, including psychotherapists, sexologists, psychiatrists, addiction therapists, domestic violence specialists, and other professionals from related fields. The classes are oriented toward the development of practical psychological skills necessary for working with clients and patients.

Graduate Profile

A graduate of the Clinical Psychology and Psychotherapy specialization possesses the knowledge and competencies needed to continue training toward becoming a certified psychotherapist. During their studies, they gain specialized skills in establishing and maintaining therapeutic contact with clients—whether children, parents, or adults. Graduates are qualified to work with individuals suffering from mental disorders, developmental disorders, or chronic somatic illnesses.

Career Opportunities

Graduates can pursue employment as psychologists, especially in the following types of institutions:

• Schools, kindergartens, and educational institutions (with pedagogical qualifications)

• Mental health centers

• Psychiatric clinics and hospitals

• General medical clinics and hospitals

• Psychotherapy centers

• Crisis intervention centers

• Rehabilitation centers

• Youth, family, marriage, and partnership counseling centers

• Psychological and pedagogical counseling centers

• Specialist counseling centers (youth, family, marriage)

• Care, educational, and resocialization institutions

• Judicial and correctional facilities

• Social care and welfare institutions

• Institutions providing support in critical life situations

• Associations and foundations specializing in mental health support, offering psychological assistance, prevention, and mental health promotion programs

• Private psychological counseling practices