Clinical Psychology

Clinical Psychology has been an integral part of the Department of Psychiatry for over thirty years. Clinical psychologists work closely with psychiatrists and other multidisciplinary team members in inpatient and outpatient settings. Clinical Psychologists are trained in the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of the full spectrum of mental health disorders in individuals of all ages.

The field of clinical psychology encompasses psychiatric disorders, developmental difficulties, family and relationship difficulties, trauma, substance abuse and addictions, difficulties pertaining to gender and identity, phase of life difficulties, and all other psychological and emotional problems of living. Clinical psychologists utilise various psychotherapeutic methods and techniques to treat patients of all ages with mental health challenges to promote psychological functioning and wellbeing. Clinical psychologists conduct psychotherapy with individual patients, couples, families, and groups

The Division of Clinical Psychology gives lectures to medical students at an undergraduate and postgraduate level. It is involved in the training of psychiatry registrars for their psychotherapeutic training. The division gives lectures to postgraduate psychology students, and trains clinical psychology interns placed for their one-year internship in the hospitals on the Wits circuit.  Our staff have varied interests, with many PhD graduates. Many assist the faculty in the annual faculty wellness mental health seminar (October) and other faculty initiatives.

Vision

Our vision is to continue to develop clinical psychology both as a clinical science and as a treatment method that is responsive to the unique challenges of the South African context, while keeping abreast of international developments and innovations. We endeavour to train registrars and intern psychologists to become skilled practitioners who will contribute effectively to the psychological wellbeing of the patients we treat and the communities we serve. The Division is also focused on contributing to research in the field, with many PhD graduates

Mission

To provide psychotherapeutic care, assessment and treatment for mental healthcare patients and communities, to advocate for our patients and to foster collaboration with our mental healthcare colleagues.