Clinical psychology makes a significant contribution to mental health care worldwide. At the heart of this discipline is the creative application of psychological knowledge to the unique, personal experiences of people experiencing challenges or changes in their lives. Rather than approaching these experiences solely as medical, political, or legal problems, clinical psychologists view personal distress as the adverse outcome of certain thought, behavior, and relationship patterns, often caused by challenging social, cultural, or economic circumstances. They work with people to help them change what burdens or worries them, based on a belief in the value of the individual in determining their well-being and the importance of evidence-based approaches. In this "Very Short Introduction," Susan Llewellyn and Katie Aafjes-van Doorn offer insights into the world of clinical psychologists and their clients or patients. They cover the various areas of practice, the types of problems addressed, as well as the models and approaches used. They also discuss the challenges and controversies facing the profession today and how it varies worldwide. Finally, crucial questions are addressed, such as whether clinical psychology should compete or collaborate with psychiatry, how it relates to social control, what new technologies can bring, and whether clinical psychology can ever truly be considered a science. THE SERIES: Oxford University Press's Very Short Introductions series contains hundreds of titles on almost every subject. These compact books are the perfect way to quickly get acquainted with a new field. Our expert authors combine facts, analysis, perspective, new ideas, and enthusiasm to make interesting and challenging topics accessible.