CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY M - Z

1. Knowledge and understanding

At the end of the course, students will acquire adequate knowledge of the main constructs, theoretical models and methods of clinical psychology, with particular reference to prevention processes, psychodiagnostic pathways, and clinical-psychological interventions across different applied contexts. Students will understand functional and dysfunctional adaptation mechanisms, the origins of existential difficulties related to critical or psychopathological conditions, and the role of biopsychosocial factors in cognitive, emotional and behavioural processes.

2. Applying knowledge and understanding

Students will be able to apply theoretical and methodological knowledge to clinical psychological and neuropsychological assessment, using key methods and tools such as clinical interviews, observation, questionnaires and standardized tests. They will also be able to apply different clinical psychology intervention models according to goals such as health promotion, counselling, support, rehabilitation and therapy, as well as methods for the empirical evaluation of intervention effectiveness.

3. Making judgements

The course fosters the development of independent judgement in clinical assessment and intervention planning, supporting the ability to integrate theoretical approaches, research evidence and assessment tools, to critically compare different orientations in clinical psychology by identifying strengths and limitations, and to act in accordance with ethical and professional standards.

4. Communication skills

Students will develop professional communication skills in the use of technical and scientific terminology, in conducting clinical interviews, in providing assessment feedback, and in communication within clinical and applied settings at the individual, interpersonal and group levels.

5. Learning skills

At the end of the course, students will be able to integrate theoretical and methodological knowledge, autonomously update their competencies through scientific literature, and develop reflective skills to support clinical intervention planning and continued academic and professional development in clinical psychology.

M.C. Verrocchio (a cura di). Manuale di Psicologia Clinica. Piccin, Padova, 2023

The evaluation will consist of a written test. It will be a moment of verification of the route taken. It is required to master the discipline, to grasp the interdependencies between the different themes, to demonstrate the ability to organize technical knowledge according to specific objectives.

The evaluation criteria are based on:

- acquisition of the main models and theoretical approaches of clinical psychology of ageing;

- competence in the use of specialist vocabulary.

Theories and constructs (models: psychodynamic, cognitive-behavioral, systemic-family relational, humanistic-experiential)

Case formulation

The therapeutic relationship

Causality and risk factors and psychopathology across the life cycle (models: traits, environmental, diathesis-stress, biopsychosocial)

Psychophysiological and psychobiological vulnerability factors

Neuroscience and mind-brain connectivity

Quantitative and qualitative research methods and designs

Diagnostic process in clinical psychology

Assessment, cognitive evaluation, and clinical neuropsychological assessment

Validation of assessment instruments

Diagnostic classification systems (PDM-2, DSM-5-TR, ICD-11, HiTOP, RDoC)

Mood disorders

Anxiety disorders and OCD

Somatization disorders

Trauma and related disorders

Trauma-related disorders Addiction, Conduct, and Impulse Control

Psychopathy and Antisocial Behavior

Schizophrenia

Personality Disorders

Nutrition and Eating Disorders

Sexual Behavior Disorders

Chronic Illness and Mental Health

Phases of Clinical Intervention

Psychological Counseling

Internet and Artificial Intelligence in Clinical Psychology

Empirical Verification of Interventions

Ethics and Professional Deontology

Intervention in Healthcare and the Third Sector