The work of a psychologist includes direct work with clients,
indirect clinical work with team colleagues and relevant services
(statutory and third sector where required), training and
supervision, and research and evaluation.
Direct work with clients involves the provision of a range of
specialist, evidence-based psychological assessments and
interventions. Clients seen by psychologists typically have complex
and/or longstanding mental health difficulties including psychosis
and mood disorders. The intention is to contribute to the promotion
of recovery by using evidence based approaches in combination with
the client's own experiences, strengths and resources.
A very important aspect of the role is the indirect work
conducted with team practitioners and people significant in the
client's life. Thus there is an emphasis on providing consultancy /
advice, clinical supervision (including supervision for
Psychosocial Intervention trainees), training and joint working
(e.g. working together to support families and carers). Indirect
work is particularly important in CRHT and Assertive Outreach. The
approaches used vary with the needs of the clients (e.g. in CRHT
the emphasis is on understanding and managing crisis whereas in
Assertive Outreach the emphasis may be typically on establishing
and managing therapeutic engagement).