Research Article
Introduction: Applying Clinical Psychological Science to Practice
Christine B. Cha,
Katherine A. DiVasto,
Corresponding Author
Christine B. Cha
Teachers College, Columbia University
Please address correspondence to: Christine B. Cha, Ph.D., Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 W 120th Street, Box 102, New York, NY 10027. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorChristine B. Cha,
Katherine A. DiVasto,
Corresponding Author
Christine B. Cha
Teachers College, Columbia University
Please address correspondence to: Christine B. Cha, Ph.D., Department of Counseling and Clinical Psychology, Teachers College, Columbia University, 525 W 120th Street, Box 102, New York, NY 10027. E-mail: [email protected]Search for more papers by this authorWe thank Barry A. Farber, Ph.D., Halina J. Dour, Ph.D., Nancy S. Lau, Ph.D., Laura C. Skriner, Ph.D., Katherine Tezanos, B.A., and Eleonora Guzman, M.Phil. for providing helpful comments on an earlier draft of this paper.
Abstract
Mental illness is a prevalent and extraordinarily complex phenomenon. Psychologists have developed distinct approaches toward understanding and treating mental illness, rooted in divergent epistemology. This introduction to the Special Issue on Clinical Psychological Science and Practice provides a brief overview of the scientist-practitioner gap, and explores one step (of many) toward bridging this divide. Seven compelling case illustrations featured in this Special Issue apply empirical findings to case formulation, treatment selection, and assessment across complex and varied clinical presentations. This issue thereby demonstrates the feasibility of integrating research and clinical expertise in mental healthcare.
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