Clinical Psychologists in a Medical/Surgical Hospital Setting

Abstract

Abstract This article describes the professional and non-professional activitiesof a clinical psychologist as an independent consultant in a medical/surgical hospital setting. Discussed are roles such as behavior management specialist, consultant to staff, and types of appropriate interventions for specific diagnoses. Illustrations of cases and examples of interventions are provided. This article also addresses suggestions for training clinical psychologists who are interested in entering the medical/ surgical hospital setting as well as future trends in behavioral medicine.