Clinical Psychological Service

FAQs

What is Clinical Psychology?
How can I receive clinical psychological services?
Will I be regarded as having mental problem if I see a clinical psychologist?
What is psychotherapy？
When should I consider psychotherapy?
Will other people get to know about the information I disclosed during psychological treatment

Q 1：	What is Clinical Psychology?
A 1：	Clinical Psychology is a psychological specialty based on psychological theories, empirical research and clinical experience. It aims to address : The intelligence, emotions, thoughts, behaviors, personalities, social functionings, and psychological developmental processes of individuals of different ages and backgrounds; Psychological responses that arise from changes and stresses that occur at different stages of life; Psychological distresses (such as excessive anxiety, depression, emotional instability), behavioral problems, illnesses, social and family problems caused by difficulties adjusting to changes Unlike psychiatrists, clinical psychologists do not prescribe any medication. Clinical psychologists working in the Social Welfare Department possess a Master Degree or higher professional qualifications. They are eligible for professional registration or membership in professional associations locally and/or abroad.

Q 1：

What is Clinical Psychology?

A 1：

Clinical Psychology is a psychological specialty based on psychological theories, empirical research and clinical experience. It aims to address :

The intelligence, emotions, thoughts, behaviors, personalities, social functionings, and psychological developmental processes of individuals of different ages and backgrounds;
Psychological responses that arise from changes and stresses that occur at different stages of life;
Psychological distresses (such as excessive anxiety, depression, emotional instability), behavioral problems, illnesses, social and family problems caused by difficulties adjusting to changes

Unlike psychiatrists, clinical psychologists do not prescribe any medication.

Clinical psychologists working in the Social Welfare Department possess a Master Degree or higher professional qualifications. They are eligible for professional registration or membership in professional associations locally and/or abroad.

Q 2：	How can I receive clinical psychology services?
A 2：	Referral from social workers are necessary for clinical psychology services of Social Welfare Department. For those who are not currently receiving any service from the Social Welfare Department, you can approach the Integrated Family Service Centre at your residential district, or call the Departmental Hotline 2343 2255 for enquiry . After the initial assessment and counselling conducted by the social worker, the social worker may refer you to relevant clinical psychological service unit according to your needs. For those who are currently receiving welfare / counseling services from units under the Social Welfare Department (for example, Integrated Family Services Centre, Medical Social Services Unit, Social Security Field Unit etc.), please consult the responsible social worker for details of referral.

Q 2：

How can I receive clinical psychology services?

A 2：

Referral from social workers are necessary for clinical psychology services of Social Welfare Department. For those who are not currently receiving any service from the Social Welfare Department, you can approach the Integrated Family Service Centre at your residential district, or call the Departmental Hotline 2343 2255 for enquiry . After the initial assessment and counselling conducted by the social worker, the social worker may refer you to relevant clinical psychological service unit according to your needs.

For those who are currently receiving welfare / counseling services from units under the Social Welfare Department (for example, Integrated Family Services Centre, Medical Social Services Unit, Social Security Field Unit etc.), please consult the responsible social worker for details of referral.

Q 3：	Will I be regarded as having mental problem if I see a clinical psychologist?
A 3：	Answer 3: The popularity of clinical psychology services has been growing over the years, reaching more people who are in need. It is wise to seek professional assistance when you face the difficult moments in your life. Throughout our lives, we all inevitably encounter challenges and difficult moments. Most of the time, we can solve the problems by ourselves or even helping others to solve their problems. Yet, there are also periods in our life when all we need help from others. For example, when we feel sick, we need to see a doctor; when we need financial assistance, we ask for help from friends or a bank. On top of that, as the demands from society increase, many of us have a fast pace of life. It is very common to experience emotional distresses at different stages of life. When you are depressed or feeling unwell mentally for a long period of time, you may consider receiving clinical psychological services.

Q 3：

Will I be regarded as having mental problem if I see a clinical psychologist?

A 3：

Answer 3: The popularity of clinical psychology services has been growing over the years, reaching more people who are in need. It is wise to seek professional assistance when you face the difficult moments in your life. Throughout our lives, we all inevitably encounter challenges and difficult moments. Most of the time, we can solve the problems by ourselves or even helping others to solve their problems. Yet, there are also periods in our life when all we need help from others. For example, when we feel sick, we need to see a doctor; when we need financial assistance, we ask for help from friends or a bank. On top of that, as the demands from society increase, many of us have a fast pace of life. It is very common to experience emotional distresses at different stages of life. When you are depressed or feeling unwell mentally for a long period of time, you may consider receiving clinical psychological services.

Q 4：	What is psychotherapy?
A 4：	Psychotherapy is a treatment based on theories of psychology. It aims to help client to change their perceptions, thoughts and emotional responses to different experiences, improve personal resilience, enhance skills in regulating emotions, and relieving their psychological distresses. There are many types of psychotherapy, common ones include Emotionally Focused Therapy, Trauma- Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, and various relaxation methods etc. Therapy could be done individually, among couples or family, or in a small group. Note: Clinical psychologists will determine the types or mode of psychotherapy according to individual’s needs.

Q 4：

What is psychotherapy?

A 4：

Psychotherapy is a treatment based on theories of psychology. It aims to help client to change their perceptions, thoughts and emotional responses to different experiences, improve personal resilience, enhance skills in regulating emotions, and relieving their psychological distresses. There are many types of psychotherapy, common ones include Emotionally Focused Therapy, Trauma- Focused Therapy, Cognitive-Behavioural Therapy, Narrative Therapy, Play Therapy, and various relaxation methods etc. Therapy could be done individually, among couples or family, or in a small group.

Note: Clinical psychologists will determine the types or mode of psychotherapy according to individual’s needs.

Q 5：	When should I consider psychotherapy?
A 5：	The followings are common clientele in clinical psychological services. If the client has emotional distresses due to the following conditions or circumstances, which seriously affect his or her daily life, psychological assessment and treatment may be considered: Encountering major changes or setbacks in life (such as: emotional setbacks, illness and death of loved ones, coping with unexpected accidents/events, interpersonal relationship problems, work pressure and academic regressions, etc.), resulting in continued emotional distresses and affecting daily life. They can reduce their physical and mental distress by learning skills to channel their negative emotions, manage stress and solve difficulties. Suffering mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, trauma and stress reactions, or chronic insomnia, etc. Research confirms that psychotherapy, or on top of that with aids from psychiatric medication, will have a good therapeutic effect For maladaptive behaviors (such as addiction.), clinical psychologists can assist the client to explore the motives behind their behaviors, change old behavior patterns and adopt more appropriate coping methods.

Q 5：

When should I consider psychotherapy?

A 5：

The followings are common clientele in clinical psychological services. If the client has emotional distresses due to the following conditions or circumstances, which seriously affect his or her daily life, psychological assessment and treatment may be considered:

Encountering major changes or setbacks in life (such as: emotional setbacks, illness and death of loved ones, coping with unexpected accidents/events, interpersonal relationship problems, work pressure and academic regressions, etc.), resulting in continued emotional distresses and affecting daily life. They can reduce their physical and mental distress by learning skills to channel their negative emotions, manage stress and solve difficulties.
Suffering mental health disorders, such as depression, anxiety, trauma and stress reactions, or chronic insomnia, etc. Research confirms that psychotherapy, or on top of that with aids from psychiatric medication, will have a good therapeutic effect
For maladaptive behaviors (such as addiction.), clinical psychologists can assist the client to explore the motives behind their behaviors, change old behavior patterns and adopt more appropriate coping methods.

Q 6：	Will other people get to know about the information I disclosed during psychological treatment?
A 6：	The purpose of collecting and using personal data by the Social Welfare Department is to provide service users and their families with assistance or service. The provision of personal data to the Department is voluntary. Personal data are protected in accordance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, Cap 486. In addition, clinical psychologists also need to abide by professional code of conduct of relevant psychological societies, protecting confidentiality of their clients.

Q 6：

Will other people get to know about the information I disclosed during psychological treatment?

A 6：

The purpose of collecting and using personal data by the Social Welfare Department is to provide service users and their families with assistance or service. The provision of personal data to the Department is voluntary. Personal data are protected in accordance with the Personal Data (Privacy) Ordinance, Cap 486.

In addition, clinical psychologists also need to abide by professional code of conduct of relevant psychological societies, protecting confidentiality of their clients.

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