Clinical psychology is at an exciting point in time. We describe the current state of clinical psychology, framing it in terms of a trajectory from the foundation of the scientist-practitioner model topresent developments. The chapter outlines how the how core competencies of clinical psychology practice are framed by the question, “How would a scientist-practitioner think and act?”We present a model of science-informed practice of clinical psychology and illustrate how this model allows individual practitioners to provide value for money in a competitive health care market indelibly shaped by the forces of accountability and cost containment. The model illustrates how the client is viewed through a lens of evidence-based literature and clinical experience, and how a clinical psychologist collaborates with a client in assessment, case formulation, treatment planning, process-informed treatment delivery, treatment measurement and monitoring, to permit evaluation and accountability. It concludes with a consideration of the perspectives of the key stakeholders, namely the client, the therapist and the broader society, and how these perspectives shape interest in the monitoring of effectiveness, efficacy and understanding of the mechanisms and processes responsible for mental health problems.

Supervision is a critical opportunity for a clinical psychology trainee to receive feedback to develop their skills. The chapter begins by describing ways to make the most of this opportunity. Practical steps are outlined that include, goal setting for supervision sessions, planning agendas, ways to learn from sessions recordings, and accounting for supervisory outcomes and activities, and how to challenge yourself to advance beyond the familiar. The chapter also critiques recent developments in “reflective practitioner” approaches to supervision and outlines practical steps to remain evidence-based by using data-driven reflective practice. The chapter concludes with a discussion about how to begin to learn supervisory skills as the clinical psychology trainee anticipates one day moving into a supervisory role.

Clinical psychologists, even those who work in solo practices, are part of a larger health care delivery system. The chapter frames the evidence-based practice of a clinical psychologist in the broader context by outlining the evolving parameters of service delivery and how the field is aiming to provide integrated, patient-centred care that is committed to accountability. It is apparent that clinical psychology’s commitment to accountable practice adds value to integrated care and psychologists bring specific skills to the health care system. The chapter outlines the specific skills that clinical psychologists need to provide effective interventions expeditiously, be good team players, understand their medical colleagues, articulate their distinctiveness, be accountable for outcomes and to attend to ethical issues.

The chapter outlines diagnostic practices with DSM-5 and ICD-11, practical steps of conducting a diagnostic interview, and to conduct a Mental State Examination.

Clinical psychological practice is founded upon the therapeutic relationship. A science-informed practice then requires that the elements used to build that relationship have an evidence base. Thus, the chapter reviews the empirical foundations of the therapeutic relationship and what steps can be taken to build a therapeutic alliance that correlates positively with beneficial treatment outcomes. The chapter outlines in practical steps how strong therapeutic relationships can be built by evidence-based practices that strengthen the alliance in an empathic manner. It illustrates key skills of building empathy through encouraging, re-stating, and paraphrasing communications in a manner that conveys to the patient an understanding of the content and the emotion behind what is communicated. The chapter concludes with a discussion of problems that can arise in the therapeutic relationship and practical steps to manage alliance ruptures.