Applied Psychology

Applied psychology is the department that translates psychological theories and research to practice by using psychological methods. Educational Psychology, Clinical Psychology Forensic Psychology, Health Psychology, and Traffic Psychology are several of popular fields of Applied Psychology.

Educational Psychology examines how theoretical information about development and learning derived from various fields of psychology would be used in an individual's education, while Forensic Psychology focuses on crime and criminal psychology. Health Psychology deals with physical, psychological and social aspects of the individual's health by addressing the processes of physical health protection, development and improvement. Industrial Psychology aims to examine and arrange personnel recruitment processes of institutions, and increase job satisfaction, productivity and harmony of individuals in the field of work by examining human behavior at the work environment. Finally, the newly recognized but actively studied Traffic Psychology aims to improve traffic safety by examining the human factor in the context of traffic (passenger or driver).

Clinical Psychology, as an integration of psychological theory, research and practice, is a basic discipline that covers the endeavors of mental health protection, treatment and facilitation for individuals (children, adolescents, and adults) and families. This discipline adopts a research-based approach and aims to understand and provide causes, diagnosis (when needed) and treatment of psychological disorders with psychotherapy. With a research-based approach, clinical psychology examines mental, emotional, behavioral processes and the phenomenon, and etiology of psychopathology. In this direction, clinical knowledge accumulates, and psychotherapy models are enhanced/developed.  There are two models framing clinical psychology: Scientist-Practitioner Model and Practitioner-Scholar Model. Accordingly, these two models shape the content of clinical psychology programs. Clinical psychologists are trained and supervised to provide treatment for life crises such as intense sadness following a separation, and loss, or psychological disorders such as depression, anxiety, eating, and borderline personality disorder. Clinical psychologists can conduct research on normal and deviant mental, emotional, and behavioral process and/or devote their time to psychotherapy for individuals, families, and groups. Clinical psychologists support their practice with continuing professional development and supervision.