DEPARTMENT OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

The department of Clinical Psychology was established in 1982, due to the increasing need for psychological input to the effective management of mentally ill patients. The department is located besides the Social Works department Dr. Utomi was the first Psychologist to work in the department in 1982.

Since inception, the department has made significant contributions to mental health service delivery particularly in the areas of:

Psychological assessment (such as assessment of intelligence (I.Q), personality

cognitive etc.)

Management of psychological problems {such as bereavement, marital problems, childhood misconduct, anxiety, reactive depression, disorders of habit including addiction and stress management} through various forms of counseling, psychotherapy, behaviour therapy and behaviour modification programmes.

These programmes assist clients, in moditying or reducing existing symptoms of maladaptive patterns of behaviour as well as promoting positive personality growth and development. Treatment and rehabilitation of drug addicts in the DATER Unit (drug abuse treatment, education and research unit).

Training

The department is involved in the training of psychologists, psychology interns, medical

students on psychiatric posting and other health professionals.

Research

The department also participates in research activities and also collaborates with other

departments on clearly identified projects.