Many programs train graduate students to work as generalists, with a variety of types of clients. However, many therapists find that they enjoy working with certain types of individuals or in certain settings. While the list is extensive, some of the most common specialties are described below. Hospitals and Health Settings . The field of health psychology is growing rapidly.
Health psychologists focus on the prevention of disease and maintenance of health.
Health psychologists may develop programs to help clients lose weight, stop smoking, change unhealthy life styles, or may be clinical or counseling psychologists or even social workers. Medical social work may include, in addition, helping families cope with the life changes that result from serious illness of family members. Medical social workers play important roles in medical settings and hospices. School social workers, in addition to behavior assessment, often work with families and students to change problem behaviors at home and in the classroom. In colleges, psychologists and social workers serve as therapists in student health centers or help students make career choices.