As the figure indicates, clinical psychology is currently the most prominent and widely practiced professional specialty in the field. The data in figures 1.7 and 1.8 are based on psychologists' reports of their single, principal area of specialization. However, many psychologists work on both research and application.
Some academic psychologists work as consultants, therapists, and counsellors on a part-time basis.
Similarly, some applied psychologists conduct basic research on issues related to their specialty. For example, many clinical psychologists are involved in research on the nature and causes of abnormal behavior. Many people are confused about the difference between clinical psychology and psychiatry. The confusion is understandable, as both clinical psychologists and psychiatrists are involved in analyzing and treating psychological disorders. Although there is some overlap between the two professions the training and educational requirements for the two are quite different.