Specialty certification in Clinical Health Psychology by the American Board of Clinical Health Psychology (ABCHP), a member specialty board of the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), is a process that verifies the education, training, and experience required for the specialty. After meeting these requirements, candidates must pass an examination administered by the ABCHP that is designed to allow psychologists to demonstrate the defining competencies required to practice the specialty.
Clinical health psychologists apply scientific knowledge of the interrelationships among behavioral, emotional, cognitive, social, and biological components in health and disease to promote and maintain health; prevent, treat, and rehabilitate illness and disability; and improve the health care system. Clinical health psychologists may be found in academic medical centers, hospitals, private practices, outpatient clinics, academic settings, government settings, or administrative roles, and may focus on pediatric and/or adult populations. Regardless of setting, the common theme is involvement in the research, practice, or teaching of clinical health psychology.
Additionally, the American Academy of Clinical Health Psychology provides assistance to individuals applying for board certification, including mentoring.
