Clinical Child Psychology in the Master's in Psychology – Helping When Young People Suffer

What does a clinical child psychologist actually do – and what skills and competencies are needed for this profession?

Clinical Child Psychology addresses one of the most sensitive and urgent areas of psychological care: supporting young people with mental health challenges. In this interview, Prof. Dr. Sabine Arnold shares insights into her work, explains the significance of this specialization in HIU's Master's in Psychology, and makes clear why well-trained professionals in this field are needed now more than ever.

"The care of children and adolescents experiencing psychological distress is close to my heart as a psychologist and licensed child and adolescent psychotherapist. My goal is to reduce suffering and support young people in developing a life worth living.

I specialize in treating eating disorders, non-suicidal self-injury, and suicidality in adolescence. Currently, there is a great need for care: the prevalence of mental disorders continues to rise, while there is a persistent shortage of psychological and psychotherapeutic services. Psychologists with expertise in childhood and adolescence are urgently sought."

The Clinical Child Psychology specialization in the Master's program offers comprehensive theoretical and practical qualification. It covers disorder-specific knowledge about mental health conditions in children and adolescents – from early developmental disorders and ADHD to anxiety, depression, eating disorders, emerging personality disorders, self-harm, and suicidality.

"I am both a scientist and a practitioner – for me, both belong together. This semester, all students successfully completed the Clinical Child Psychology module. Next week, the entire cohort is invited to my practice, where we will rehearse specific diagnostics and psychological interventions for children and adolescents."

Graduates with this specialization are urgently needed: for developing prevention programs, counseling children and families, diagnostic work, and implementing clinical interventions. Innovation is also called for – including in the context of digitalization – to ensure adequate, comprehensive, and future-proof care.

Interested? Learn more about the Master's in Psychology at our campuses in Stuttgart and Berlin.