A master clinician works in the mental health field and provides services to patients, physicians, and other health care providers. The title, master clinician, directly refers to the amount of education and experience that he or she has in the field. Most employees in this profession are required to have at least a master's degree in social work, psychology, or a specific branch of therapy along with at least five to seven years of experience in the field. There are several sub-fields in this profession including speech therapy, substance abuse counseling, and family therapy.
Depending on the field, a master clinician may be directly involved with patients and the patients' family members. He or she may be responsible for entrance and exit interviews to mental health care facilities or programs. In-home treatment programs, therapeutic camps, hospitals, and private mental health facilities may all employ these workers. After interviewing the patient in order to determine a treatment plan, he or she is typically responsible for observing, evaluating, and treating the patient based on his or her professional diagnosis. Master clinicians are usually equipped to administer treatment through various forms of counseling and therapy.
Although there are numerous fields that incorporate this position, most of the primary duties may be similar throughout the various professions. Aside from specialized patient care, a master clinician serves as a supervisory figure in his or her field. These duties may include supervising other clinicians, assisting in patient assessments, and overseeing operations in the department that he or she works in. A master clinician is usually required to keep detailed records of patient progress in order to report to senior professionals. In addition to reporting his or her own findings, a master clinician may be responsible for reporting other clinician-patient interactions.
The education requirements for this profession can take at least seven years and may include a bachelor's degree in a specialized area of the field, and a master's degree in a psychology based discipline. During the course of his or her education, there may be internship and practicum requirements that need to be completed before graduation. These opportunities generally provide the student with the clinical training and field work required to practice in this field. In addition to internships, future employers may require that candidates work in an entry level position for a designated number of years. Due to jurisdictional requirements, a master clinician may need to obtain a license to practice services locally.