Although the field of clinical psychology is relatively new, there are many wonderful resources available for those interested in studying or researching. From books to university papers and reports, people who are involved in the field of clinical psychology have many resources to choose from.

Of course, one of the most important resources is the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, which is in its fourth edition. The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, or DSM, is essentially a manual that describes all known mental disorders, as well as provides other information such as physical and psychological symptoms, potential functioning rates, as well as possible treatments. The DSM has become the Bible in the field of clinical psychology, as it is one of the most trusted resources within the medical field in regard to psychological illness. Many clinicians will refer to the DSM when working with a patient in order to best understand where the patient is on a psychological scale.

Another great resource for those interested in learning more about clinical psychology is Psychology Today magazine. Psychology Today does not focus solely on clinical psychology, but it often times does cover clinical psychology and related topics. Everything from love and relationships, to counseling techniques and the latest in research, Psychology Today is a wonderful resource for those who wish to expand their horizons while focusing their career or career goals on clinical psychology. The magazine also offers tips and advice from leading psychologists on bettering your life. Many articles assist in brain training and learning, as well as other cognitive areas of improvement.

A great online resource for clinical psychology is psychology.about.com, which is part of the About Network. The About Network partners with certified experts in various fields of study in order to bring articles and advice to you. The psychology portion of this network is great for everyone, from someone just starting to learn about clinical psychology, all the way up to a seasoned professional. Many of the articles on psychology.about.com are easy to understand, even when dealing with abstract or heavy subject matter, which makes the site a great choice for children as well. The site also offers tests and quizzes, allowing visitors to actually see clinical psychology in action. Psychology.about.com also offers advice and direction on careers in clinical psychology.

Another resource that should be considered is any local university. Often times, universities and colleges will have entire departments devoted to the study of psychology, and usually this means there will be a subsection of the department devoted to clinical psychology. As a result, you may be able to speak with the department and visit classes for free, as well as read research papers. Most major universities have research programs that involve students, teachers, and professionals in the community. As a result, you may find many interesting and innovative research facilities on campus. Many innovations in the field of clinical psychology, as well as science in general, have come from college campuses.

Psychology.org is another website that offers many valuable links to articles on the web. With topics ranging from the treatment of Post Traumatic Stress Disorder to anxiety and anorexia, anyone interested in clinical psychology is sure to find something of interest. Psychology.org also has a list of publications that relate to clinical psychology. These journals are mostly academic in nature and deal with clinical psychology from a professional standpoint. More often than not, articles found within these journals are peer reviewed, which is one of the highest standards within the medical and clinical fields. Most journals will cover up and coming theories in clinical psychology, as well as advancements in treatment techniques. Many professionals subscribe to clinical psychology journals, as well as submit their own work for inclusion.

One final resource may be to simply contact a clinical psychologist and ask to speak with them briefly about the field of study and what it is actually like to work as a clinical psychologist. Many professionals would be happy to take a moment to speak with you about their career, educational background, and what they do on a day to day basis. Getting this information direct from the source may be the most valuable resource of all, as it will give you a firsthand account of how clinical psychology is practiced.