Which description best defines the professional role of a clinical psychologist in mental health care?

Introduction / Context:
In mental health care, different professionals have different roles. Clinical psychologists and psychiatrists are often confused because both work with people who have emotional or behavioural problems. However, their training and typical duties differ. This question checks if you understand what clinical psychologists mainly do and whether they routinely prescribe medicines.

Given Data / Assumptions:

• Clinical psychologists have advanced training in psychology, often at doctoral level.
• They are experts in assessment, diagnosis and psychological treatment.
• In most places, they do not prescribe medication, which is usually the role of psychiatrists or medical doctors.

Concept / Approach:
Clinical psychologists focus on understanding human behaviour, emotions and mental processes. They use psychological tests, interviews and evidence based therapies such as cognitive behavioural therapy. They generally are not medical doctors and therefore do not prescribe medicines, although there are limited exceptions in some regions with extra training. Psychiatrists, by contrast, are medical doctors who can prescribe drugs and provide other medical treatment.

Step-by-Step Solution:
Step 1: Recall that clinical psychology is a branch of psychology, not of medicine. Step 2: Recognise that clinical psychologists provide talk therapy and psychological assessment. Step 3: Note that prescribing medication is usually outside their role in most health systems. Step 4: Compare the options and find the one that mentions studying behaviour and emotions without routine prescribing. Step 5: Select the description that fits this profile, which is option a.

Verification / Alternative check:
Professional organisations describe clinical psychologists as specialists in assessment and psychological treatment of mental health problems using scientific methods. Job descriptions rarely include prescribing drugs, except in certain jurisdictions where special additional permission is granted. Medical treatment and drug prescription are clearly listed under psychiatric and general medical roles, not under standard clinical psychology.

Why Other Options Are Wrong:
Option b describes a specialist who routinely prescribes medication, which better fits a psychiatrist, not a typical clinical psychologist.

Option c limits the role to working mainly with family members, which is more characteristic of family therapists or counsellors and does not capture the full scope of clinical psychology.

Option d is incorrect because option a already provides a good definition.

Common Pitfalls:
People often assume that every mental health doctor prescribes medication. This can cause confusion between psychiatrists and psychologists. Another pitfall is to underestimate the scientific nature of clinical psychology and think it is based only on advice or informal counselling. In reality, it uses structured therapies tested through research.

Final Answer:
A clinical psychologist is best described as a specialist who studies behaviour and emotions and usually cannot prescribe medication.