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The world of psychology is always evolving. Therapists are required to receive continuing education but those few hours cannot begin to cover all the new developments within the field. Magazines and journals help fill in the gaps. They have been filled with research and news that help therapists keep abreast of the ever-changing world of psychology. Here are some of the best periodicals available to help keep you up to date.
General Issues
Most journals and magazines cover a variety of topics relevant to therapists. Some of these are rigorous academic journals but many are popular magazines that contain more accessible information.
Academic Journals
Psychological Bulletin
First published in 1904, Psychological Bulletin is a journal that focuses on reviews of psychological research in particular areas. It is perfect for those people that want an overview of a particular topic in psychology. The Bulletin presents summaries of research so you don’t have to read each study itself. And because it is peer-reviewed, you can trust its conclusions. Think of it as the SparkNotes of psychology research.
Psychological Review
Also an American Psychological Association (APA) publication, The Psychological Review focuses on promoting theoretical research in the field. It is one of the oldest and most respected journals in all of psychology. If you want important articles on psychological theory, then this is the journal for you.
Popular Magazines
Monitor on Psychology
The APA puts out a monthly magazine for its members. And while it does present specific news for APA members, the Monitor is a whole lot more. It provides quick summaries of new research and features stories about topics important to psychology and national interest.
Psychotherapy Networker
The Networker, as it is known, does not try to appeal to academics and researchers. It focuses entirely on psychotherapy and what is important for therapists to know. Articles describe everything from advancements in clinical techniques to therapist self-care. A bonus: they put on a national symposium every year in Washington D.C. that includes talks and workshops with some of the biggest names in psychotherapy.
Psychology Today
One of the most popular of all psychology magazines, Psychology Today appeals to therapists and clients alike. Its content is more accessible than what you will find in journals and tends more toward “pop” psychology. A quick tip: many people flock to their website to find a therapist, so if you aren’t yet listed, you should be.
Scientific American Mind
An offshoot of the popular Scientific American magazine, Scientific American Mind focuses on the science of cognition as it pertains to psychology. Be forewarned, it is a little more technical than some other popular magazines, but if you geek out on everything about the mind, it has what you want. If the focus on the brain doesn’t thrill you, it still contains many general articles on mental health.
APS Observer
The APS Observer, published by the Association for Psychological Science, has a little bit of everything. It educates therapists on current research and practice, but It also covers relevant social and political topics and how they are related to the world of psychology. It is a psychology magazine but can also feel like an academic journal, depending on the topic.
Clinical Psychology
Most therapists are primarily interested in the clinical aspects of psychology rather than the more theoretical or experimental features. The following two psychology journals focus almost exclusively on clinical practice.
Journal of Clinical Psychology
Founded in 1945, the Journal of Clinical Psychology is one of the premier journals for clinical psychology. Its focus is on psychopathology, diagnosis, and clinical practice. But don’t be fooled by its clinical focus. It is a serious academic journal.
Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology
The Journal of Consulting and Clinical Psychology is another important peer-reviewed journal that focuses on clinical psychology. It has a wide range of content, including diagnosis and treatment techniques, cross-cultural clinical implications, and how ethnicity, sexual orientation, and gender may impact facets of assessment and psychotherapy.
Psychoanalysis
International Journal of Psychoanalysis
Psychoanalysis is not as popular as it once was but it still keeps a devoted following. This periodical, founded near the height of psychoanalysis in1920, is a peer-reviewed psychology journal dedicated to everything psychoanalysis across the international spectrum.
Marital and Family Therapy
Family and marital therapists make up a large chunk of practicing mental health professionals. These two journals reflect research on the most important relationships in your life.
Journal of Family Therapy
Coming out four times a year, the Journal of Family Therapy covers all things related to our relationship systems, whether that be couples, families, or other close groups. The focus is on the assessment and best interventions to improve relationships. Published on behalf of The Association of Family Therapy and Systemic Practice, the Journal of Family Therapy has something for anyone who works with couples and families.
Journal of Marital and Family Therapy
Established in 1975, the Journal of Marital and Family Therapy is published on behalf of the American Association for Marriage and Family Therapy. While similar to the Journal of Family Therapy, JMFT tends to focus more on the effectiveness of psychotherapeutic interventions with families and couples. It also includes articles on theory, practice, and training in marital and systems therapy.
Child and Development
Issues facing children and adolescents are some of the most often addressed by therapists. Here are two journals that prioritize child research and development.
Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry
One of the preeminent psychology journals dedicated to issues relevant to children, the Journal of the American Academy of Child & Adolescent Psychiatry is a monthly periodical focusing on psychiatric research and treatment of children and adolescents. Its mission is the advancement of the science of pediatric mental health and promoting the care of youth and families.
Developmental Psychology
Developmental Psychology, as its name suggests, covers all areas of developmental research. Created in 1969, it is a peer-reviewed journal published by the American Psychological Association. It focuses on the biological, social, and cultural factors that affect human development. While development often involves children, Developmental Psychology includes research on people as they develop across their lifespan.
Diversity Issues
Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology
Issues facing minorities are at the forefront of psychology and the national conscience. Cultural Diversity & Ethnic Minority Psychology is a journal that focuses on the diversity issues facing minorities. A publication of APA Division 45, the Society for the Psychological Study of Culture, Ethnicity and Race, CDEMP touches on psychological issues relevant to racial and ethnic groups that have been historically underrepresented and underserved.
