Clinical Child Psychology became a recognized specialty of the American Psychological Association in August 1998. APA describes this specialty as follows:

Clinical Child Psychology is a specialty of professional psychology which integrates basic tenets of clinical psychology, developmental psychology , and principles of child and family development. Clinical child psychologists conduct scientific research and provide psychological services to infants, toddlers, children, and adolescents. The research and services in Clinical Child Psychology are focused on understanding, preventing , diagnosing, and treating psychological, cognitive, emotional, developmental, behavioral, and family problems of children. Of particular importance to clinical child psychologists is an understanding of the basic psychological needs of children and the social contexts which influence child development and adjustment.