Scientific and social challenges for clinical psychology

The article is an attempt to reflect on the current tasks faced by clinical psychology as a field of science and practice. These tasks stem from the constant need to improve the scientific level of this discipline and to solve problems connected with intensive social changes. We have considered the issues of globalization and the challenges it implies for clinical psychology, presenting selected theories of globalization and the patterns of reaction to these changes. We see evidence-based practice in psychology as a reflection of these transformations in science and clinical practice. In the article, we discuss the positive influence of this approach on the improvement of assessment practice standards and psychotherapy effectiveness, drawing attention to some negative consequences of universalization, particularly those that threaten human agency. Addressing and responding to these challenges requires close cooperation of researchers and practitioners, which was called for at the 1st National Clinical Psychology Conference in 2014.