Though Annual Reviews already published the Annual Review of Psychology, which included a chapter of clinical psychology in each volume, the publisher decided that the field was large enough and rapidly expanding to justify its own journal.

Other included topics are the diagnosis and treatment of such disorders, as well as relevant social policy and legal issues.

Guest members participate at the invitation of the editor, and serve terms of one year.

All other members of the editorial committee are appointed by the Annual Reviews board of directors and serve five-year terms.

The editorial committee determines which topics should be included in each volume and solicits reviews from qualified authors.