Introduction. The article briefly presents the history of clinical psychology as an educational specialty, various versions and sy­nonyms of the concept of “clinical psychology” at different time stages for the time being. The goal is to highlight and discuss modern issues in the training of medical psychologists. Main content. The practical and scientific-practical areas and tasks of the activities of clinical psychologists and the subtleties of their training at the present time are outlined. The training of clinical psychologists at Moscow State University of Psychology and Education in the specialization “Clinical and psychological assistance to children and families” is presented in detail. Conclusion. The problems of practical training of specialists, performing final qualification works, and the importance of diagnostic tools are discussed. New ideas for development of training and education for clinical psychologists are suggested.