Becoming a child psychologist can take many years to accomplish. However, it’s an extremely rewarding career which involves helping the most vulnerable members of society. All psychologists have a curiosity about human nature and behavior, and an interest in using scientific methods to better understand this behavior. Those who choose to work with children must have the patience and skills to communicate with young clients who have not developed the cognitive or verbal capacity to express the problems that are causing them distress.
Job Responsibilities
Child psychologists help young clients with behavior issues, developmental disorders and mental health problems. They also work with children who have been traumatized or sexually molested. There are a range of research opportunities in the field, including language acquisition, learning disorders and cognitive development. Job opportunities for child psychologists are available in hospitals, schools and the judicial system, as well as private practices. Recent studies by the Bureau of Labor Statistics have indicated that the field will continue to expand over the next several years. Here’s what you’ll need to become a successful child psychologist.
Education and Training
To start a career in child psychology, you’ll first need a college degree in a related field such as psychology, developmental issues or juvenile issues. It's also important to take some classes outside of the field; for example, an understanding of statistics is a vital tool in the study of psychology and taking some classes in this discipline will aid your acceptance into a graduate program. In addition, prepare for the Graduate Record Examination (GRE). A good GRE score is an important component of your admission process into graduate school. Volunteer work with children will give you a better understanding of this field of psychology and increase your chances of being accepted into a competitive educational program.
The recent development of distance learning and related online degree options has altered the traditional path into child psychology. There are many different online psychology degree programs that allow working individuals to pursue an educational track designed for a career in child psychology.
Becoming a child psychologist requires a Ph.D. in psychology; you must write a dissertation based on original research. Alternatively, a Doctor of Psychology, or Psy.D., may be granted based on clinical experience and examinations, without a dissertation. In addition, expect to spend at least one year in a post-doctoral clinical training program. This may give you the opportunity to participate in trials and research studies. The training period will give you a better understanding of how to interact with children effectively—or whether you are more interested in pursuing clinical research in child psychology.
In order to be a practicing child psychologist, you will need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP), and then apply for a license from your state. Your state may have additional requirements.
Job Opportunities and Salary
Job opportunities in psychology, including child psychology, are expected to grow. The current median salary is $64,000. Developmental psychology is one of the more lucrative subspecializations.
A degree in child psychology, along with appropriate courses and training, can lead to the following career paths:
- Individual therapy—Meet with children and adolescents to assess problems and develop a therapeutic treatment plan; may include counseling the family or referring the client to a psychiatrist for appropriate drug treatment.
- School psychologist—Address school-wide issues such as bullying; work with children with mental health or developmental issues; advise teachers and administrators on learning and mental health issues. An additional license may be required to work in public schools.
- Developmental psychologist—Focus on treating children with developmental disorders such as learning disabilities, autism, cognitive disabilities and attention-deficit disorders.
With a range of clinical, research and teaching possibilities, child psychology is a rewarding career. Child psychologists’ salaries are competitive, the field is growing, and the job is one that directly improves the quality of life for children and teenagers, as well as their parents.