What is a Clinical Psychologist?
Clinical psychologists assess and treat mental illnesses. There are clinical psychology jobs available in mental health clinics, psychiatric hospitals, schools, businesses, universities and research institutions. Many clinical psychologists opt for their own private practice. Unlike psychiatrists, clinical psychologists do not prescribe medicine. Instead, they offer patients therapeutic methods for improving mental health and dealing with emotional difficulties. The mental and emotional disorders treated by clinical psychologists may be caused by life crises like the death of a family member or friend, divorce, physical injuries or illnesses. Other patients require help dealing with anxiety, depression or other psychological problems. Part of the diagnoses and treatment offered by clinical psychologists involves keeping detailed records, offering specific goals to their patients, and assessing their patients’ progress. Clinical psychologists use many methods and strategies to help patients cope with mental health problems in order to lead healthier, more productive lives.
Clinical psychology is the largest branch within the field of psychology. There are several areas of specialization within clinical psychology, including working with children, families, adults or geriatric patients; focusing on a specific emotional disorder such as depression or schizophrenia; addiction and substance abuse problems; and learning disabilities. There are also several different theoretical frameworks for clinical psychology, including cognitive-behavioral, psychodynamic, humanist and family systems. After training, some clinical psychologists adopt a single theoretical modality; others combine ideas from several modalities in their practice. Clinical psychologists who do not want to treat people with mental disorders can teach at the university level or work in research. These tips will help you become a clinical psychologist.
What are the Requirements to Become a Clinical Psychologist?
Becoming a clinical psychologist involves advanced education and practical experience. Clinical psychologist training requirements include the preparation necessary to teach courses at the university level, conduct research, and offer direct care to patients, making a degree in clinical psychology very versatile.
When considering educational options, a clinical psychologist needs to study for a Doctor of Psychology degree if their primary interest is working with patients in a clinical setting. A Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology degree best prepares the clinical psychologist to work in research and scientific settings. Most educational institutions recommend that students start by majoring in psychology in college. However, other institutions accept graduate students with other academic majors. Most programs have internship requirements during which clinical psychology students gain firsthand knowledge of this field.
Both traditional and online institutions offer courses to help students reach their goals. With the increasing demand for and acceptance of distance learning institutions, there are dozens of accredited universities with excellent online clinical psychology programs. Online courses of study allow working professionals to complete their studies at their own pace and offer considerable flexibility in clinical psychology training. Online continuing education credits or individual classes also allow those with degrees in clinical psychology to enhance their education with further study in specialized areas.
Practicing clinical psychologists must pass a state exam and meet the licensing requirements of their state. These requirements may include a doctoral degree and several years of clinical experience.
What is the Salary and Job Outlook for a Clinical Psychologist?
Clinical psychology is a growing field, and the demand for clinical psychologists in the United States is expected to increase through 2016. The current median annual income for a clinical psychologist is over $64,140, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Those in private practice or the business sector typically have higher salaries, as do those working in major urban areas.
What are the Benefits of a Career as a Clinical Psychologist?
One of the most rewarding aspects of clinical psychology is the ability to help others. This is a field where skilled individuals are always in demand. Qualified clinical psychologists can typically find work regardless of the economic climate. The opportunity for self-employment is another important benefit; if you are in a position to strike out on your own, you’ll be able to set your own hours and rates. Completing the academic and experiential requirements for a clinical psychology degree is rigorous, but this degree can lead to many different career opportunities.