Childhood is such a fascinating phase in human development. A child’s behavior changes as he or she grows. His influences are also formed as well. If you want to be a highly trained healthcare professional who wants to understand these changes and influences and help a child to become a better individual, then child psychology careers may suit you well.
Becoming a child psychologist takes a large amount of education and training. If you're interested in obtaining your psychology degree online, you'll find that there are a number of highly respected, accredited online universities which can help you.
Here are some important details that can help you choose the best option among the available child and adolescent psychology careers out there.
- Education and Training Requirements: A four-year bachelor’s degree in child psychology could allow you to work with children in a limited capacity. However, a master’s degree permits you to work with children on a clinical level. If you intend to start your own clinical practice, a doctorate degree becomes a must. It also gives you the opportunity to counsel, research and teach. A doctorate degree in child psychology could be awarded as a PhD or as a PsyD. Generally, a PhD is considered more research based and a PsyD is considered more clinically focused.
On top of your academic credentials you’ll need to get a license in general psychology. Your license in general psychology is only issued once you have successfully fulfilled the standards (which include competitive examinations and years of relevant experience) set by the state where you want to practice your career in child psychology. You can check the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Board’s website to find state-specific information about obtaining your state license. - Places of Work: Child psychologists have the opportunity to work in various environments. A traditional one would be a private practice. Child psychologists are also employed at schools, detention centers, group living, and even some camps. As a child psychologist, you may choose to stay in research or academia.
- Primary Duties and Responsibilities: A career in child psychology demands that you have strong problem solving skills, analytical abilities and communication skills. Although the career is essentially rewarding, it is also intrinsically stressful. Depending on your career choice or specialization, as a child psychologist, you get to routinely do any or all of the following tasks: perform educational and IQ assessments, diagnose and treat learning disabilities, conduct research and work closely with kids and their respective families.
- Salary Ranges: Statistics reveal that child psychologist jobs are expected to be more in demand in the next five years or so, particularly in the social services industry. Demand for child psychologists may increase due to a growing awareness of how children’s mental health and behavioral problems, such as bullying, affect learning. The Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that child psychologist salaries vary from $35,000 and $102,000 annually. The average salary for a child psychologist job is pegged at about $60,000.
- Fields and Specializations:
- Career in Developmental Psychology: This is mostly research-based. Your focus is on specific behavioral changes as the child ages. You are concerned with aggression and developments in language, morality and emotion. You may be posted in outreach groups, daycare centers and educational programs.
- Career in Abnormal Child Psychology: You zero-in on diseases, including but not limited to, sociopathic behavior, psychopathology and disorders with personality, mood and anxiety. You are tasked with developing treatment plans and strategies in coordination with your patients’ family members, teachers and medical professionals.
- Career in Adolescent Psychology: You deal with patients that are between 12 and 18 years old. You look into the psychological problems and issues related to or arising from growing up and becoming more mature.
If you enjoy working with children and adolescents, then start your child psychologist career today. These tips will help you prepare for child and adolescent psychologist employment opportunities.