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What is a Clinical Psychologist and What Do They Do?
A clinical psychologist is a professional mental health provider who is highly trained to assess, diagnose, and treat all types of mental, emotional, and behavioral problems. Although licensing requirements vary by state, most clinical psychologists must have a Doctorate degree in order to practice unsupervised. The majority of clinical psychologists choose an area of specialization such as addiction, crisis counseling, learning disabilities, or behavior disorders. They may work with children or adults in one-on-one sessions or with families or groups. Because of their extensive training, clinical psychologists enjoy the widest range of choices for both clientele and work environments.
Clinical psychologists, for the most part, work in an office environment. They spend much of their day interviewing clients to evaluate and diagnose issues and may then consult with other professionals to develop a treatment plan. Regular sessions allow them to monitor clients and adjust treatment according to needs as they help their clients define goals and objectives.
Depending on their specialty a clinical psychologist may work one-on-one with a client, counsel a couple, or provide treatment for a family unit. They might also work with a group or teach in a classroom setting.
Some clinical psychologists focus on conducting research to further the field of psychology and may publish their findings in peer review journals. They may showcase their findings in seminars and at conventions or train other psychologists in their specific area of expertise.
Most states do not allow clinical psychologists to provide prescription medication; if they determine their client may benefit from pharmaceuticals, the psychologist will work closely with a physician to develop and monitor a viable medication plan.
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Step 1: Earn your Bachelors in Clinical Psychology
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Step 2: Earn your Master's
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Step 3: Complete a doctorate degree
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Step 4: Finish your required field experience
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Step 5: Become licensed
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Step 6: Maintain your continuing education requirements
Step 1: Earn Your Bachelor's Degree
Before you begin your bachelor's degree program, you should check the admission requirements for your graduate program. This will ensure that your four-year degree includes the prerequisites for entry into a master's or doctoral program in psychology. It's also vital you maintain your grade point average (GPA) throughout your undergrad program, as many schools have a minimum GPA for admittance.
Step 2: Earn Your Master's Degree
Your master's program will allow you to zero in on the area you plan to specialize in as a clinical psychologist. You'll take extensive courses in that practice such as rehabilitation, psychoanalysis, or clinical health. You may also gain valuable experience in the field or in research as you complete your master's program. Depending on your state's requirements, you may be able to practice psychology once you earn your master's degree.
Step 3: Complete Your Doctorate Degree
There are two doctoral degrees accepted for clinical psychologist licensing: Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology (PhD in Psychology). The difference is that a PsyD is concerned primarily in the straightforward practice of psychology and the PhD in Psychology is for students interested in academia and research, as well as clinical practice. Both are intense programs, but the PhD in Psychology has a higher standard of acceptance as well as a more difficult curriculum. During your doctoral program you will most likely focus on one or more areas of specialization as set forth by the American Psychological Association (APA).
Step 4: Finish Your Required Field Experience
Depending on your degree choice and the state regulations, you will be required to complete one to three years of internship or residency. Many schools offer this as part of their degree program and via a post-doctoral supervised work program, so you should understand the requirements in your state and what experience your graduate school offers as part of the program.
Step 5: Become Licensed and Certified
Along with supervised experience, most states require you sit for and pass an exam before granting licensure, which is why it's so important to be aware of your state requirements while planning your education. It's also an excellent plan to earn certification in one or more of the 13 specialty areas through the American Board of Professional Psychology to showcase your proficiency in the area you plan to practice.
Step 6: Maintain Your Continuing Education Requirements
Most states require licensed psychologists to complete specific continuing education requirements each year in order to be eligible for license renewal. Depending on your state, these may be completed by attending classes, conferences, and seminars or online courses, webinars, and similar educational studies. You can also utilize these requirements to obtain certification in one or more specialty areas as you progress through your career.
Clinical Psychologist Career & Salary
Where Might You Work?
Roughly 45% of clinical psychologists are self-employed in private practices, 10+% work in outpatient facilities, 9+% work in individual family services, and others work in offices of other health practitioners or state governments. Your area of specialty may have an impact on where you work. For example, a clinical psychologist who specializes in addiction rehabilitation may be more likely to work in a hospital or clinic setting, while a child psychologist will find more employment opportunities in a school setting. Those who specialize in trauma victims will find more employment opportunities in veteran hospitals and trauma centers.
In addition, where you are in your career may affect where you work. Although many clinical psychologists are self-employed, they are more than likely those with extensive experience and can afford the overhead involved in running their own businesses.
Your work schedule will depend on where you are employed; some psychologists work nights and weekends while others hold standard business hours. It's important to note that most psychologists have emergency hours and must be available if a client is in crisis. If you are self-employed, you may set your own hours; those who work exclusively with children will most likely have hours more in tune with a child's school schedule.