As a career field, clinical psychology represents the largest specialty area of psychology. Clinical psychologists work in the mental health field. Their work focuses on the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders. Some clinical psychologists specialize in treating severe mental disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia, and various personality disorders. Others counsel people who are dealing with personal issues, like divorce or the death of a loved one.
A career in clinical psychology requires patience and perseverance. Clinical psychologists help people interpret and understand their various problems and situations. As good listeners, they allow people to talk about their worries and confusion. They help their patients to think things through. Clinical psychologists are trained in several different approaches designed to help people deal with their various psychological issues. Their strategies are typically determined by their particular area of specialization.
Areas Of Specialization
Clinical psychology has four main areas of specialization. These include geropsychology, health psychology, and neuropsychology, and child psychology.
Geropsychology deals with the special needs of elderly people. Geropsychologists help older people cope with various stresses that typically come late in life. Common stressors includes health and medical conditions, the death of friends and loved ones, relocation issues, and increasing requirements for care-giving.
Health psychologists focus on a personís adjustment to health or medical conditions, illnesses, and treatments. They are concerned with how their patients view their overall quality of life. Health psychology examines various factors that affect health and illness, including biological, psychological, and social factors. Through counseling sessions with their patients, health psychologists promote healthy living and disease prevention.
Neuropsychology studies the relationship between the brain and behavior. Neuropsychologists often work with stroke victims in head injury programs.
Child psychologists study the mental, social, and emotional development of children. They typically study child development from the prenatal period through adolescence.
Clinical psychologists may further specialize in these fields by concentrating on a particular niche area. For example, they may focus their work on mental health, emotional disorders, learning disabilities, or substance abuse.
Clinical psychologists often consult with doctors and other medical personnel, especially when patient treatment includes medication. They cannot prescribe medications, however. Most medications require a prescription from a psychiatrist or medical doctor.
Work Environment
Clinical psychologists often work in their own private offices. They interview patients and administer various diagnostic tests. They also provide psychotherapy to individuals, families, or groups. They may design, create, and implement behavior modification programs.
Many clinical psychologists work in hospitals, universities, and medical schools. They work with doctors and specialists to develop treatment plans and intervention programs. They may train graduate students in mental health or behavioral medicine services.
Some clinical psychologists work in physical rehabilitation centers. They treat patients with stroke, arthritis, chronic pain, spinal cord injuries, and neurological conditions. Others work in community mental health centers, crisis counseling centers, or drug rehabilitation clinics where they offer counseling, evaluation, and therapy.
Education Requirements
Most psychology careers require a masterís or doctoral degree, as well as a license. Graduates with a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) qualify for a wide range of positions in universities, healthcare services, schools, government, and private practice. Employment opportunities include teaching, research, counseling, and clinical positions.
Careers in psychology typically require five years of full-time graduate study, ending with a dissertation based on original research. Required coursework includes quantitative experimental methods, research design, and computer-based analysis. The Psy.D. degree may require practical work and examinations rather than a dissertation. In clinical psychology, the doctoral degree is usually followed by a year of post-doctoral supervised experience.
In the United States, psychologists must meet all state and federal certification and licensing requirements. Licensing laws vary by state and position. To obtain a license, clinical psychologists usually need a doctorate in psychology, an approved internship, and one or two years of professional experience.
All states require an examination in addition to a college degree. The exam typically includes a standardized test, along with additional oral or essay questions. Some states require continuing education for license renewals.
The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) recognizes professional achievement in psychology with additional certifications and awards. Specialty certifications are often necessary for career advancement.
Employment Outlook
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual salary for clinical psychologists was $66,810 in 2010. The middle 50 percent earned between $50,360 and $86,250.
Employment is expected to grow as fast as average, about twelve percent in the next ten years. This projected employment growth is due to the increased demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, companies, mental health centers, social services, and substance abuse treatment centers.
Job prospects are best for clinical psychologists with a doctoral degree from a leading university. Clinical psychologists with extensive training and experience will have the competitive edge.