Clinical psychology careers offer many opportunities for psychology graduates. Psychologist jobs range from working with children to serving in the military.
What is Clinical Psychology?
Clinical psychologists focus on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of psychological issues. These mental and emotional health issues include problematic behaviors, distressing feelings, learning difficulties, interpersonal problems, and maladaptive thought patterns.
A psychologist’s job revolves around helping people cope with psychological and physical health problems. Clinical psychologists work with individuals, families, and even groups to restore emotional and mental health and wellness. Psychologists ask questions about how people act, what motivates them to act the way they do, and what they need to do to heal from emotional pain.
A career in clinical psychology can be extremely rewarding – and extremely challenging!
Careers in Clinical Psychology
Clinical Neuropsychology is the study of brain-behavior relationships. These psychologists evaluate and treat individuals who have known or suspected brain disorders. Clinical neuropsychologists are experts in brain activity, patterns, and biology (neuroanatomy).
Forensic psychologists work with the law and criminal justice system. This could be one of the most exciting careers in clinical psychology – think Hannibal Lector in the movie “Silence of the Lambs”! These psychologists may provide testimony in legal or criminal cases, and be asked to determine if a criminal has a psychological disorder for trial and sentencing purposes.
Military Psychologists are specially trained to work with officers in the army or navy. To learn more about this career in clinical psychology job, read the job profile of a navy or army psychologist.
Child Clinical Psychologists have three psychology degrees (Bachelor’s, Masters, and PhD), and work with children in a variety of settings. To learn more about this psychology job, read Becoming a Child Psychologist - Work With a Psychology Degree.
Clinical Psychologist can also be an “umbrella” term, referring to psychotherapists, health psychologists, industrial occupational psychologists, and even college professors with clinical psychology degrees. That is, a clinical psychologist doesn’t necessarily need to specialize in one of the above careers. He or she can work as a clinical psychologist in a hospital, prison, college, private practice, social service organization, or business setting.
The Employment Outlook for Clinical Psychologists
According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Bureau of Labor Statistics (2004) Online Occupational Outlook Handbook, the employment rates of clinical psychologists are expected to grow faster through 2012, compared to all occupations. There will be an increased demand for psychological services in hospitals, private companies, social service agencies, schools, consulting firms, and substance abuse treatment centers.
If you’re interested in a career in clinical psychology, now is the time to pursue it!
To learn more about psychology jobs and careers, read What Do Mental Health Counselors Do? Five Counseling Careers.
Source:
Sternberg, Robert J. Career Paths in Psychology: Where Your Degree Can Take You. (American Psychological Association, 2007).
Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen - Laurie Pawlik-Kienlen is a full-time writer and blogger in Vancouver, BC, and the creator of the Quips and Tips blog series.
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