Clinical psychology is one of the most in-demand areas of study, with jobs growing quickly according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you’re interested in studying clinical psychology or searching for careers available in this field, you may be asking:
- What is clinical psychology?
- What degrees are available in clinical psychology?
- What do clinical psychologists do?
- What job opportunities are available to clinical psychologists?
- What advantages are there for psychologists with a doctorate in clinical psychology?
Below we answer these questions and explore a variety of career paths available to those with a degree in clinical psychology.
Request infoWhat is Clinical Psychology?
Clinical psychology is a specific field in psychology that is concerned with the diagnosis and treatment of diseases having to do with the brain, behavioral problems, and emotional instability.
Clinical psychologists deal with the assessment, diagnosis, and management of a specific individual’s mental illnesses and diseases. A clinical psychologist will also work with clients to provide a range of services and therapy sessions.
What does a Clinical Psychologist do?
A clinical psychologist is a professional qualified to diagnose and treat a range of mental illnesses. Clinical psychologists have a wide array of responsibilities. Tasks can range from doing research, assessing behavior, and performing consultations.
Clinical psychologists meet with clients individually and cater to their specific needs. Many clinical psychologists work with patients in a one-on-one setting. In these sessions, clinical psychologists speak with clients and help identify mental health issues, diagnose mental health illnesses, provide treatment options, monitor progress, and refer them to other resources.
The role of a clinical psychologist differs from a standard psychologist because the field of clinical psychology specifically focuses on abnormal behavioral patterns and emotions.
Some responsibilities and duties of a clinical psychologist include:
- Identifying mental, behavioral, or emotional abnormalities in clients
- Assessing the abilities, attitudes, and behaviors of a client with the aid of psychological tests
- Diagnosing disorders
- Teaching classes and holding seminars
- Talking to and educating the loved ones of clients
- Developing and implementing solutions for clients’ mental and emotional challenges
- Referring clients to medical personnel
- Guiding caregivers of clients through the recovery process
Clinical psychologists will typically work together with a health care team of nurses, social workers, psychiatrists, and doctors to provide holistic care to their patients. Therefore, clinical psychologists can work in several different professional settings, such as:
- Private practices
- Schools
- Correctional facilities
- Mental health facilities
- Hospitals
- Community centers
- Universities
About Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology Programs
A Psy.D. in clinical psychology is an applied doctorate that prepares graduates to offer the best clinical psychology services to clients and patients who are battling emotional, psychological, and behavioral needs.
When applying to a Psy.D. Clinical Psychology program, students should ensure that the school is accredited and approved by the American Psychological Association. Other factors to consider are:
- Internship matching
- Cost of schooling
- Class size
- Licensing exam pass rate
- Graduation rate
Many times a Psy.D. program will enable future clinical psychologists to gain research experience and undergo training to practice their skills outside of the classroom in a wide range of settings.
This doctoral program also equips clinical psychologists with the knowledge to assess, diagnose, treat, and prevent further mental and psychological diseases, as well as pursue a wide range of careers.
Request info5 Clinical Psychology Jobs and Career Paths
Clinical psychologists can work in various sectors, including:
- Clinics
- Mental health treatment facilities
- Hospitals
- Private practices
- Court systems
- Schools
- Business organizations
After the completion of a degree program in clinical psychology, you may be equipped to pursue any of the following career paths:
Organizational psychologist
In this role, a clinical psychologist conducts screening tests, performance reviews, and training sessions to help an organization’s employees work effectively to achieve common company goals and increase overall production.
Marriage and Family Therapist
A clinical psychologist may work directly with couples and families to ensure that its members are communicating effectively and addressing any negative habits in the home. Clinical psychologists working as a marriage and family therapist may help facilitate problem solving and care plans to address varying mental health needs.
Researcher
As a researcher, clinical psychologists can develop studies on the influence of habits and thought patterns on an individual, family, and society. This research work may lead to important discoveries in the field and add depth to current practices.
Clinical Psychology Professor
If you enjoy teaching and working with the next generation of mental health professionals, consider a career as a clinical psychology professor. This role entails assisting students with basic and complex psychological concepts and practices, as well as leading research initiatives through your institution.
Psychotherapist
Within the field of clinical psychology, you may choose to concentrate in psychotherapy specifically. As a psychotherapist, you meet with clients in one-on-one clinical settings and develop care plans together that will bring about positive change. Often, psychotherapists specialize in one counseling method such as cognitive behavioral therapy or hypnotherapy.
How to become a licensed Clinical Psychologist
To become a practicing clinical psychologist, you need to obtain licensure. Licensure requirements differ by your location; each state has specific steps you need to take to obtain a license.
If you’re interested in becoming a licensed clinical psychologist, be sure to take your time and look into your state’s requirements.
Learn more about Clinical Psy.D. Programs and Careers
The Chicago School of Professional Psychology’s Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology programs prepare students for careers in a wide range of settings, including nonprofit, health care, community, and the government. Building upon a strong base of coursework, theory, science, and practice, and guided by our practitioner-scholar faculty, our graduates are well prepared to provide assessment, intervention, and consultation to meet the needs of diverse populations. Learn more by visiting our clinical psychology program pages or complete the form below to request more information.