Clinical psychology is a lucrative field under the psychology umbrella. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, careers within psychology are projected to grow by 7% by 2033, which is faster than the average occupation. There are different career options within clinical psychology, including organizational psychologists, marriage and family therapists, researchers, professors, psychotherapists, and more.
- 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?
At The Chicago School, our Psy.D. Clinical Psychology was our flagship program that we built our foundation on. Offered at five of our campuses, we have more than 40 years of experience preparing students for a career in clinical psychology with our American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited programs.
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 that of 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
The Chicago School’s Psy.D. program enables future clinical psychologists to gain research experience and undergo training to practice their skills outside of the classroom in a wide range of settings. The program requires students to take 16 semester hours of practicum in settings such as hospitals, community mental health clinics, college counseling centers, and forensic settings.
Our 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 infoWhat Can You Do With a Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology?
With the field of psychology being in demand, and clinical psychology being a lucrative career path, there are many options clinical psychology graduates can pursue post-graduation and post-licensure. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average salary for clinical psychologists is $106,600 a year.
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 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.
Where Can Clinical Psychologists Work?
Clinical psychologists can work in various sectors, including:
- Clinics
- Mental health treatment facilities
- Hospitals
- Private practices
- Court systems
- Schools
- Business organizations
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.
The Chicago School’s Psy.D. Clinical Psychology is designed to meet the educational requirements for clinical psychologist licensure. Depending on the campus you choose to study at, the state licensure differs. Visit our licensure disclosures page for more information on licensure requirements.
Learn more about Clinical Psy.D. Programs and Careers
The Chicago School’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.