Psychology
Psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how individuals relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors.
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical Psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Clinical psychologists help people deal with problems ranging from short-term personal issues, to severe, chronic conditions. Some clinical psychologists focus on specific populations, such as children or the elderly, or on certain specialties, such as neuropsychology.
- Share understanding of psychopathology and diagnostic/intervention considerations
- Address mental health issues across the lifespan based on a solid understanding of psychopathology
- Integrate and synthesize personality test data with additional standardized assessment measures
- Consult with other health and behavioral health care professionals and organizations regarding severe psychopathology, suicide and violence
- Engage with specific research and critical review of science, knowledge and methods pertaining to those areas identified as distinct to clinical psychology
- Complete a Bachelor’s degree. Some doctoral programs encourage a degree in psychology.
- Complete an APA approved doctoral degree program in Professional Psychology *Some programs require a Master’s degree in Psychology before entry into the doctoral program.
Clinical Psychologists must:
- Complete a doctoral degree program in Professional Psychology from a program accredited by the APA
- Complete an approved one-year full-time or two-year half-time internship program is required.
- One year of post-doctoral supervision in Clinical Psychology in a successfully completed post-doctoral training program in professional psychology that is accredited by the APA or CPA or from an APPIC member program, OR
- Two years of postdoctoral practice experience consistent with that ordinarily associated with Clinical Psychology, during which a minimum of one hour per week of supervision was conducted face-to-face by a licensed psychologist for a full year (12 months) plus an additional one year (12 months) of postdoctoral practice, which may or may not be supervised.
Additional information about licensure requirements can be found on the American Board of Professional Psychology website at www.abpp.org
The median annual salary for psychologists was $77,030 in May 2017. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,330, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $124,520.
American Psychological Association. (2019). A career in clinical or counseling psychology. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/action/science/clinical/education-training
American Psychological Association. (2019). Clinical Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/clinical
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2019). Psychologists. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm
School Psychologist
The National Association of School Psychologists (2019) explains that school psychologists provide direct support and interventions to students; consult with teachers, families, and other school-employed mental health professionals (i.e., school counselors, school social workers) to improve support strategies; work with school administrators to improve school-wide practices and policies; and collaborate with community providers to coordinate needed services (National Association of School Psychologists [NASP], 2019).
- Collect and analyze data
- Conduct psychological and academic assessments
- Monitor and effectively communicate with parents about student progress
- Consult and collaborate with school personnel
- Provide academic/learning, mental health, and behavioral interventions
- Plan appropriate Individualized Education Programs for students with disabilities
- Modify and adapt curricula and instruction
- Assess school climate and improve school connectedness
- Plan services at the district, building, classroom, and individual levels
- Provide crisis prevention and intervention services
- Complete a Bachelor’s degree. While there is no required major, many students major in education, psychology, or child development. Some graduate programs may have pre-requisite courses.
- Complete a specialist level degree program in School Psychology (at least 60 graduate semester hours)
OR
- Complete a doctoral degree in School Psychology (at least 90 graduate semester hours)
Note* School Psychologists must be credentialed in the state in which they practice. Most State Education Agencies specify the requirements to practice as a school psychologist in that state. For more information please visit https://www.nasponline.org/standards-and-certification/state-school-psychology-credentialing-requirements
School Psychologists must:
- complete either a specialist-level (at least 60 graduate semester hours) OR doctoral degree program in School Psychology (at least 90 graduate semester hours)
- complete a year-long 1,200-1,500 hour supervised internship
- Pass state specified examination
- Complete state specified application
Note* Each State Education Agency (SEA), except for Texas and Hawaii, specifies the requirements to practice as a school psychologist in that state. It is imperative that you explore requirements from each state. For more information please visit
Note* Currently over 30 states recognize the Nationally Certified School Psychologist credential as meeting or partially meeting requirements for the state school psychologist credential. For more information visit https://www.nasponline.org/standards-and-certification/national-certification/why-become-an-ncsp
The median salary of School Psychologists is $63,000. Salaries vary by years of experience and U.S. region (Walcott & Hyson, 2018).
American Board of Professional Psychology. (2019). School Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.abpp.org/Applicant-Information/Specialty-Boards/School-Psychology.aspx
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2019). Psychologists. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm
National Association of School Psychologists. (2019). State school psychology credentialing requirements. Retrieved from https://www.nasponline.org/standards-and-certification/state-school-psychology-credentialing-requirements
National Association of School Psychologists. (2019). Who are school psychologists. Retrieved from https://www.nasponline.org/about-school-psychology/who-are-school-psychologists
National Association of School Psychologists. (2019). Why become an NCSP. Retrieved from https://www.nasponline.org/standards-and-certification/national-certification/why-become-an-ncsp
Walcott, C.M. & Hyson, D. (2018). Results from the NASP membership survey part one: demographics and employment conditions.
Counseling Psychologist
Counseling Psychologist: Definition (underneath the title) The American Psychological Association (2019) defines counseling psychologists as a general practice and health service provider that focuses on how people function both personally and in their relationships at all ages. Counseling psychologists address the emotional, social, work, school and physical health concerns people may have at different stages in their lives, focusing on typical life stresses and more severe issues with which people may struggle as individuals and as a part of families, groups and organizations. Counseling psychologists help people with physical, emotional and mental health issues improve their sense of well‐being, alleviate feelings of distress and resolve crises. They also provide assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of more severe psychological symptoms.
Counseling psychologists focus on: – Healthy aspects and strengths of clients (whether being seen as individuals, couples, families, groups or organizations). – Environmental/situational influences (how cultural, gender and lifestyle issues shape people’s experiences and concerns).I ssues of diversity and social justice (e.g., advocacy). – The role of career and work in peoples’ lives.
Complete a Bachelor’s degree. Some doctoral programs encourage a degree in psychology. – Complete an APA approved doctoral degree program in Professional Psychology *Some programs require a Masters degree in Psychology before entry into the doctoral program.
Complete a Bachelor’s degree. Some doctoral programs encourage a degree in psychology. – Complete an APA approved doctoral degree program in Professional Psychology *Some programs require a Masters degree in Psychology before entry into the doctoral program. Licensure/Certification: Counseling Psychologists must: – Complete a doctoral degree program in Professional Psychology from a program accredited by the APA – Complete an approved one-year full-time or two-year half-time internship program is required – Two or more years of post-doctoral professional experience. Additional information about licensure requirements can be found on the American Board of Professional Psychology website at www.abpp.org
The median annual salary for psychologists was $77,030 in May 2017. The lowest 10 percent earned less than $42,330, and the highest 10 percent earned more than $124,520.
American Psychological Association. (2019). A career in clinical or counseling psychology. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/action/science/clinical/education-training
American Psychological Association. (2019). Counseling Psychology. Retrieved from https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/counseling
Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook. (2019). Psychologists. Retrieved from https://www.bls.gov/ooh/life-physical-and-social-science/psychologists.htm
