Clinical Psychologist Job Description – Salary, Education and Career Guide for Becoming a Clinical Psychologist

The role of a clinical psychologist is to help individuals diagnose, treat, care for and understand personal mental disorders and human behavior. As the most popular psychology profession, clinical psychologists work in a wide variety of environments, including corporations, government facilities, hospitals, mental health facilities and private practices. Clinical psychologists often specialize in a particular area of expertise, such as:
  • bipolar disorder
  • depression
  • drug abuse
  • family counseling
  • marital counseling.

Job Description

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 34 percent of all psychologists are self-employed. Clinical psychologist jobs typically involve meeting with patients on a regular basis to discuss and work through mental distress, emotional distress and/or mental illness. Additional tasks may include prepping the files of each patient, dealing with insurance companies and performing research studies.
 
A clinical psychologist's job requirements often lead to long hours. However, the job can be highly rewarding, as psychologists are often able to dramatically improve the happiness, livelihood and overall functionality of their patients.

Salary Guide

The median clinical psychologist salary is about $59,440. Top-paying positions can earn upwards of $100,000 each year. Private practice clinical psychologists tend to earn less than those employed by the government, schools, hospitals and research facilities. Employment opportunities are expected to grow faster-than-average for clinical psychologists.

Education and Training

The majority of clinical psychologist jobs require certification following the completion of a Ph.D. degree program. In total, future clinical psychologists can expect to spend between five and seven years in school. This culminates in a 1-year internship program that, upon successful completion results in state certification. A Doctoral dissertation based on original research is usually also required.
 
Limited clinical psychologist jobs are available to individuals with less academic training. Students with a Bachelor's degree may be able to find work as a research assistant or technician. A Master's degree may open the door to positions in hospitals and government institutions. However, these employment opportunities often require the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist.
 
Clinical psychology can be an emotionally draining profession. As such, clinical psychologists must truly be passionate about inspiring and helping people change their lives for the better. A high degree of patience, communication skills and attention-to-detail are also beneficial character traits for the aspiring clinical psychologist.

Prior Work Experience

Academic credentials are more important than work experience for clinical psychologist jobs. However, previous work experience as a counselor, research assistant or medical assistant would generally be considered advantageous.

Career Advancement

Following completion of a degree program, there are several ways that graduates land their first job. For many, the required one-year internship leads to contacts and relationships that result in a full-time position. Colleges and universities often forge close relationships with employers who routinely hire students straight out of school.
 
Traditional job seeking options such as employment Web sites and newspapers are also available. Membership in the American Psychological Association allows individuals to access exclusive psychology job banks.
 
Clinical psychologists often advance in their careers simply through gaining years of experience. However, publishing research is often a key factor in gaining higher-paying positions. Experienced psychologists can also improve credentials and job possibilities by receiving advanced certification in one of 13 areas.

Related Associations and Groups

For more information about clinical psychology careers, you may want to contact:
  • American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry
  • American Association of Applied and Preventative Psychology
  • American Association of Psychotherapists
  • American Psychological Association
  • American Psychology Society.

 

Share |