What is a Clinical Psychologist?
Clinical Psychologists use various tests, assessments, and interviews to identify the nature, causes, and effects of potentially disruptive aspects of a patient's life. A patient might see a clinical psychologist for any number of distresses or disorders. These could be related to mental, emotional, behavioral, physical, or nervous factors in their personal or professional lives. The goal of a clinical psychologist is to help alleviate the identified distress in a patient's life by guiding them as they adjust, adapt, and develop as a person.
Types of Work Environments
- Hospitals
- Private practices
- Mental health service units
- Schools and universities
- The legal system
- Counseling centers
- Government agencies and military services
Education and Training Requirements
The American Psychological Association sets various standards for graduate programs in clinical psychology and those pursuing a career in the field must have (at minimum) a Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. All states also require a license to practice clinical psychology.
Salary
According to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the median salary for a clinical psychologist is approximately $102,740.
Professional Organization
The Society of Clinical Psychology
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