Clinical Psychology

Specialization
What does a clinical
psychologist do?
Clinical psychologists treat mental,
emotional, and behavioral disorders with
the science of psychology. They work to
promote change, resilience, and strength
within these treatments. They work with
abnormal and normal behaviors, mental
and emotional health, and disorders.
 What populations does a clinical
psychologist work with?

Clinical psychologists work with many

diverse populations of people with
varying disorders and needs. All those
of different genders, races, beliefs,
and needs can be seen by a clinical
psychologist.
 How do you become a clinical
psychologist?

In terms of education, clinical psychologists are required to complete

around eight to twelve years of upper level education. Other
requirements include supervised clinical hours, examination for
professional practice in psychology, and completion of some time as an
intern to receive your license to practice.
 Education Requirements.

In order to become a clinical psychologist, both an undergraduate and

doctoral program are needed. Occasionally, for a particular job or
doctorate program, clinical psychologists are also required to complete a
master’s program.
Who hires clinical psychologists?

Hospitals, schools, counseling centers,

group care practices, private care
practices, and any other place that
provides counseling services can
employ clinical psychologists. Any
practice that offer the assessment,
diagnoses, or treatment of mental,
emotional, and behavioral disorders
might hire a clinical psychologist.
 What is the work environment like?
The environment for clinical psychologists can range from comfortable offices
in therapeutic settings, to hectic and aggressive in hospitals and behavioral
institutions, to hard to manage and constantly changing in group settings.
Overall, the environment that comes with clinical psychology is one that is
chosen according to the psychologists wants and needs as well as their area
of expertise.
A typical day on the job might look like…
A clinical psychologist may spend their days speaking with
clients, writing reports, describing their research, diagnosing
disorders, conducting psychotherapy, administering tests,
making treatment plans, and showing compassion to whom
they are treating.
 Pay range and benefits as a clinical
psychologist.
Clinical psychologists may earn on average anywhere between $78,000 a year to
$100,00 a year. This differs depending on where you work, level of education, and
if you are at an entry level position or have worked for many years.

Benefits can include health insurance, retirement plans, paid time off, and flexible
scheduling depending on who they work for.
 Positives vs. Negatives as a clinical
psychologist.
Positives
1. Diverse work settings.
2. Job flexibility.
3. Autonomy within your
job.
4. Provide hep to those in
need.
5. Constant need for your
profession, job stability.
Negatives
1. The need for higher
education.
2. Internship
requirements.
3. Need for a license.
4. Odd working hours.
5. Emotional stamina.
 Works Cited
“A Career in Clinical or Counseling Psychology.” Apa.org, 2014,

www.apa.org/education-career/guide/subfields/clinical/education-training#:~:text=Psychologists%20who%20provide

%20clinical%20or.

Chamlou, Nina. “A Day in the Life: Clinical Psychologist Dr. Kezia Jackson | Psychology.org.” Psychology.org | Psychology’s

Comprehensive Online Resource, 5 May 2022, www.psychology.org/resources/day-in-the-life-clinical-psychologist/.

“Clinical Psychologist Salary in United States.” Www.indeed.com, www.indeed.com/career/clinical-psychologist/salaries.

Nina Chamlou. “Clinical Psychologist.” Psychology.org, Psychology.org, 6 Mar. 2019, www.psychology.org/careers/clinical-

psychologist/.

Schlette, Jennifer. “10 Pros and Cons of Being a Clinical Psychologist.” Www.nursingprocess.org, 2022,

www.nursingprocess.org/clinical-psychologist-pros-and-cons.html.