What are the Available Careers in Clinical Psychology

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Clinical psychology is one of the most sought-after specialties in psychology. People with degree or certification in clinical psychology work with individual of all ages and would assist in treating behavioral, social, psychological, emotional as well as intellectual aspects of human functioning.

What are the Requirements to Become a Clinical Psychologist?

In order to practice clinical psychology or become a clinical psychologist, you will be required to obtain a doctoral degree in clinical psychology. You can either hold a Doctor of Psychology degree (Psy.D) or a clinical Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D). Students who embark on graduate training programs in psychology are able to specialize in a particular aspect of clinical psychology – e.g. adolescent psychology or child psychology. The average annual salary of clinical psychologists in the United States is estimated at $72,000.

Health Psychologists

Career in health psychology requires an individual to study the intersection of health and illnesses, via biological, psychological and social factors. The major job description of a health psychologist is to promote healthy living and adopt methods for preventing illnesses and diseases. Other duties include helping individuals deal with the trauma of being diagnosed with life-altering ailments such as cancer.

Clinical psychologists specializing in health psychology could also work in the public sector or private consultation outfits. Another option is to work with community organizations for the purpose of creating programs intended to promote public safety and health. Another career option for a health psychologist in the clinical psychology field is working in in-patient addiction centers or mental institutions.

Neuropsychologists

Neuropsychologists are people who specialized in the study of the human brain and behavior. Typically, a clinical psychologist specializing in the field of neuropsychology works in places such as research centers, an injury or stroke treatment center, or trauma unit in a hospital. These clinical psychology experts would test a patient in order to determine how a head injury or other ailment has hampered the individual’s cognitive performance.

Child Psychologists

Also, a clinical psychologist can specialize in child psychology and would work in different settings such as juvenile detention centers, schools, out-patient and in-patient treatment centers. These experts can also embark on private practice as well. A child psychologist is specialized in dealing with different problems associated with adolescence and childhood, including conduct disorders, behavioral problems, learning disorder as well as family issues.

Counseling Psychologists

Counseling psychology is another area of specialty for people who majored on clinical psychology. Experts in counseling psychology are employed in wide range of employment settings such as social service agencies, psychiatric hospitals and private health centers. They can also engage in private practice. These experts are involved in dealing with wide range of cases such as marital distress, personality disorders and sexual dysfunction. The techniques adopted by counseling psychologists include bio-feedback as well as talk therapy (also known as psychotherapy).

Obviously, clinical psychologists have wide range of career options to choose from. It is more fulfilling to choose an area you are passionately drawn to.