Career Outlook for Child Psychologist

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To work as a child psychologist, you must be able to gain an in depth look into the mind and thought process of the child. There are many other aspects that one has to make when observing a child’s life and how it is affecting not only their physical being, but also their minds and body. How they cope with everyday life in their environment is one of the many questions you help answer.

Since each person is different, there is a wide variety in diagnosing and treating each client. It takes time and effective observation and gathering of important information to come up with a strategic plan of treatment to fit each individual situation. Many times, there are multiple diagnoses to take into account.

About a Child Psychology Career

A child psychologist will deal with mental illnesses along with social and emotional development from prenatal period through adolescence and in some cases throughout the lifespan of that individual. It not only includes things such as genetics, but also language development, social issues, academic, anxiety issues, mood and personality disorders; it also takes into account things such as cultural influences, environment influences, learning disabilities and other disorders like eating disorders and much more.

This is a complex field of study and according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, is expected to grow fastest for those with a doctoral degree, and is predicted to grow by 12% between 2012 and 2022. The salary per year can range from $39,000 at the lower percentile to $69,000 at the median level and as much as $110,000 at the higher percentile.

There are those who have private practices that may offer evening and weekend hours to accommodate their clients. Some of the clinics might also have later hours for those who need later appointments.

Educational Paths for a Child Psychology Career

There are opportunities at the master’s degree level, but even more opportunities are available at the doctoral degree level. After the degree is completed, there must be a supervised clinical internship that usually last two years. After the internship is completed, there is a state and national examination that is required to become licensed in the state to practice.

Classes will include introduction to psychology, business administration, mental healthcare components, psychoanalysis, research and development, clinical care, emotional care, statistics and much more. In some cases, one can take criminal justice classes if the desire to work with the court systems arises.

The outlook for psychology is solid and will grow through the years. Our world is ever changing and everything around us effects our everyday life and our thought processes. Everything from social to emotional and all the influences that we deal with daily affects everything we think and do. Since every person is different in one way or another, many of us need help in dealing with everyday life. Our children are no different. The adverse affects around us takes a toll on all of us and our children are at the more tender ages that need to be addressed in order to help them succeed.