Psychologist Career & Jobs: Training, Salary & Certification Requirements

Although keeping the physical body healthy and free from injuries is a very important factor in achieving overall wellness and living a fulfilling life, it is also important to make sure that mental functions and emotional health are maintained as well. As our culture progresses toward one of even more sophisticated technology and people are employed in high stress jobs, it is increasingly important that people are aware of the negative impact their work and lifestyle might have on their mental and emotional ability to cope. When people are experiencing depression, anxiety, or other mental disorders, it is necessary to seek the care of a trained psychologist so that a treatment plan can be devised. Psychologists are responsible for selecting and administering a variety of psychological tests as well as choosing medication and therapy plans for their patients. It is important for psychologists to be able to uphold the utmost professionalism, confidentiality and compassion at all times.

Salary Outlook

It is important to note that the salary earned by psychologists will vary greatly depending on their level of experience, the types of patients that they choose to treat, and their specialty.

Average Annual Salary
$63,500
Salary Range
$43,900 - $78,900

Work Environment

As with specialized physicians, it is most common for trained psychologists to open up their own practices, and the work environment often consists of a private office where patients will feel comfortable talking about their problems in confidence. However, sometimes psychologists are employed by hospitals, rehabilitation clinics, nursing homes or even the military and might be asked to perform group therapy sessions with other patients and family members.

High School Preparation

Individuals who enjoy talking with other people about their mental issues and think that they might enjoy the responsibilities of a psychologist are encouraged to focus their high school career advancing their knowledge of biology, chemistry and human mental disorders. Supporting courses for this line of work include English, history, psychology, sociology, social studies, health and foreign languages.

Requirements

After completing high school, it is necessary for those individuals who are interested in pursuing a career as a psychologist to enroll in an accredited undergraduate program in psychology or counseling. Following completion of the bachelor’s degree, it is required that students continue their education at the post-graduate level. Most often students will choose to complete a Ph.D., a Psy.D., (Doctor of Psychology), or an Ed.S., (Educational Specialist) degree. Following completion of their formal education, new psychologists must seek out clinical experience and any available certification in the specialty they have chosen.

Career Outlook

Those individuals that seek out the highest levels of education and training as a psychologist are expected to see a healthy increase in the amount of job opportunities and offers that are available to them over the next ten years.

Professional Organizations

American Psychological Association
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Phone: (800) 374-2721
www.apa.org