PSYD CAREER PATHWAYS

Clinical psychologists are tasked with identifying client’s emotional, mental, and emotional problems through observation, interviews, and tests. Clinical psychologists diagnose and create a treatment plan according to their diagnosis. 

The demand for psychologists in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social service agencies continues to grow. That means the United States will need more culturally-competent clinical psychologists that are ready to practice.

Forensic psychology is about applying psychology to the criminal justice system, from criminal behavior to evaluating if individuals are competent to stand trial. Among other roles, forensic psychologists often evaluate criminals to learn their mindset and motives at the time of an offense, then gauge if they will be a future threat to the public.

Approximately one-third of these jobs are available through the federal government, and another third are self-employed. For almost all forensic psychologist positions, a doctoral degree is required.

Neuropsychologists use theories and principles of neuroscience and psychology to diagnose and treat disorders related to brain function and behavior. Neuropsychologists evaluate behavioral and cognitive changes resulting from nervous system diseases or injuries. 

Neuropsychology is one of the highest-paid psychology careers. Though salary depends on the level of experience, some neuropsychologists can make over $130,000 per year. The vast majority of neuropsychology jobs require a doctorate program including clinical practice and research. A certified neuropsychologist must have thousands of hours of supervised experience in the field.

Health psychologists focuses on how biological, social, and psychological factors influence general health and illness. This can include clinical work in a medical setting, research on health-related issues, and creating public policy on health issues. These psychologists work in hospitals and health care clinics primarily.

Almost all health psychologists in this field hold a doctoral degree in psychology, including one year of clinical practice to complete the degree. As hospitals and other medical establishments continue to increase the hiring of psychologists, the job outlook is especially promising for this career pathway.

A consulting psychologist often works within businesses and organizations to help them work better as individuals and as teams. While other psychologists may diagnose and potentially treat individuals through traditional psychology, consulting psychologists are in place merely to consult, offering suggestions for improved performance of the business and workplace behavior. 

Almost all consulting psychologists have obtained at least a master’s, while most higher-salaried consulting psychologists hold doctoral degrees with some organizational experience.

Child psychologists primarily handle the psychological, behavioral, social, and emotional needs of children in schools, private practices, hospitals, research settings, and more. There’s a wide range of jobs working with children and psychology, though most are only available with a doctoral degree. 

Often, this position consists of working with the children and their primary caregiver to assess and potentially treat developmental issues. As more organizations that regularly deal with children — like schools, hospitals, orphanages, and child welfare offices — hire child psychologists, there will continue to be job opportunities in the field, in addition to those starting private practices.

Earning your PsyD gives you the ability to work as a private practice psychologist with your own list of clients that you’ve built. This ranges from children to adults, from anxiety to autism, but can be specialized based on the practice and the clinical experience of the psychologist. 

Health service provider psychologists generally work in private practices, with most specializing in clinical psychology and serving a diverse group of patients. However, only about 52 percent of psychologists felt well-prepared to deal with diverse populations. A license from the American Psychological Association is required for any private practice psychologist, who typically earn a master’s at a minimum.