Psychologists traditionally study both normal and abnormal functioning, and treat patients with mental, emotional, and behavioral problems such as depression, anxiety and fears, drug abuse, eating disorders, and problems with self-esteem and stress. Additionally, psychologists work with business executives, performers, and athletes to manage stress and improve performance. With people living longer and society becoming more ethnically and culturally varied, psychologists are finding new opportunities to conduct research and develop services to meet the needs of a more diverse society.
Psychologists contribute solutions to problems through careful collection and analysis of data, and development of intervention strategies – in other words, by applying scientific principles to problems of everyday life. The field of psychology encompasses both research, through which we learn basic things about human and animal behavior, and practice, through which that knowledge is applied in helping to solve human problems. One of psychology’s most important characteristics is its coupling of science and practice, which stimulates continual advancement of both.
Psychologists are employed in many settings, including hospitals, clinics, nursing homes, and schools. Many psychologists have a private practice where they work by themselves or with other professionals.
$93,000
Employment of psychologists is projected to grow 14 percent from 2016 to 2026, faster than the average for all occupations, according to the BLS. Job prospects should be best for those who have a doctoral degree in an applied specialty.
Psychologists receive their education through academic programs at colleges and universities. A bachelor’s degree in psychology can qualify a person to assist psychologists. The study of psychology is also good preparation for many other professions.
People with master’s degrees in psychology often work under the direction of a psychologist, especially in clinical, counseling, and school settings. In many states, such as Connecticut, one can become a certified school psychologist with a master’s degree and sufficient supervised experience. As might be expected, the highest paid and greatest range of jobs in psychology are available to doctoral graduates.
Almost all colleges and universities in Connecticut offer bachelor and/or master’s degrees in psychology. Only the University of Connecticut in Storrs, the University of Hartford in West Hartford, and Yale University in New Haven offer doctoral degrees in
psychology.
Licensure is required for doctoral level psychologists in the state of Connecticut. Prerequisite: In addition to an approved Doctoral degree in psychology, licensure requires post-doctoral work experience and passing standard licensing examinations. Certification as a school psychologist is regulated by the State of Connecticut Department of Education.
American Psychological Association
750 First St, NE
Washington, DC 20002
(800) 374-2721
www.apa.org
National Association of School Psychologists
4030 East West Hwy, Suite 402
Bethesda, MD 20814
(301) 657-0270
www.nasponline.org