Psychologist

To be a successful Psychologist you should…

• like to solve problems by gathering information from a number of different sources
• be able to present information clearly through writing and speaking
• be knowledgeable about psychological tests and assessment techniques
• be familiar with psychotherapeutic approaches to helping people to change
• have good interpersonal skills and the ability to under stand how other people experience things
• be able to conduct and/or understand research related to human behavior and functioning
• feel strongly about helping people to do the best they can

What will my job be like?

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.

Some of the many subfields of psychology are:

Where could I work?

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.

Other workplace settings:

What is the average annual salary?

$82,200

What is the future of this career?

According to the BLS, employment of psychologists is projected to grow 8 percent from 2020 to 2030, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 13,400 openings for psychologists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

What type of education and/or training do I need?

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.

Where can I get the education and/or training?

Almost all colleges and universities in Connecticut offer bachelor and/or master’s degrees in psychology. Only the University of Connecticut in Storrs and Yale University in New Haven offer doctoral degrees in psychology.

Do I need a license or certification for this career?

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.

Where can I get more information?