BEHAVIORAL HEALTH
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 understand 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 abnoramal 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 performace. With people living longer and society becoming more ethnically and culturally varied, psychologists are finding new opportunities to conduct research and develop serivces 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.
Specialties
- Clinical
- Counseling
- Developmental
- Educational
- Engineering
- Forensic
- Geropschology
- Health Psychology
- Industrial/Organizational
- Neuropsychology
- Rehaviliation
- School Psychology
- Social Psychology
- Sports Psychology
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: Businesses; Colleges and Universities; Market Research Firms; Prisons; Rehabilitation Centers
Other workplace settings:
- Businesses; Colleges and Universities
- Market Research Firms
- Prisons
- Rehabilitation Centers
Average Annual Salary
$92,740 per year
What is the future of this career?
Overall employment of psychologists is projected to grow 7 percent from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
About 13,000 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.
Type of Education/Training
Psychologists receive their education through academic programs at colleges and universitites. 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 could I get the education/training?
- Albertus Magnus College
- Central Connecticut State University
- Eastern Connecticut State University
- Fairfield University
- Mitchell College
- Post University
- Quinnipiac University
- Sacred Heart University
- Southern Connecticut State University
- Trinity College
- University of Bridgeport
- University of Connecticut
- University of Hartford
- University of New Haven
- University of Saint Joseph
- Wesleyan University
- Western Connecticut State University
- Yale University
Licensing/Certification
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.
More Information
American Psychological Association
750 First Street NE
Washington, DC 20002
800-374-2721
National Association of School Psychologists
4340 East West Hwy, Suite 402
Bethesda, MD 20814
301-657-0270
