A career in Clinical Psychology involves years of study, (up to doctorate level for a licensed Psychologist) and is growing in popularity within the US and UK.

Clinical Psychology Explained

Few people outside the profession can actually explain what Clinical Psychology is. The British Psychological Society states very simply, “Psychology is the scientific study of people, the mind and behaviour. It is both a thriving academic discipline and a vital professional practice”.

The largest sub section of psychology, it is based on the care, treatment, diagnosis and assessment of mental disorders and behavior within adults and children. This encompasses learning disabilities, emotional trauma, phobias, substance abuse, or more serious conditions like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.

Clinical Psychologists – Their Role

Clinical psychologists work in hospitals, mental health institutions, private clinics, the military or government sectors but they are not medical doctors, nor do they generally prescribe medications.

Psychologists either concentrate on treating a wide variety of disorders or specialize in one or two specific aspects such as depression or schizophrenia.

Clinical Psychology – Working Environments

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook 2004 US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Clinical psychologists work most often in counseling centers, independent or group practices, hospitals, or clinics and on average, 4 out of 10 psychologists in the US are self employed.

A recent survey from the American Psychology Association Research Office (APA) shows that in 2001, 65% of American psychologists worked in private practice.

About 10% of Psychologists are employed as faculty by colleges and universities in teaching and research positions. Many divide their time between teaching and part-time consulting practices.

It may also be possible to work on a supervised, voluntary, part-time basis through a regional health service. For anyone seriously considering a career in Clinical Psychology, this gives an opportunity to ‘dip a toe in the water’ before making a full time commitment to the profession.

Clinical Psychology – Pro’s and Con’s

Clinical psychology is a rewarding but highly demanding profession.

• Psychologists often complain of burn out from the long hours. Working hours are often unsociable, with evenings, weekend and shift work.
• The demanding nature of the jobs means psychologists are treating clients who can be unstable, aggressive, uncooperative, argumentative and sometimes suicidal.
• Whilst the successful treatment of cases is very rewarding and self satisfying, there is also an element of frustration when dealing with patients who are unwilling to follow through on life changes.
• Opportunities for self-employment and to work in educational or research posts.
• Strong interpersonal and communicative skills are a must. There is plenty of scope for creativity in finding workable solutions.
• Good organizing and administrative skills are required. Comprehensive client records need to be kept, often for use in insurance cases or in a court of law.

Clinical Psychology – Qualifications and Job Prospects

To work independently in a private practice you must be licensed, which normally requires a PhD (although in some US states a master’s degree is sufficient). For a working unlicensed psychologist, supervision by a doctoral level psychologist is mandatory.

Bachelor’s Degree:

It is possible to enter the profession with just a bachelor’s degree, although job opportunities are limited at this level and mainly involve interacting with patients rather than directly influencing their treatment.

Work is available as a technician, psychiatric or research assistant and in assisting licensed psychologists at health centers, residential homes, and on vocational or correctional programs.

Master’s Degree:

Masters’ degrees (MSc, MPhil) usually involve a period of 2 years full time study and include an internship in an applied setting or a thesis based on original research.

A master’s degree enables a psychologist to work in clinics, hospitals, government institutions, health centers and group practices. Without a PhD, some posts require supervision by a doctorate holder. In some US states it may also possible to become licensed.

PhD:

A PhD is usually an essential requirement in becoming a licensed practitioner or for holding teaching and research posts. It involves between 5 to 7 years of study, including a 1 year internship. A dissertation based on original research or on practical work and examinations is required.

For those wishing to study in Britain, the British Psychological Society publishes a free downloadable book entitled Psychology in the United Kingdom.

Clinical Psychology – Salary Levels in the USA

According to the US Bureau's Labour Statistics 2004 Occupational Outlook Handbook , the average salary for a clinical, counseling or school psychologist in 2004 was $63,340.

In 1997, the starting salary for a bachelor’s degree holder was approximately $20,600.

The APA Research Office - 1997 Salaries in Psychology, outlines salary levels based on years of experience in individual fields of expertise including faculty, education and research.

Their findings show that in 1997 the average salary level for a master’s qualified psychologist was $40,000.

Clinical Psychology Programs and Institutions

The British Psychological Society and the Psychological Society of Ireland provide a list of accredited undergraduate and graduate courses.

Psychology Societies and Associations

The American Psychology Association, the British Psychological Society and the

Psychological Society of Ireland offer practical information and advice on careers.

Free Downloadable Books and Journals

• The British Psychological Society has a comprehensive handbook entitled So You Want to be a Psychologist.
• The Clinical Psychologist is a quarterly publication of The Society of Clinical Psychology (Division 12).