Chapter 18 Psychology

Work Description Psychologists study the behavior of individuals or groups to ascertain and understand the fundamental processes of human behavior. Some psychologists interview people and develop, administer, and score a variety of psychological tests. Others work in mental health and rehabilitation centers, hospitals, and private practice providing counseling and therapy to persons suffering emotional or adjustment problems.

Psychology Psychology is a non-medical science Different from Psychiatry – a branch of medicine; Psychiatrists diagnose, provide therapy and prescribe drugs for mental health SOME Clinical psychologists can prescribe drugs but this requires more training and extensive testing (state)

Work Description: Clinical Psychologist Clinical psychologists specialize in the assessment and treatment of persons with mental and emotional problems and illnesses. They apply experience and scientific knowledge of human behavior to diagnose and treat psychological problems ranging from the developmental crises of adolescence to extreme psychotic conditions. Working in hospitals, clinics, or similar medical institutions, clinical psychologists design and conduct research either alone or in conjunction with physicians or other social scientists. All clinical psychologists apply scientific knowledge of human behavior to the care and treatment of the handicapped and the disturbed.

Work Description: Counseling psychologists Counseling psychologists help normal or moderately maladjusted persons, either individually or in groups, to gain self-understanding, recognize problems, and develop methods of coping with their difficulties. Counseling psychologists pay particular attention to the role of education and work in a person’s behavior and to the interaction between individuals and the environments in which they live. This type of counseling primarily emphasizes preventing the onset of mental illness.

Work Description: Developmental psychologists Developmental psychologists specialize in investigating the development of individuals from prenatal origins through old age. They seek to determine the origins of human behavior and the reasons for human growth and decline.

Work Description: Educational psychologists Educational psychologists design, develop, and evaluate materials and procedures to resolve problems in educational and training programs. These psychologists analyze educational problems, develop instructional materials, determine the best conditions for instruction, and evaluate the effectiveness of educational programs. Educational psychologists are employed by school systems, the military, private research and development firms, and industrial concerns.

Work Description: School psychologists School psychologists are concerned with developing effective programs for improving the intellectual, social, and emotional development of children in an educational system or school.

Work Description: Social psychologists Social psychologists study the effects of groups and individuals on the thoughts, feelings, attitudes, and behavior of the individual.

Employment Opportunities Educational institutions = employed about 29% of psychologists in positions such as counseling, testing, research, and administration. About 21% were employed in health care, primarily in offices of mental health practitioners, hospitals, physicians’ offices, and outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers. Government agencies at the state and local levels employed psychologists in correctional facilities, law enforcement, and other settings.

Education and Training A doctoral degree usually is required for independent practice as a psychologist. Psychologists with a PhD or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) qualify for a wide range of teaching, research, clinical, and counseling positions in universities, healthcare services, elementary and secondary schools, private industry, and government. Psychologists with a doctoral degree often work in clinical positions or in private practice, but they also sometimes teach, conduct research, or carry out administrative responsibilities.

Licensure Psychologists in independent practice or those who offer any type of patient care—including clinical, counseling, and school psychologists— must meet certification or licensing requirements in all states and the District of Columbia.

Other Qualifications Aspiring psychologists who are interested in direct patient care must be: Emotionally stable Mature Able to deal effectively with people Sensitive Compassionate Good communication skills Able to lead and inspire Professional Boundaries (see handout on Canvas) Patience and perseverance are vital qualities, because achieving results in the psychological treatment of patients or in research may take a long time.

Advancement - specializing The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) recognizes professional achievement by awarding specialty certification in 13 different areas, such as psychoanalysis, rehabilitation, forensic, group, school, clinical health, and couple and family. Candidates for ABPP certification must meet general criteria that consist of a doctorate in psychology, as well as state licensure. Each candidate must then meet additional criteria of the specialty field, which is usually a combination of postdoctoral training in their specialty, several years of experience, and professional endorsements, as determined by the ABPP. Applicants are then required to pass the specialty board examination.

Employment Trends Employment of psychologists is expected to grow 12% from 2008 to 2018, faster than the average for all occupations. Employment will grow because of: – increased demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, social service agencies, mental health centers, substance abuse treatment clinics, consulting firms, and private companies.

Earnings Median annual earnings of wage and salary clinical, counseling, and school psychologists in May 2008 were $64,140. The middle 50% earned between $48,700 and $82,800. The lowest 10% earned less than $37,900. The highest 10% earned more than $106,840.

Earnings Median annual earnings of wage and salary industrial-organizational psychologists in May 2008 were $77,010. The middle 50% earned between $54,100 and $115,720. The lowest 10% earned less than $38,690 The highest 10% earned more than $149,120.

Related Occupations Other occupations with similar duties include: Counselors Social workers Clergy Sociologists Special education teachers Funeral directors Market and survey researchers Recreation workers Managers and specialists in human resources, training, and labor relations