Pursuing a Career in Clinical Psychology: A Review

The International Journal of Indian Psychology

ISSN 2348-5396 (e) | ISSN: 2349-3429 (p)

Volume 2, Issue 4, DIP: B03104V2I42015

http://www.ijip.in | July – September, 2015

Commons Attribution License (http://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0), which permits unrestricted use,

distribution, and reproduction in any Medium, provided the original work is properly cited.

Pursuing a Career in Clinical Psychology: A Review

Mina Khatibi

Keywords: Career, clinical psychology

Clinical psychology is a branch of psychology devoted to understanding mental health problems

in individuals and developing effective treatments for the full spectrum of mental, emotional, and

behavioral disorders one may experience; depression, anxiety disorders, interpersonal

difficulties, and psychotic disorders are but a few. Clinical psychologists are service providers,

many of whom work in clinical settings while others choose academic careers or careers in

consulting. As a group, clinical psychologists are skilled in clinical practice as well as research

on clinical problems and clinical interventions (University of Glasgow, 2014).

While they often work in medical settings, clinical psychologists are not medical doctors and do

not prescribe medications in most states. Clinical psychology represents the largest subfield of

psychologists. Specialty areas within clinical psychology include child mental health, adult

mental health, learning disabilities, emotional disturbances, substance abuse, geriatrics, and

health psychology (Cherry, 2015).

Most clinical psychologists have a doctorate degree in clinical psychology, although

opportunities also exist for those with a master’s degree (Cherry, 2014).Before committing

yourself to pursuing a career in clinical psychology, it is essential to consider a number of

important points which should help as you think about graduate training and help you to better

plan for a career in clinical psychology (University of Glasgow, 2014).

HISTORY OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY

By the second half of the 1800s, the scientific study of psychology was becoming well-

established in university laboratories. Although there were a few scattered voices calling for an

applied psychology, the general field looked down upon this idea and insisted on "pure" science

as the only respectable practice. This changed when Lightner Witmer (1867–1956), a past

student of Wundt and head of the psychology department at the University of Pennsylvania,

agreed to treat a young boy who had trouble with spelling.

His successful treatment was soon to lead to Witmer's opening of the first psychological clinic at

Penn in 1896, dedicated to helping children with learning disabilities.

PhD Student, Department of Educational Psychology, Shiraz University, UAE Branch, Dubai, UAE

Pursuing a Career in Clinical Psychology: A Review

Ten years later in 1907, Witmer was to found the first journal of this new field, The

Psychological Clinic, where he coined the term "clinical psychology," which he defined as "the

study of individuals, by observation or experimentation, with the intention of promoting change."

The field was slow to follow Witmer's example, but by 1914, there were 26 similar clinics in the

U.S.(Alessandri, et al., 1995).

Although his ideas were somewhat slow to catch on, Witmer is now credited with being one of

the founding fathers of clinical psychology. His progress in treating that one child helped pave

the way for the future of clinical psychology (Careersinpsychology.org., 2015).

What Does A Clinical Psychologist Do?

Clinical psychologists often work in hospitals, private practice, or academic settings. Clinicians

are trained in a range of techniques and theoretical approaches. Some specialize in treating

certain psychological disorders, while others work with clients suffering from a wide variety of

problems. Clinical psychologists treat some of the most severe psychiatric disorders such as

schizophrenia and depression. In addition to working with clients, clinical psychologists have to

keep detailed records of client assessment, diagnosis, therapeutic goals, and treatment notes.

These records help clinicians and clients track progress and are often needed for billing and

insurance purposes (Cherry, 2015).

Job Responsibilities for Clinical Psychologist:

1. Assessing and diagnosing a client’s psychological functioning and behavior using direct

observation, interviews, and psychometric tests.

2. Developing a course of therapy using empirically supported (or scientifically valid)

psychological treatments for clients.

3. Working in conjunction with other healthcare professionals to ensure the best course of

treatment for a client’s needs.

4. Treating psychological disorders using various psychological techniques, such as

cognitive therapy, behavioral treatment, stress inoculation training, anxiety management,

and exposure therapy.

5. Conducting applied research for the development and validation of assessments and

interventions, and for program evaluation (Clinical psychologist, 2015).

A Career In Clinical Psychology Requires:

1. Excellent communication skills.

2. Skill in the analysis of personal problems and individual needs.

3. An understanding of the influence of feelings, attitudes, thoughts, and perspectives on the

behavior of others.

4. An understanding of ethical principles, of diversity, and of cultural context.

5. The ability to lead, inspire, and work effectively with people.

6. Personal integrity and a commitment to behave ethically.

7. An active concern for the welfare of others.

8. Recognition of the need for competence and continuous learning.

9. An ability to be non-judgmental and objective (Clinical psychologist, 2015).

Pursuing a Career in Clinical Psychology: A Review

What are the Education Requirements to become a Clinical Psychologist?

In many parts of the U.S. those who provide psychological services to the public are required to

have a doctoral degree. This can be either a PhD or a PsyD, but it should be from a program that

is accredited by the American Psychological Association. Most states will only issue licenses to

those who have completed accredited programs. In some places you can practice with only a

master's degree, but often must work under the supervision of a doctoral level psychologist.

Coursework may include, depending on the degree, classes in neuropsychology, ethics, social

psychology, psychopathology, psychotherapy, statistics, and research design. Students also must

spend time getting practical experience. In clinical psychology programs, for example, students

treat clients under the supervision of a licensed psychologist (McKay, 2015).

While some individuals find work with a master’s degree, most positions require a doctoral

degree in clinical psychology. Some graduate programs accepts applicants with undergraduate

degrees in other disciplines, but most encourage students to get a bachelor’s degree in

psychology before pursuing graduate study in clinical psychology(Cherry, 2015).

There are two major training models for doctoral degrees. The traditional PhD in Psychology (or

Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology) emphasizes the role of the research and science. The PsyD

degree (Doctor of Psychology) is primarily focused on clinical and practitioner work. PsyD

programs are attractive to many students because they typically take approximately a year less

time to complete than a PhD. On the other hand, PhD programs tend to provide better funding of

graduate students (Cherry, 2015).

Average length of study for various degrees in clinical

psychology.

Psychologist educational track Average education length

Earn a bachelor's degree 4 years

Earn a master's degree 2 additional years

Earn a PhD or PsyD 2-4 additional years

As with all other psychology careers, becoming a clinical psychologist requires extensive

training and education. In order to start a clinical psychology career, individuals will typically

need to earn a bachelor’s in psychology or clinical psychology. Additional schooling is also

usually necessary after the four- year degree. This typically includes earning a master’s degree

and doctoral degree in clinical psychology (Careersinpsychology.org., 2015).

Pursuing a Career in Clinical Psychology: A Review

WHAT DO CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGISTS STUDY?

Required courses for a doctorate in clinical psychology typically include:

1. History.

2. Theory and systems in psychology.

3. Psychometrics.

4. Psychological assessment.

5. Psychological interventions.

6. A doctoral seminar.

7. Students must also complete two practicums in clinical psychology and one year as an

intern before obtaining a PhD(Clinical psychologist, 2015).

Does It Require Internship?

For clinical and counseling psychologists, a doctorate in psychology is usually required. In

addition to the doctorate degree, an approved internship and one to two years of professional

experience is also needed. All states also require that applicants pass an examination. In most

states, the examination consists of a standardized test administered by the state licensing board.

In some cases, applicants are also required to complete additional oral or essay questions. Some

states require continuing education for renewal of the license (McKay, 2015).

What Types of Treatments are used in Clinical Psychology?

Clinical psychologists typically don’t use medication to treat disorders. If medication is needed

for a particular disorder, the patient will usually be referred to another mental health

professional, such as a psychiatrist.

Different types of therapy are usually used as treatment options in clinical psychology instead.

This can include cognitive behavioral therapy, family therapy, group therapy, and hypnotherapy.

These types of therapies focus more on talking through one’s problems and trying to figure out

better ways to handle life’s hurdles (Careersinpsychology.org., 2015).

Where could a Clinical Psychologist Work?

1. Regional health authorities such as hospitals, mental health clinics, and psychiatric and

rehabilitation centers.

2. Private practice.

3. Universities and colleges.

4. Industry.

5. The military.

6. Prisons and correctional facilities.

7. Research agencies.

8. Schools.

9. Government (Clinical psychologist, 2015).

Pursuing a Career in Clinical Psychology: A Review

Licensing Requirement:

Psychologists who deliver patient care must meet certification or licensing requirements in all

states. It is important to check the licensing requirements in the state in which you want to work

to find out which type of degree you need to pursue (McKay, 2015).

Job outlook:

Clinical psychology is a growing field, and the demand for clinical psychologists in the U.S. is

expected to increase from 2010 through 2020. The government predicts a 22% increase, which is

faster than the average rate of job growth, for a total of 37,700 jobs added during those ten years

(McKay, 2015).

Employment fact:

Psychologists held about 174,000 jobs in 2010. There were 154,000 clinical, counseling, and

school psychologists, 2,000 industrial-organizational psychologists, and 18,000 who were

employed in other specializations.

Since clinical psychologists must be available when their clients can see them, many work in the

evenings and on weekends. Those who have private practices can work part-time if they wish.

Clinical psychologists need to have excellent communication skills. It is also important to be

creative when developing treatment plans and approaches. Before you decide on a career in

clinical psychology, contact local human services providers about volunteer opportunities that

may be available. Clinical psychology can be both a demanding and deeply rewarding field and

volunteer experiences can help you decide if a career in clinical psychology is right for

you(McKay, 2015).

WHAT ARE THE PROS AND CONS OF A CAREER IN CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY?

Benefits of a career in clinical psychology:

• Helping people overcome problems can be extremely rewarding.

• Differing client needs and challenges allow clinicians to search for creative solutions.

• Opportunities for self-employment.

Downsides of a career in clinical psychology:

• Insurance companies require that clinical psychologists keep extensive client records, so

there is a considerable amount of paperwork.

• There is a risk of burnout due to the demanding nature of therapy.

• Clinical psychologists often work long hours with clients who can be demanding,

argumentative, or unstable(Cherry, 2015).

How much do clinical psychologists earn?

According to the American Psychology Association Research Office, in 2001 the average salary

for a licensed clinical psychologist was $72,000. Of the psychologists surveyed, 65% worked in

private practice, 19% worked in medical settings, and 2% worked in some other human services

setting.

Pursuing a Career in Clinical Psychology: A Review

The U. S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook reports that employment in

psychology is expected to grow faster than the average. The rising need for qualified mental

healthcare professionals will contribute to a demand for clinical psychologists(Cherry, 2015).

In a 2000 survey by the American Psychological Association, the average salary for a licensed

clinical psychologist was $87,015. Out of the surveyed psychologists, 15% worked in group

medical settings, 57% worked in private practice, and 2% were employed in some other human

services setting.

According to Payscale.com, typical salaries for clinical psychologists range between $51,885 and

$90,330. However, it is important to note that several different factors can impact the salary you

might expect including level of education, years of experience, work setting, and geographic

location. For example, for clinical psychologist working in private practice with five years of

experience, the average salary in 2009 was $54,000. For those with 10 to 14 years of experience,

the average wage was nearly $100,000(Grove, 2015).In 2011, salaried clinical, counseling, and

school psychologists in the U.S. earned a median annual salary of $67,880 ($32.64 per hour).

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics:

• Psychologists can expect faster-than-average job growth, as much as 15% through 2016.

• As of 2006, about 34% of psychologists were self-employed.

• Offices of mental health practitioners, hospitals, physicians' offices, and outpatient

mental health and substance abuse centers employ about 21% of psychologists.

• Nearly 29% of psychologists are employed to provide counseling, testing, research, and

administration within educational institutions.

• An increasing number of employee assistance programs, which help workers deal with

personal problems, also should lead to employment growth for clinical

psychologists(Grove, 2015).

What are the differences between PhD, PsyD, and Counseling Psychology?

PhD programs are housed in psychology departments and emphasize both research training and

clinical training. They require that students conduct independent empirical research to complete

the degree requirements. People with PhDs in clinical psychology are eligible to apply for jobs in

research, teaching, and clinical practice. As such, their employment opportunities are broader

than those of PsyDs. In PsyD programs, the emphasis is on training clinical practitioners. Such

programs are usually less competitive than PhD programs and place less emphasis on the

scientific basis of clinical psychology(University of Columbia, 2015).

What are the differences between Psychiatry and Clinical Psychology?

Psychiatrists are medical doctors who acquire specialized training in the field of psychiatry.

Preparation for being a psychiatrist involves (a) completing undergraduate pre-med courses, (b)

completing medical school (four years) and a one-year medical internship, and (c) a residency in

Pursuing a Career in Clinical Psychology: A Review

psychiatry. The main difference between what psychiatrists and psychologists can do is that

psychiatrists can prescribe drugs. The majority of psychiatric residencies emphasize the

biological basis of mental illness and psychiatrists tend to focus on drug-related treatments of

mental illness. Psychologists engage in a variety of kinds of talk therapy. Often psychiatrists and

psychologists work together to treat people with a mental illness(University of Columbia, 2015).

Completing a PhD/PsyD program

Most clinical PhD programs take five to six years to complete. An additional year is spent doing

a clinical internship. This is usually in a hospital or mental health center and is intended to

provide experience with a range of clinical work. After internship, additional supervised clinical

work is needed to become licensed as a clinical psychologist. PsyD and counseling psychologists

who also complete an internship and the other requirements of licensing can get a license. In

addition to the degree and the clinical experience, candidates for a license must pass an

exam(University of Columbia, 2015).

CONCLUSION

You will most likely apply to several programs perhaps with some variation in terms of how

selective they are. But, in general, apply to those which you have some reasonable chance of

admission. Consider the question: Would this be a good place for me to study, if I am offered

admission? Again, applying to graduate training in clinical psychology is a long-term

commitment and this kind of planning takes time. Start your search as soon as possible. It can be

fun as well as informative(University of Glasgow, 2014).

How to become a clinical psychologist (10 steps)?

The road to becoming a clinical psychologist is a long and hard one and only the most dedicated

students succeed. Graduate programs in clinical psychology are competitive and accept only the

best of the best. You must make it through one of these programs and get through another two

years of training before you can become a licensed clinical psychologist(Barratt C, et al., 2015).

1. Finish your high school courses with at least a 3.0 grade point average (GPA).

2. Enroll in an undergraduate psychology program at an accredited university of your

choice.

3. Participate in research projects, internships, and teaching assistant programs as much as

possible.

4. Join psychology clubs and stay active with them.

5. Start shopping around for a grad program in clinical psychology.

6. Apply to any programs that appeal to you. Submit everything that the school asks for by

the deadline.

7. Study hard once you enter your clinical psychology graduate program.

8. Complete your post-doctoral training with a licensed clinical psychologist.

9. Fill out the application for a state clinical psychology license and submit any associated

fees.

10. Set up your new practice or discuss staying at your post-doctoral supervisor's practice.

Pursuing a Career in Clinical Psychology: A Review

REFERENCES

Alessandri, M., Heiden, L., Dunbar-Welter, M. (1995). "History and overview". In: Heiden, L. &

Hersen, M. (Eds). Introduction to Clinical Psychology. New York, NY: Plenum Press.

pp. 3–19.

Barratt C, et al. (2015). How to become a clinical psychologist, wikiHow.

http://www.wikihow.com/Become-a-Clinical-Psychologist.

Careersinpsychology.org. (2015). How to become a psychologist? Clinical psychologist careers,

education requirements, salary, information.http://careersinpsychology.org/becoming-a-

clinical-psychologist.

Cherry, K. (2014). Have you considered a career in psychology? About.com Guide.

http://psychology.about.com/od/careersinpsychology/ss/become-a-psychologist.htm.

Cherry, K. (2015). Career in psychology. Clinical psychology careers, About.com Guide,

http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologycareerprofiles/p/clinicalpsych.htm.

Clinical psychologist. (2015). Career profile, Saskatchewan Health, Saskatchewan

learning,m.therapists.psychologytoday.com/…Saskatchewan.html.

Grove, D. (2015). Clinical psychology as a career, Midwestern University,

midwestern.edu/.../il-clinical-psychology.html.

McKay, D.R. (2015). Psychologist: Career information, About.com

Guide,careerplanning.about.com/…ations/p/psychologist.htm.

University of Columbia. (2015). Preparing for a career in clinical psychology. Department of

Psychology at University of Columbia,

http://www.tc.columbia.edu/academic/ccp/clinical/.

University of Glasgow. (2014). So, you want to become a clinical psychologist. Department of

Psychology,www.psy.gla.ac.uk/docs/pdfs/BPS_careers_guides.pdf.