Clinical and Counseling Psychology - A Career Profile

A Brief Synopsis of a Clinical or Counseling Psychologist's Duties

Clinical and counseling psychologists work with individuals of all ages and cultural backgrounds in an effort to understand and treat a wide variety of psychological issues.  Whereas clinical psychology focuses on the analysis of and treatment for certain severe psychological dysfunctions within the human brain, counseling psychology focuses more on alleviating the stress from common disorders that hinder selected individuals from leading normal lives.  In recent years, clinical psychology and counseling psychology have come to be viewed as inseparable doctrines by some experts in the field. 

A clinical or counseling psychologist might find work in private practices, academic environments and, also, hospitals.   These varied settings, combined with the diverse nature of psychological problems from every patient, make the day-to-day responsibilities of each clinical or counseling psychologist very different from one another. 

Nevertheless, every clinical or counseling psychologist will experience some similarities throughout a typical workday.  At the beginning of each day, a clinical or counseling psychologist must prepare the paperwork for the day's appointments.  In addition, a clinical or counseling psychologist usually sees around five patients each day, a process that involves intense listening skills and an ability to respond appropriately to a variety of different psychological issues.  After each session, a clinical or counseling psychologist must also complete paperwork, for example, in order to submit insurance forms.  Even though a typical workday can sometimes last more than 12 hours, the clinical and counseling psychologist gains occupational satisfaction from helping individuals overcome psychological challenges.  

Essential and Recommended Skills

As with most occupations, clinical and counseling psychologists need good communication skills.  They must be ready to work closely and earnestly with patients in order to inspire and lead them to better lives.  Therefore, a clinical or counseling psychologist must be compassionate, perceptive and sensitive to the needs of each individual patient.  In addition, because the treatment of psychological issues can sometimes stretch out over a very long period of time, a clinical or counseling psychologist must also exude a certain level of patience and determination.

Annual Earnings

According to the United States Department of Labor, the median salary of clinical and counseling psychologists in May 2006 was $59,440.  Out of all workers in the field, the lowest 10 percent earned less than $35,280 and the highest 10 percent earned more than $102,730.  The middle 50 percent earned between $45,300 and $77,750. 

The Benefits Package

Due to the wide variety of work settings in which clinical and counseling psychologists might practice, it is difficult to pinpoint specific employee benefits.  Each hospital or health care provider may have an entirely different benefits program, making it necessary for each individual to investigate the option that makes the most sense.  However, if a clinical or counseling psychologist sets up a private practice, he or she will have the luxury of determining what benefits would be best for that given situation.   

Employment Opportunities and Trends

As present, there are opportunities for work in many different fields within the scope of clinical and counseling psychology. According to the Department of Labor, the number of psychologists totaled around 166,000 jobs in 2006.  A large contingency of this group (29 percent) consisted of psychologists employed by educational institutions.  Another sizable group of psychologists (21 percent) were employed by health care facilities and practitioners.  Many psychologists were also employed by government agencies for use in law enforcement and correctional facilities.

Although job growth for clinical and counseling psychologists is expected to be above average over the next decade, the amount of growth will fluctuate, depending on the interest in and awareness of the discipline's subfields.  There is always a growing need in modern society for individuals capable of assessing and treating psychological problems.  Whether that need is met through employee assistance programs, veteran counseling programs, psychological aid for the elderly or more traditional treatment sessions with regular patients, clinical and counseling psychology will certainly experience a high level of growth over the upcoming years. 

Advancing Up the Ladder

Although it is necessary to possess a bachelor's degree in psychology before attempting to locate a job, attaining a master's or doctorate degree will greatly improve one's chance of landing a solid employment opportunity that will provide financial stability.  Most states require an individual to complete a master's or doctorate program before becoming a licensed practicing psychologist.  Without a higher-level degree, individuals with only bachelor's degrees are usually required to work under a doctorate level psychologist in hospitals or other mental health facilities.  In addition, many clinical or counseling psychologists with doctorate degrees typically decide to enter private practice after a few years in the field, allowing for more autonomy and overall flexibility in scheduling.

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor. (2008) Occupational outlook handbook: Psychologists (2008-09 ed.). Retrieved February 15, 2008, from http://stats.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm