1 answer
Payleigh
Student
Payne, OH
2
Questions
Updated
209 views
What kinds of experience and education do you need to become a clinical psychologist?
For additional information, I'm a high school student who needs to find information on this job for a career project.
Login to comment
1 answer
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
962
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hello Payleigh,
Good question! Knowing the entire path ahead is beneficial if you want to work as a clinical psychologist, and it's great that you're considering it in high school.
A bachelor's degree in psychology or a closely related discipline, such as sociology, human development, or even biology, is the first requirement. Try to gain experience during your undergraduate studies by volunteering, joining clubs related to psychology, or helping with research if you can. These chances will help you develop your knowledge early and make a lasting impression later.
Getting a doctorate, either a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or a Psy. D. (Doctor of Psychology), in clinical psychology, is the next important step after completing your bachelor's. While a Psy. D. is more focused on therapy practice and working one-on-one with clients, a Ph.D. is more focused on research and can lead to employment in both clinical work and academia. Both paths typically involve study, clinical training, and internships and require five to seven years to finish.
Before you may obtain a license, you must complete supervised clinical experience in addition to your degree, which is typically required 1–2 years after graduation. This is usually referred to as a postdoctoral fellowship. Following that, you must fulfill any additional state-specific criteria and pass a license exam (in the US, that's the EPPP).
Throughout your journey, it's also beneficial to develop your communication skills, empathy, patience, and emotional resilience. Being well-trained, grounded, and sympathetic are essential qualities for clinical psychologists because they frequently engage with individuals who are experiencing severe difficulties.
You've chosen a fascinating and influential field to study; never stop asking insightful questions!
Best wishes!
Good question! Knowing the entire path ahead is beneficial if you want to work as a clinical psychologist, and it's great that you're considering it in high school.
A bachelor's degree in psychology or a closely related discipline, such as sociology, human development, or even biology, is the first requirement. Try to gain experience during your undergraduate studies by volunteering, joining clubs related to psychology, or helping with research if you can. These chances will help you develop your knowledge early and make a lasting impression later.
Getting a doctorate, either a Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) or a Psy. D. (Doctor of Psychology), in clinical psychology, is the next important step after completing your bachelor's. While a Psy. D. is more focused on therapy practice and working one-on-one with clients, a Ph.D. is more focused on research and can lead to employment in both clinical work and academia. Both paths typically involve study, clinical training, and internships and require five to seven years to finish.
Before you may obtain a license, you must complete supervised clinical experience in addition to your degree, which is typically required 1–2 years after graduation. This is usually referred to as a postdoctoral fellowship. Following that, you must fulfill any additional state-specific criteria and pass a license exam (in the US, that's the EPPP).
Throughout your journey, it's also beneficial to develop your communication skills, empathy, patience, and emotional resilience. Being well-trained, grounded, and sympathetic are essential qualities for clinical psychologists because they frequently engage with individuals who are experiencing severe difficulties.
You've chosen a fascinating and influential field to study; never stop asking insightful questions!
Best wishes!