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Melodie
Student
Orlando, Florida
1
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• What steps would you recommend I take to prepare to enter this field?
#college #psychology #counseling psychologist #clinical-psychology #child-psychology #college-major
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3 answers
David Slay
community / clinical psychologist (retired)
25
Answers
Seal Beach, California
Updated
David’s Answer
I thought Jennifer Webb's answer was very complete; the only thing I can add is that in most states there may be different "kinds" of psychologists, such as clinical or counseling psychologists, school psychologists, forensic psychologists, etc., and each may have different college and graduate school preparation pathways and credentialing requirements. In California, for example, School Psychologists get credentialed by the Dept. of Education whereas professional psychologists (those who are licensed to offer services to the public for a fee) are licensed by the Board of Psychology. Some careers as a psychologist require you to have a license whether or not you plan to practice independently, including many positions in clinics, hospitals, public schools, and most governmental agencies. Other careers as a psychologist do not necessarily require getting licensed, such as university or college level teaching and research positions.
As you continue to identify your personal and career interests in psychology, also look into what the typical education, training (e.g., internship), and credentialing requirements are in your state.
If you haven't checked it out yet, the American Psychological Association's website (click on Careers) has a lot of information for students about becoming a psychologist.
David recommends the following next steps:
Jennifer Webb
Educator, Photographer
2
Answers
Capitola, California
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
The field of counseling and psychology is a noble profession, and at this time especially, there is a great need for people with compassion and integrity in this career . There are many different opportunities and facets to this field, so you can make good use of your time now by exploring different age groups you want to work with in order to narrow your goal. Also, think about what environment you see yourself working in most successfully. Do you want to work in a school or hospital setting, or would you like to have your own practice?
One thing that I encourage you to do which will help you decide your specific career goals is to watch the news, and be up on local and national current events. Whether it be LGBTQ, racism, gun violence, homeless, notice which topics you are drawn to and which groups you sympathize with most, and this will help you decide your desired setting. Once you have an idea of where you want to be, try to learn as much on your own about these groups of interest.
Your community college or four year college will also help you explore opportunities, and you can be doing volunteer work during the summers to obtain good experience. Your graduate degree will require that you choose a specific internship so that you will become an expert in a chosen area. This will help you prepare to be successful in your profession.
Best of luck to you while you work hard toward accomplishing your goals!
Keep up on current events and the news to find out what conflicts you are most interested in: homelessness, marriage and family, suicide, LGBTQ, gun violence , etc.
While you are obtaining your undergraduate degree in psychology, find ways to volunteer in your topics of interest
As you are doing your graduate degree, obtain your internship working in the setting you are most interested in : hospital, school, private practice, etc.
One thing that I encourage you to do which will help you decide your specific career goals is to watch the news, and be up on local and national current events. Whether it be LGBTQ, racism, gun violence, homeless, notice which topics you are drawn to and which groups you sympathize with most, and this will help you decide your desired setting. Once you have an idea of where you want to be, try to learn as much on your own about these groups of interest.
Your community college or four year college will also help you explore opportunities, and you can be doing volunteer work during the summers to obtain good experience. Your graduate degree will require that you choose a specific internship so that you will become an expert in a chosen area. This will help you prepare to be successful in your profession.
Best of luck to you while you work hard toward accomplishing your goals!
Jennifer recommends the following next steps:
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
6342
Answers
Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Melodie!
Steps to Prepare for a Career in Psychology and Counseling
1. Understand the Field of Psychology Before entering the field, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of what psychology encompasses. Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, which can be applied in various settings such as clinical, counseling, educational, and organizational environments. Familiarize yourself with different branches of psychology, including clinical psychology, counseling psychology, child psychology, and others.
2. Choose an Appropriate Major Select a major that aligns with your career goals. A bachelor’s degree in psychology is often the first step for those looking to enter this field. Courses typically cover topics such as developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, research methods, and statistics. If you are interested in specializing further (e.g., clinical or child psychology), consider pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree afterward.
3. Gain Relevant Experience Experience in the field is invaluable. Look for internships or volunteer opportunities that allow you to work in settings relevant to your interests—such as schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, or community organizations. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your resume but also provide insight into daily responsibilities and challenges faced by professionals in the field.
4. Develop Strong Communication Skills Effective communication is essential for psychologists and counselors who must convey complex information clearly and empathetically to clients. Work on developing both verbal and written communication skills through coursework, presentations, and group projects.
5. Pursue Advanced Education Most positions in clinical psychology require advanced degrees (master’s or doctorate). Research programs that offer specializations aligned with your interests (e.g., child psychology) and ensure they are accredited by relevant bodies such as the American Psychological Association (APA). Graduate programs often include supervised clinical training which is critical for licensure.
6. Obtain Licensure To practice as a psychologist or counselor legally, you must obtain licensure in your state. This typically involves completing a specified number of supervised hours post-graduation and passing a licensing exam (such as the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology - EPPP). Check with your state’s licensing board for specific requirements.
7. Stay Informed About Current Research Psychology is an evolving field; staying updated on current research findings and methodologies is crucial for effective practice. Subscribe to professional journals like “The American Journal of Psychology” or “Journal of Counseling Psychology,” attend workshops/conferences, and engage with professional organizations such as the APA.
8. Network Professionally Building a professional network can provide support throughout your career journey. Join student organizations related to psychology at your college/university; attend networking events; connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn; seek mentorship from experienced psychologists.
9. Consider Specialization Areas As you progress through your education and gain experience, consider areas of specialization that interest you most—such as child therapy techniques or cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches—this can help tailor your education towards specific career paths within psychology.
By following these steps diligently while remaining committed to lifelong learning within this dynamic field, you will be well-prepared to enter the profession of psychology or counseling successfully.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Psychological Association (APA)
The APA provides comprehensive resources about various fields within psychology including education requirements, licensure information, ethical guidelines, and current research trends.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
NIMH offers valuable insights into mental health research which can inform future psychologists about prevalent issues affecting populations today.
Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
CACREP outlines standards for educational programs preparing students for careers in counseling ensuring quality education aligned with industry needs.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
GOD BLESS!
JC.
Steps to Prepare for a Career in Psychology and Counseling
1. Understand the Field of Psychology Before entering the field, it is crucial to have a clear understanding of what psychology encompasses. Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes, which can be applied in various settings such as clinical, counseling, educational, and organizational environments. Familiarize yourself with different branches of psychology, including clinical psychology, counseling psychology, child psychology, and others.
2. Choose an Appropriate Major Select a major that aligns with your career goals. A bachelor’s degree in psychology is often the first step for those looking to enter this field. Courses typically cover topics such as developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, research methods, and statistics. If you are interested in specializing further (e.g., clinical or child psychology), consider pursuing a master’s or doctoral degree afterward.
3. Gain Relevant Experience Experience in the field is invaluable. Look for internships or volunteer opportunities that allow you to work in settings relevant to your interests—such as schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, or community organizations. This hands-on experience will not only enhance your resume but also provide insight into daily responsibilities and challenges faced by professionals in the field.
4. Develop Strong Communication Skills Effective communication is essential for psychologists and counselors who must convey complex information clearly and empathetically to clients. Work on developing both verbal and written communication skills through coursework, presentations, and group projects.
5. Pursue Advanced Education Most positions in clinical psychology require advanced degrees (master’s or doctorate). Research programs that offer specializations aligned with your interests (e.g., child psychology) and ensure they are accredited by relevant bodies such as the American Psychological Association (APA). Graduate programs often include supervised clinical training which is critical for licensure.
6. Obtain Licensure To practice as a psychologist or counselor legally, you must obtain licensure in your state. This typically involves completing a specified number of supervised hours post-graduation and passing a licensing exam (such as the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology - EPPP). Check with your state’s licensing board for specific requirements.
7. Stay Informed About Current Research Psychology is an evolving field; staying updated on current research findings and methodologies is crucial for effective practice. Subscribe to professional journals like “The American Journal of Psychology” or “Journal of Counseling Psychology,” attend workshops/conferences, and engage with professional organizations such as the APA.
8. Network Professionally Building a professional network can provide support throughout your career journey. Join student organizations related to psychology at your college/university; attend networking events; connect with professionals on platforms like LinkedIn; seek mentorship from experienced psychologists.
9. Consider Specialization Areas As you progress through your education and gain experience, consider areas of specialization that interest you most—such as child therapy techniques or cognitive-behavioral therapy approaches—this can help tailor your education towards specific career paths within psychology.
By following these steps diligently while remaining committed to lifelong learning within this dynamic field, you will be well-prepared to enter the profession of psychology or counseling successfully.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Psychological Association (APA)
The APA provides comprehensive resources about various fields within psychology including education requirements, licensure information, ethical guidelines, and current research trends.
National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH)
NIMH offers valuable insights into mental health research which can inform future psychologists about prevalent issues affecting populations today.
Council for Accreditation of Counseling & Related Educational Programs (CACREP)
CACREP outlines standards for educational programs preparing students for careers in counseling ensuring quality education aligned with industry needs.
Probability that the answer is correct: 95%
GOD BLESS!
JC.