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What is the average day of a psychologist and what is needed to major in psychology?
Recently grew an interest in pursuing a career in psychology and would like to know if the daily tasks of a psychologist is something that interests me. #psychology
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Jennifer’s Answer
I'm not sure we have an average day as it really depends on your specialty and where you're working. I've done private practice in 2 different settings-- one as a therapist and one in which my principal duty was doing testing. In the former, my job entailed me meeting with patients, learning about their histories and why they were seeking therapy, and then conducting therapy. My practice is very collaborative so while I talk to my clients a lot about what's going on and what they think/feel about things, I also expect them to do a lot of homework and make behavioral changes to help feel better. In this sense, I work to empower them to become more resilient. I work with them to find "creative solutions" to problems and challenges. When I worked in testing, I would still do very detailed intakes (learning their history, why they were coming in for care) and then determine what diagnostic tests made the most sense to answer the presenting question which is typically "What's wrong with me." As a psychologist you may administer the testing or have a technician or computer do it; I always try to administer some myself because you get really good information from doing so. You'll then analyze the results, write up a report, and present the results to the patient.
There are also psychologist positions where you research and don't really interact with patients. I haven't done that work, but it's out there.
If interested in psychology, you need to ask yourself why and what it is about psychology that seems most appealing to you. Know that you're signing up for a lot of schooling. To be a psychologist, you'll need to get a doctorate and complete an internship. If you're interested in mental health but don't necessarily want to be a psychologist, you could also pursue training as a behavioral health technician, a psychometrist, or even social work.
Best to you.
There are also psychologist positions where you research and don't really interact with patients. I haven't done that work, but it's out there.
If interested in psychology, you need to ask yourself why and what it is about psychology that seems most appealing to you. Know that you're signing up for a lot of schooling. To be a psychologist, you'll need to get a doctorate and complete an internship. If you're interested in mental health but don't necessarily want to be a psychologist, you could also pursue training as a behavioral health technician, a psychometrist, or even social work.
Best to you.
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Tim’s Answer
I received my minor in psychology and it was both interesting and rewarding. I did not continue with the major as I went into business. I did notice that most positions would require a master degree to the typical Psychologist but there are many positions in the career field that would easy be meet with just an undergrad degree.