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What are the jobs in the field pf psychology?
I like to help others. I am athletic. I am interested in research #psychology #clinical-psychology #research #career-path
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Jazmin Burns, PsyD
Licensed Clinical Psychologist and Clinical Director
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Jazmin’s Answer
Hi Jennifer,
Your question is very similar to another person's that I answered, so this what I said to her:
Great question! When I entered the field of psychology, I had the same question. The more I researched the possibilities, the more I realized that psychologists can work in many different settings -- schools, prisons, military bases, hospitals, VAs, private practice, clinics, the list goes on! I worked in a research clinic for years (I'm still there). I got a lot of training in community mental health where I worked with a lot of families who are low-income. It lit a fire in me to start a private practice because there were issues in the "system" that many families got stuck in and I felt that I could be of more service in private practice. Not to say community mental health professionals do not help because they rock and help a ton! Unfortunately, burn out is a real thing in this field so you have to set a balance for yourself. I have friends who worked in prisons as psychologists, major hospitals, schools, etc. and what's important is for you to know yourself. While in graduate school (which I recommend you doing because a BA in Psychology only gets you so far depending on where you live), I HIGHLY recommend trying to work in different settings because you never know what you might find and like (or dislike). After my years of training, I learned that I LOVED working with ages 0-21. I specialize in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and other neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions. I also learned that I really enjoy doing trauma-informed care with people and I was able to do that with people of all ages. The sky's the limit when it comes to psychology and it can be very exciting but also overwhelming. I put in some optional next steps that me and many others I know have taken and I believe they are quite helpful. :) I hope this helps!
Think about what population you want to work with (e.g., children, families, prisoners, geriatric, veterans, office staff)
Think about if you would rather focus on doing clinical work (therapy and/or evaluations), research, administrative work, teaching, etc.
Do you research and find schools that have a good reputation and will offer you breadth and depth in your education
Talk to people in the field (try to talk to people in different stages of their career -- early professionals, seasoned professionals)
Never be afraid to ask questions and create opportunities for yourself
Your question is very similar to another person's that I answered, so this what I said to her:
Great question! When I entered the field of psychology, I had the same question. The more I researched the possibilities, the more I realized that psychologists can work in many different settings -- schools, prisons, military bases, hospitals, VAs, private practice, clinics, the list goes on! I worked in a research clinic for years (I'm still there). I got a lot of training in community mental health where I worked with a lot of families who are low-income. It lit a fire in me to start a private practice because there were issues in the "system" that many families got stuck in and I felt that I could be of more service in private practice. Not to say community mental health professionals do not help because they rock and help a ton! Unfortunately, burn out is a real thing in this field so you have to set a balance for yourself. I have friends who worked in prisons as psychologists, major hospitals, schools, etc. and what's important is for you to know yourself. While in graduate school (which I recommend you doing because a BA in Psychology only gets you so far depending on where you live), I HIGHLY recommend trying to work in different settings because you never know what you might find and like (or dislike). After my years of training, I learned that I LOVED working with ages 0-21. I specialize in Autism Spectrum Disorder (ASD), Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD), and other neurodevelopmental and mental health conditions. I also learned that I really enjoy doing trauma-informed care with people and I was able to do that with people of all ages. The sky's the limit when it comes to psychology and it can be very exciting but also overwhelming. I put in some optional next steps that me and many others I know have taken and I believe they are quite helpful. :) I hope this helps!
Jazmin recommends the following next steps:
Updated
Samantha’s Answer
There is industrial, forensic, organizational, counseling, clinical, and many more.