4 answers
gigi
Student
Louisville, Kentucky
1
Question
Updated
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skills and responsibilities for an psychologist
What are the key skills and qualifications needed to pursue a career as a clinical psychologist, and what are the main job responsibilities and opportunities in this field?
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4 answers
Jalal "Jay" Nathoo
Account Services Manager in IT
3
Answers
Cape Town, Western Cape, South Africa
Updated
Jalal "Jay"’s Answer
My sister is a clinical psychologist. She had to attain a university PhD. She did a certification in Washington to attain accreditation in the USA.
She now work as a remote psychologist from DC, where she and her family lives.
This should give you an idea of how broad the spectrum is with regard to this field of study.
You literally can work from anywhere.
She now work as a remote psychologist from DC, where she and her family lives.
This should give you an idea of how broad the spectrum is with regard to this field of study.
You literally can work from anywhere.
Vineeth K
Program Manager
7
Answers
Bengaluru, Karnataka, India
Updated
Vineeth’s Answer
Knowledge of psychological assessment tools
Patient interactions
Work along with Psychiatrist and counselors
Patient interactions
Work along with Psychiatrist and counselors
J Huff
43
Answers
Elizabeth City, North Carolina
Updated
J’s Answer
Good day,
There are several steps to take to become a clinical psychologist.
Step 1: Obtain your bachelor's degree. It really does not matter what your major is as an undergraduate in psychology; however, I would suggest that if you do not major in psychology at the undergraduate level, at least have a minor in psychology so that you can be exposed to research, statistics and how to write a paper using APA style.
Step 2: Find several accredited psychology programs and apply to them. You may see clinical psychology programs, child clinical programs, programs that emphasize development across the lifespan, forensic psychology, etc. You can find a list of accredited graduate programs at the following website: https://accreditation.apa.org/accredited-programs
Step 3: After your graduate training, you will spend a year in an APA approved internship, after which you will be supervised by a licensed psychologist until you are licensed within the state in which you wish to practice.
Just an aside. There are other ways in which one can become credentialed for the delivery of counseling services. Individuals who earn their master degrees and doctorate degrees in social work (social work accredited only master's programs at this time) and in counseling also can counsel. Similarly, the programs have practical experiences and internships for their students. You can checkout the respective programs at the websites below:
Accredited Social Work programs: https://www.cswe.org/accreditation/about/directory/?
Accredited Counseling and Counseling Related Programs: https://www.cacrep.org/directory/
If at all possible, you want to get into an accredited program; this makes getting your license to practice a little easier.
Main job and job opportunities in this area are:
Counseling, research, outreach - speaking to groups of people about maintaining mental health and mental health issues, consulting. You can work in companies, for the military, family services, the criminal justice system, college and universities as counselors/psychologist or as a faculty member teaching classes and conducting research.
You can take a look at the Occupational Outlook Handbook for more information:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
I hope this helps and the best to you
There are several steps to take to become a clinical psychologist.
Step 1: Obtain your bachelor's degree. It really does not matter what your major is as an undergraduate in psychology; however, I would suggest that if you do not major in psychology at the undergraduate level, at least have a minor in psychology so that you can be exposed to research, statistics and how to write a paper using APA style.
Step 2: Find several accredited psychology programs and apply to them. You may see clinical psychology programs, child clinical programs, programs that emphasize development across the lifespan, forensic psychology, etc. You can find a list of accredited graduate programs at the following website: https://accreditation.apa.org/accredited-programs
Step 3: After your graduate training, you will spend a year in an APA approved internship, after which you will be supervised by a licensed psychologist until you are licensed within the state in which you wish to practice.
Just an aside. There are other ways in which one can become credentialed for the delivery of counseling services. Individuals who earn their master degrees and doctorate degrees in social work (social work accredited only master's programs at this time) and in counseling also can counsel. Similarly, the programs have practical experiences and internships for their students. You can checkout the respective programs at the websites below:
Accredited Social Work programs: https://www.cswe.org/accreditation/about/directory/?
Accredited Counseling and Counseling Related Programs: https://www.cacrep.org/directory/
If at all possible, you want to get into an accredited program; this makes getting your license to practice a little easier.
Main job and job opportunities in this area are:
Counseling, research, outreach - speaking to groups of people about maintaining mental health and mental health issues, consulting. You can work in companies, for the military, family services, the criminal justice system, college and universities as counselors/psychologist or as a faculty member teaching classes and conducting research.
You can take a look at the Occupational Outlook Handbook for more information:
https://www.bls.gov/ooh/
I hope this helps and the best to you
Gena Holmes
Clinical Psychologist
14
Answers
Melbourne, Victoria, Australia
Updated
Gena’s Answer
Hi Jigi,
Two of the most important skills for a psychologist are empathy and self-awareness.
The ability to think and feel simultaneously: to think clearly whilst remaining in touch with your emotions, is a close second.
Good interpersonal skills, good critical thinking skills, humility and the ability to approach things with a mindful attitude, also rate highly.
Personal therapy is also very important for a psychologist. Psychologists face all the same emotional challenges as everyone else. Personal therapy is also key in building self-awareness.
Thanks for your question.
Gena
Two of the most important skills for a psychologist are empathy and self-awareness.
The ability to think and feel simultaneously: to think clearly whilst remaining in touch with your emotions, is a close second.
Good interpersonal skills, good critical thinking skills, humility and the ability to approach things with a mindful attitude, also rate highly.
Personal therapy is also very important for a psychologist. Psychologists face all the same emotional challenges as everyone else. Personal therapy is also key in building self-awareness.
Thanks for your question.
Gena