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Lillian
Student
Hinsdale, Massachusetts
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I am interested in becoming a psychologist. I value health, equality, and money. Will this career path align with my values ?
I am interested in becoming a psychologist. I value health, equality, and money. Will this career path align with my values?
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7 answers
James Constantine Frangos
Consultant Dietitian & Software Developer since 1972 => Nutrition Education => Health & Longevity => Self-Actualization.
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Gold Coast, Queensland, Australia
Updated
James Constantine’s Answer
Hello Lillian,
Psychology as a career path can align with your values of health, equality, and money to varying degrees depending on the specific focus within the field. Here’s how each of your values may intersect with a career in psychology:
1. Health: Psychology is closely linked to mental health and well-being. As a psychologist, you would be working to help individuals improve their mental health, cope with stress, overcome challenges, and lead more fulfilling lives. By promoting mental health, you contribute to overall well-being and indirectly impact physical health as well.
2. Equality: Psychology plays a crucial role in promoting equality by addressing issues such as discrimination, prejudice, and social justice. Psychologists work towards creating inclusive environments, advocating for marginalized groups, and promoting equal access to mental health services. Through research, therapy, advocacy, and policy development, psychologists strive to reduce disparities and promote fairness in society.
3. Money: The financial aspect of a career in psychology can vary depending on factors such as specialization, setting (private practice, academic institution, healthcare facility), location, experience level, and demand for services. While some areas of psychology may offer higher earning potential (e.g., industrial-organizational psychology), others may be more modest in terms of income (e.g., counseling psychology). It’s important to consider your financial goals and expectations when choosing a specific path within psychology.
In summary, pursuing a career in psychology can align with your values of health and equality by allowing you to contribute to individual well-being and social justice. However, the financial aspect may require careful consideration based on your desired income level and chosen specialization.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. They provide valuable insights into various aspects of the field, including career paths, ethical guidelines, research findings, and resources for aspiring psychologists.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers detailed information on occupational outlooks, including job growth projections, median salaries, educational requirements, and work environments for different professions. This data can help you understand the financial aspects of a career in psychology.
World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO focuses on global health issues, including mental health initiatives and policies. Their reports and publications can provide a broader perspective on the intersection of psychology with health promotion and equality efforts worldwide.
These sources were instrumental in providing accurate and up-to-date information on the alignment of a psychology career with your stated values.
God Bless You,
JC.
Psychology as a career path can align with your values of health, equality, and money to varying degrees depending on the specific focus within the field. Here’s how each of your values may intersect with a career in psychology:
1. Health: Psychology is closely linked to mental health and well-being. As a psychologist, you would be working to help individuals improve their mental health, cope with stress, overcome challenges, and lead more fulfilling lives. By promoting mental health, you contribute to overall well-being and indirectly impact physical health as well.
2. Equality: Psychology plays a crucial role in promoting equality by addressing issues such as discrimination, prejudice, and social justice. Psychologists work towards creating inclusive environments, advocating for marginalized groups, and promoting equal access to mental health services. Through research, therapy, advocacy, and policy development, psychologists strive to reduce disparities and promote fairness in society.
3. Money: The financial aspect of a career in psychology can vary depending on factors such as specialization, setting (private practice, academic institution, healthcare facility), location, experience level, and demand for services. While some areas of psychology may offer higher earning potential (e.g., industrial-organizational psychology), others may be more modest in terms of income (e.g., counseling psychology). It’s important to consider your financial goals and expectations when choosing a specific path within psychology.
In summary, pursuing a career in psychology can align with your values of health and equality by allowing you to contribute to individual well-being and social justice. However, the financial aspect may require careful consideration based on your desired income level and chosen specialization.
Top 3 Authoritative Sources Used:
American Psychological Association (APA): The APA is the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology in the United States. They provide valuable insights into various aspects of the field, including career paths, ethical guidelines, research findings, and resources for aspiring psychologists.
Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS): The BLS offers detailed information on occupational outlooks, including job growth projections, median salaries, educational requirements, and work environments for different professions. This data can help you understand the financial aspects of a career in psychology.
World Health Organization (WHO): The WHO focuses on global health issues, including mental health initiatives and policies. Their reports and publications can provide a broader perspective on the intersection of psychology with health promotion and equality efforts worldwide.
These sources were instrumental in providing accurate and up-to-date information on the alignment of a psychology career with your stated values.
God Bless You,
JC.
Jean Philippe Bli
IT Assurance Associate
7
Answers
Kennesaw, Georgia
Updated
Jean Philippe’s Answer
Great job, Lillian! Remember, any career path you choose can reflect your personal values, as long as you're willing to put in the hard work to make it fulfilling. The field of psychology could certainly align with your values. I'd encourage you to explore specializations like psychiatry, family and marriage counseling, clinical psychology, forensic psychology, or industrial-organizational psychology. Be sure to enroll in relevant courses and aim to gain experience through internships. Wishing you all the best on your journey!
Velma Schwien
Freelance Writer/Editor/Proofreader/Student
11
Answers
Chicago, Illinois
Updated
Velma’s Answer
If money is of high value to you, psychology is not the field for you. This field is a service field, and as such it is not one of the top-paying positions unless you are in private practice, and even then you must build your clientele which is not something you can do through advertisement from what I understand. I had many professors tell me service fields were severely underappreciated and underpaid, so if you are in it for the money, its is the wrong field to enter into. Hope this helps.
Michelle M.
Entertainment Industry
1913
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Lillian !
Congratulations for having a career interest and wanting it to align with your values of money, equality and health. Of the three values, money would probably be the one that you can be assured of being aligned the most.
It is not the job of a psychologist to do policy changing or social changes. You will meet so many patients, co-workers and colleagues from other places that do not exactly have the same values as you and see things differently. You would be expected to 100% comply with guidelines from the established psychological governing departments and agencies and there may be things that you do not totally agree with at any given time, so you will need to fulfill your obligations in how you interact with patients based on how you are taught in college and what the governing bodies tell you to do. There are many forms of mental health techniques but many go outside of the procedures that you can do for a patient. Keep that in mind because as a psychologist, unless you later go independent, you will be told how to perform and what you can or cannot do and what services are reimbursable by medical insurance.
You will find that your value of equality will be challenged around you but you can always treat everyone equally as best as you can. You can strive for harmony where ever you are and recognize the varying levels of equality because there is never 100% cooperation, people judge and like or dislike some people and not everyone is treated equal as much as you want it to be that way. You can treat others equally, though, but as you gain life experience, you will see the inequity in life that always existed and will persist. Harmony is easier to strive for than equality. Give it but don't expect it from everyone whom you meet or work with. This goes for any career.
After you become a psychologist, it will be possible for you to write for journals or even write books, so you can address your personal values in that way. You can also choose an organization that you feel strongly about and take a place on their Board of Directors. There's always an opportunity to support and share your values as well as maintain them as personal goals.
Always remember to treat your patients with the same amount of fairness but recognize their differences because that will be the key to successfully helping them.
I hope that this perspective is a bit helpful and I wish you all the best !
AMERICAN PSYCHOLOGICAL ASSOCIATION https://www.apa.org/
Congratulations for having a career interest and wanting it to align with your values of money, equality and health. Of the three values, money would probably be the one that you can be assured of being aligned the most.
It is not the job of a psychologist to do policy changing or social changes. You will meet so many patients, co-workers and colleagues from other places that do not exactly have the same values as you and see things differently. You would be expected to 100% comply with guidelines from the established psychological governing departments and agencies and there may be things that you do not totally agree with at any given time, so you will need to fulfill your obligations in how you interact with patients based on how you are taught in college and what the governing bodies tell you to do. There are many forms of mental health techniques but many go outside of the procedures that you can do for a patient. Keep that in mind because as a psychologist, unless you later go independent, you will be told how to perform and what you can or cannot do and what services are reimbursable by medical insurance.
You will find that your value of equality will be challenged around you but you can always treat everyone equally as best as you can. You can strive for harmony where ever you are and recognize the varying levels of equality because there is never 100% cooperation, people judge and like or dislike some people and not everyone is treated equal as much as you want it to be that way. You can treat others equally, though, but as you gain life experience, you will see the inequity in life that always existed and will persist. Harmony is easier to strive for than equality. Give it but don't expect it from everyone whom you meet or work with. This goes for any career.
After you become a psychologist, it will be possible for you to write for journals or even write books, so you can address your personal values in that way. You can also choose an organization that you feel strongly about and take a place on their Board of Directors. There's always an opportunity to support and share your values as well as maintain them as personal goals.
Always remember to treat your patients with the same amount of fairness but recognize their differences because that will be the key to successfully helping them.
I hope that this perspective is a bit helpful and I wish you all the best !
Michelle recommends the following next steps:
Rian Alam
Student
139
Answers
Seattle, Washington
Updated
Rian’s Answer
Hi Lillian,
Based on what you said, a psychologist sounds like a perfect role. As a psychologist you'll have the unique opportunity to explore all three aspects of the values you find important. I'd recommend reaching out to current psychologists to ask them more specific questions about what area you might potentially want to explore.
Based on what you said, a psychologist sounds like a perfect role. As a psychologist you'll have the unique opportunity to explore all three aspects of the values you find important. I'd recommend reaching out to current psychologists to ask them more specific questions about what area you might potentially want to explore.
Holly Williams
I'm a CNA
3
Answers
Paris, Kentucky
Updated
Holly’s Answer
If you feel a strong pull towards a career in Psychology, then you're on the right path! Working in the healthcare sector can be incredibly fulfilling. The joy I experience every day from interacting with patients is unparalleled. It's a field that never ceases to be exciting! However, it's crucial to acknowledge that a career in healthcare can be demanding, both physically and mentally. Therefore, it's essential to pursue a career in psychology out of passion, not for monetary gains or other reasons. A Psychology degree opens up a plethora of career options, as the previous commentator aptly pointed out. Here's wishing you immense success in all your future pursuits!
Christina Gelmini
Community Engagement Assistant
1
Answer
Washington, Washington
Updated
Christina’s Answer
Hello Lillian,
Truly, your earnings can vary greatly based on the field you choose to work in. Numerous roles in the mental health sector offer substantial income, but it's crucial to remember that your location and employer can significantly influence your pay. As a psychologist, it's essential to align your workplace with your personal values, and this might not always be the place that offers the highest salary. However, the chance to make a positive impact on others' lives is an incredible opportunity. So, take your time, conduct thorough research, and find the path that suits you perfectly!
Truly, your earnings can vary greatly based on the field you choose to work in. Numerous roles in the mental health sector offer substantial income, but it's crucial to remember that your location and employer can significantly influence your pay. As a psychologist, it's essential to align your workplace with your personal values, and this might not always be the place that offers the highest salary. However, the chance to make a positive impact on others' lives is an incredible opportunity. So, take your time, conduct thorough research, and find the path that suits you perfectly!