Becoming a Clinical Psychologist

Rio | future clinical psychologist

Psychologists study cognitive and emotional processes, along with human behavior by observing and analyzing how people interact with others and the environment. Clinical psychologists have their own office setting and are able to choose their own schedules if they work for themselves. Other clinical psychologists can work in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, and mental health centers. They can work with people who are diagnosed with depression, have mental disorders, or family problems and job stress. Becoming a clinical psychologist interests me because I would be able to help with people's problems, and learn more about how different minds work in different ways.

According to kids.gov, in order to practice psychology, a license or certification is needed. Clinical psychologists must complete a Doctor of Psychology Degree (Psy.D), an internship, and one to two years of professional experience. They must also pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. The work outlook for clinical psychologists will grow eleven percent in the next eight years, which is about on average as most jobs. As of May 2012, the yearly salary for a clinical psychologist was $67,650 and the hourly wage was $33.31 on average, depending on where they worked.

Important qualities of a clinical psychologist include analytical, communication, observational and people skills, along with patience and trustworthiness. They must be able to help people cope with their emotional problems. Becoming a clinical psychologist will take time, but if I have the opportunity to help people, then the time it takes to complete the training is worth it.