Should I be a behavioral psychologist?

Do you often wonder why people do what they do? Are you interested in TV shows, movies, or books about human behavior?

If so, you might want to consider a career in behavioral psychology.

Behavioral psychologists play an important role in our society, as they provide important insight into how and why people behave the way they do.

Behavioral psychologists work with clients to understand their behavior and establish a plan to change it.

How do they do this? By following these steps:

1. Observing or interviewing the client

2. Developing a treatment plan

3. Communicating the treatment plan to the client and their support system

4. Holding therapy sessions to support the client

5. Evaluating the effectiveness of the treatment plan and making necessary adjustments

   

A behavioral psychologist can work in lots of different places.

They can be found...

• Conducting research or teaching at a university

• Engaging with children in private practice or schools

• Counseling people with addictions or mental health issues

• Partnering with companies to understand consumer behavior

• Working in government agencies, jails, or law enforcement

To be a behavioral psychologist, you should enjoy:

• Reading and studying research articles

• Working with your peers to solve challenges

• Leading conversations about people's personal lives

• Making decisions about how best to fix a problem or resolve an issue

• Evaluating people's behaviors and actions

The salary range for a behavioral psychologist varies depending on where and who they work for. Listed below are the average salary ranges for the United States and Canada.

United States:

$80,000 to 128,000 (USD)

Canada:

$93,343 to $167,143 (CAD)

You have to start by getting the correct education and credentials.

Here's what you need to do:

1. Earn a doctoral degree in behavioral psychology

2. Complete a post-doctoral internship to earn hours for licensure

3. Apply for licensure (requirements depend on location)

4. Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology

Once you have the credentials, decide what area of behavioral psychology you want to pursue. Seek out internships or entry-level positions to gain experience.

If behavioral psychology sounds like a good career for you, here are some next steps: