Clinical psychologists contribute to society by helping people living with mental illnesses. They also help their patients achieve their personal goals.
It takes a lot of education to become a clinical psychologist. Typically, becoming one requires a PhD! Psychologists also need to be licensed in order to practice clinical psychology.
What Does A Clinical Psychologist Do?
Clinical psychologists spend a lot of time working directly with their patients. On a typical day a clinical psychologist might:
Assess patients in order to diagnose mental illnesses
Evaluate psychological issues to identify the best course of treatment
Provide therapy to help patients manage their mental illness or reach their goals
Write clinical notes and observations
Do research
Quiz
Who might be a good fit as a clinical psychologist?
What Skills Do You Need?
Clinical psychologists need to have excellent interpersonal skills and a strong ability to analyze and interpret what their patients are experiencing.
Do these skills sound like you?
Compassion and empathy
Analytical and critical thinking
Listening and interpersonal communication
Strong study skills
Where Do Clinical Psychologists Work?
Clinical psychologists can work in a wide range of settings. Some of the most common are:
Private practice
Hospitals/medical centres
Schools/universities
Non-profit organizations
But Will It Pay The Bills?
The average salary of a clinical psychologist is:
$80,932/year (USD) in the United States
$114,000/year (CAD) in Canada
You Will Love It if...
You love helping people talk through their problems
You’re great at being non-judgemental and impartial
You’re a great listener
You love learning about how brains work
You love working hard at school
Consider A Different Career if...
Listening to your friends' problems makes you do this...
OR school work makes you do this...
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