Should I be a clinical psychologist?

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. 

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

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

  

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

The average salary of a clinical psychologist is:

$80,932/year (USD) in the United States

$114,000/year (CAD) in Canada

• 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

Listening to your friends' problems makes you do this...

OR school work makes you do this...

Still interested?