Clinical Psychology Programs

Clinical psychology is a psychology subspecialty that attempts to address the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of individuals with psychological problems. They work in a wide variety of settings, including individual practices, schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, and other mental health centers.

Walden University

Featured Programs:
BS in Psychology - Graduate School Prep

Southern New Hampshire University

Featured Programs:
BA in Psychology/Child & Adolescent Development (Online)

Clinical psychology career professionals comprise approximately one-third of the entire psychology profession in the United States, according to the Gale Encyclopedia of Knowledge. It is easy to see why when you factor in the versatility this career offers.

As a clinical psychologist, no day resembles another, providing a wide variety of challenges and opportunities for those fascinated with the inner workings of the human brain and the ongoing fight against behavioral, emotional, and mental disorders that hamper a patient's growth and development.

Useful Clinical Psychology Resources

• APA Society of Clinical Psychology
• American Academy of Clinical Psychology (AACP)
• Occupational Outlook Handbook for Psychologists (BLS)

Capella University

Featured Programs:
MS in General Psychology (Online)
MS in Child and Adolescent Development

Post University

Featured Programs:
BA in Psychology (Online)

Clinical Psychology Career Functions

The clinical psychologist conducts research, helps others adjust to changes in their environment, encourages strong mental and physical health, and even aids businesses to produce a better working environment for their employees.

Since so many areas of mental health and human growth and development fall under the clinical psychologist's range of expertise, a typical day could involve anything from helping others overcome criminal behavior to helping families and patients cope with the burdens of schizophrenia and multiple personality disorder. Clinical psychologists even help parents transition their children to adulthood, dealing with the often difficult problems that come with the teen years.

Kaplan University

Featured Programs:
BS Psychology (Online)

Northcentral University

Featured Programs:
MA in Health Psychology (Online)

Clinical Psychology Career Fields

Specific career paths for the clinical psychologist may include the following:

• Health care administration
• Health care services
• Professional training
• Educational training

In the field of health care administration, clinical psychologists investigate the cost effectiveness of health procedures. They help plan the design of facilities to best suit the patient and the practitioners assisting them. Their studies impact the various treatment methods the health care industry may employ to treat problems of behavior, emotions, or mental development.

University of Phoenix

Featured Programs:
Bachelor of Science in Psychology

While clinical psychology careers in health administration often work indirectly for the good of the patient, those in the health care services sector will take a more hands-on approach. Direct working relationships with individuals in need or groups such as Alcoholics Anonymous are commonplace.

Those who pursue the training fields will either work with their peers in career development, training other practicing clinical psychologists to grow their field of knowledge in research and patient care. Those in the education field may work as faculty for colleges and universities to train the next generation of practicing professionals.

Clinical Psychology Career Incentives

Clinical psychologists go beyond the MA, MS, or MSW, and obtain their doctorates. While this educational path results in a higher price tag and 2 to 4 years of additional schooling, it is generally worth it to those with a passion for how the mind works and the use of that knowledge to help others.

A PhD means you can go anywhere in the United States and work virtually any field of the counseling profession. It also results in higher earnings and the potential to impact a greater amount of patients in need.

Be sure to read our other articles on choosing the right clinical psychology degree:

• Online Clinical Psychology Degree
• Clinical Psychology Master's Degree
• Clinical Psychology Doctorate Programs