More Information About Clinical Psychology

What should I know when considering a degree in Clinical Psychology ?

The field of clinical psychology is a diverse one. Clinical psychologists work in a variety of fields to treat and prevent imbalance and maladjustment in human life. The definition of maladjustment in Merriam-Webster's dictionary refers to the condition of being unable to adapt properly to your environment with resulting emotional instability. Clinical psychologists' work spans all age groups and all ethnic and socioeconomic levels.

Educational Requirements

Clinical psychologists must at least hold at least a masters degree, but more frequently they hold a doctorate. Each state also requires that psychologists hold a license or certificate in order to practice privately or administer psychological service though organizations. This level of education is necessary because they are required to have extensive training and education in core areas such as personality and psychopathology. Being able to assess emotional and mental health in a patient as well as identify subtle differences in behavior are key responsibilities in the clinical psychology field.

The coursework involved with obtaining Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree (Psy.D.) is extensive. The course will prepare the student for diagnosing and treating patients. The minimum admission requirements typically state that a student should have an undergraduate degree with a grade point average no less than 3.25. Students showing a background in community service are considered strong candidates for psychology programs. When exploring programs the student should search for those that are accredited by the American Psychological Association. This group sets the standard for education in clinical psychology.

Coursework for the Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree spans four years after a student receives their bachelor's degree. Within these academic years the student will cover subjects that enhance the ability to accurately treat a variety of patients. Cultural and familial differences are addressed as well as parent-child relationships and pathology. A thesis is required with both a dissertation and an oral defense in the last term. The programs are rounded out by internships and practicum in the field of clinical psychology.

Career Opportunities

Practitioners of clinical psychology can be found working in schools, private practices, universities, medical systems such as managed healthcare organizations, and legal systems. Practitioners use clinical psychology theories and practices to assess, treat, and prevent mental and emotional maladjustment. This includes documenting and recording individual data for use in therapy sessions and treatment groups. They treat a wide variety of maladjustments and also alleviate temporary discomforts that are typical to the human life. These may include grief, loss, and the succession of life stages. Clinical psychologists are well-educated in the changes that occur within the life stages. Practitioners may also work with families, bringing adults and children together during private sessions, group therapy, or for individual sessions that advise the psychologist during the family sessions.

Clinical psychologists also work as researchers, teachers, and writers. Researchers evaluate and analyze data that informs the policies and theories of clinical psychology. Clinical psychologists write these findings into publications and coursework. They use this data to create public policy for the societal group. This public policy, such as the infant mental health initiative, aims to prevent maladjustment on a larger scale. Teachers in the clinical psychology field provide this information to students, organizations, and other professionals.

Other Information

The American Psychological Association (APA) provides practitioners with balanced views and treatments based on empirical data from within the field. Becoming a member of the APA benefits the psychologist because of the continuing education opportunities and the support from other members. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical psychologists with a doctorate degree will have the best career opportunity in the next ten years. Those with a clinical psychology degree will have an abundance of careers available to them. Careers in clinical psychology are fast-paced and require flexibility, quick thinking, and diplomacy.

Article References

Bureau of Labor Statistics – Clinical Psychologists
http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm

American Psychological Association
http://www.apa.org/

Adler School of Psychology – coursework outline for Psy.D.
http://www.adler.edu/academics/42111CurriculumSequence.asp

What are the leading schools offering programs in Clinical Psychology ?

• Walden University Walden University, accredited by the Higher Learning Commission, offers Ph.D., master's and bachelor's degrees in management and doctoral and master's degrees in psychology, education and health and human services to meet the specific needs of adult learners. Walden University has over 30 years of experience delivering programs from a distance while maintaining its student-centered focus on quality and integrity. ( More Info )
• Capella University (Graduate) Capella University offers online graduate degree learning in Education, Human Services, Psychology, Business, and Technology. Students earn master and doctorate degrees while preparing for professional entry-level and advanced career opportunities - all without entering a classroom. ( More Info )
• Northcentral University Northcentral University is an accredited online university that offers students graduate degrees in programs including business and technology management, education and psychology. ( More Info )
• Argosy University (Graduate) Argosy University, with 18 metropolitan campus locations throughout U.S., offers Masters, MBA, Doctorate, and Specialized programs in Business, Counseling, Education, and Psychology. ** Not an online school. ( More Info )