Psychologist Job Description: Salary, Duties, & More

Psychologists study human behavior and mental processes. They provide therapy, administer tests, and diagnose and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders.

Psychologists typically work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, clinics, private practices, and schools. Psychologists may work directly with patients or they may work as part of a team providing treatment.

In some states, psychologists are required to have a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program. In other states, a doctoral degree is not required. Psychologists must be licensed to practice in the state where they work.

Psychologists often specialize in a particular area of psychology, such as counseling, neuropsychology, or child psychology. Psychologists also may choose to focus on a specific population, such as children, older adults, or people with disabilities.

Psychologist Job Duties

Psychologists are responsible for a wide range of duties, including:

• Conducting psychological testing to assess patients’ abilities and disabilities according to various criteria such as intellectual capacity, mental health, or behavioral patterns
• Formulating diagnoses for patients based on the results of their tests and observations during sessions
• Counseling patients on mental health issues such as stress management, family conflict, grief counseling, or substance abuse
• Providing therapy using cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT), exposure therapy, hypnosis, or other methods to treat conditions such as anxiety disorders or depression
• Teaching individuals how to improve their parenting skills or helping them develop effective coping mechanisms for dealing with life stressors
• Engaging in research activities related to psychology topics such as genetic causes of mental illness or ways to improve education practices for children with developmental disabilities
• Publishing research findings in academic journals and presenting them at conferences

Psychologist Salary & Outlook

The median annual wage for psychologists is $93,647. The highest earners of the profession bring home over $143,000 per year.

Demand for psychologists is expected to grow at an average rate over the next decade. This is due to the increased emphasis on mental health care in health care reform and growing awareness of the importance of psychological factors in physical health. Also, as more people are able to receive insurance coverage for mental health services, they will be more likely to seek out psychological help when needed.

Psychologist Job Requirements

The requirements for psychologists are as follows:

Education: Most employers prefer that candidates have a doctoral degree in psychology. Candidates must also pass the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) to obtain state licensure.

Experience: Employers often look for candidates with at least three years of experience working in an applied setting, such as mental health counseling or other clinical settings.

Training: Some employers offer on-the-job training, but most require candidates to complete supervised fieldwork prior to beginning work independently. Supervised fieldwork typically lasts one year and involves completing specific coursework while observing experienced psychologists in action.

Psychologist Skills

Being a psychologist requires the following skills:

Organizational skills: Psychologists must be able to keep track of their patients’ case files, which may number in the hundreds.

Communication skills: Psychologists must be able to communicate with patients and colleagues in an effective manner.

Empathy: Psychologists must possess empathy for their patients since they are helping them deal with serious problems.

Patience: Psychologists must have patience when dealing with clients who are struggling through difficult times. 

Critical thinking skills: Psychologists must be able to think critically about their own behavior and that of others. They also need critical thinking skills to help patients solve problems.

Strong knowledge base: The more you know about psychology, the better equipped you will be to help your clients or patients overcome their problems.

Psychologist Work Environment

Psychologists work in private offices, clinics, hospitals, schools, community agencies, and research facilities. They often spend time on the telephone or talking face to face with clients. It is common for psychologists to use computers when gathering information about patients’ symptoms and medical history. Working as a psychologist is mentally demanding, as they must spend time listening to others’ problems.

Many psychologists work full time. Many also put in extra hours at various times of the day and night. Because mental health needs do not stop during regular business hours, most therapists aren’t off on weekends and holidays. This is especially true for those who own their own businesses. Some may be scheduled during evenings or overnight shifts. 

Psychologist Career Advancement

The next step in your career might be to go into private practice. This route is perfect for those who were drawn to the field of psychology because they want to help people and make a difference.

Alternatively, you might want to continue your education and get a PhD in psychology. This will allow you to teach and conduct research. You’ll also be able to specialize in a particular area, such as neuropsychology or developmental psychology.

Psychologist Trends

Here are three trends influencing how psychologists work. Psychologists will need to stay up-to-date on these developments to keep their skills relevant and maintain a competitive advantage in the workplace.

Telepsychology

Telepsychology is an emerging trend in the field of psychology, largely due to the high demand for mental health services.

Many people who would otherwise not seek out treatment for mental health issues are able to receive help through telepsychology by talking with a therapist or psychologist via Skype, Zoom or other online video chat platforms.

This technology also makes it easier for people who have trouble leaving their homes to receive therapy in a comfortable environment. 

Impact of Digital Technology on Human Behavior

New digital technologies are impacting human behavior more than ever before, with mobile devices changing the way people interact with one another.

These trends are likely to continue in the coming years as social media becomes even more widespread and technology becomes even more personalized. As a result, psychologists will need to develop expertise in this area to stay relevant in their field.

Increasing Importance of Neuroscience

Neuroscience is increasingly important for professionals in the mental health field, particularly as it relates to brain-based learning.

As more psychologists learn about the neural basis of behavior, they are developing new treatment methods based on neuroscience research that can help clients overcome issues like anxiety and depression.

How to Become a Psychologist

1. Planning Your Career Path

The job of a psychologist is one that requires extensive training and experience, so aspiring psychologists should plan their education accordingly.

Most psychologists work in hospitals or private practices, so if you’re interested in these settings, you may want to consider attending a school with a strong affiliation with the medical community. On the other hand, those who are interested in working for universities may find it beneficial to attend a school with an established psychology program. Some universities also offer degrees in counseling, which can provide students with exposure to various aspects of the field.

Aspiring psychologists should also consider whether they want to work in academia or industry; academia provides researchers with opportunities to study under some of the world’s leading experts while industry provides opportunities for professionals to develop new technologies and solve problems that have real-world applications. Regardless of your decision, it is important to identify your personal strengths and weaknesses early on so that you can tailor your educational experience accordingly.

2. Writing a Resume

Since resume writing for psychologist positions will differ depending on the type of job you’re applying to, the best resumes for this position will highlight your skills and experience in either clinical or research settings.

For clinical positions, you should include details about specific cases that demonstrate your expertise. You can also emphasize your interpersonal skills by including specific examples of how you interact with patients and staff members.

If you are applying to a research position, it is essential that you show an interest in conducting research projects and collaborating with other researchers. You should also include any journal articles or published papers that relate to your area of study. If possible, be sure to describe the impact that these publications had on the field as well as any awards or accolades they may have received.

You should also include details about your educational background and any training you’ve completed related to this field. If possible, highlight specific tools or techniques you have used with clients in the past–this is a great way to show how you use theory in practice.

3. Applying for Jobs

Psychology is a very broad field, and it’s best to identify a specialty before you start your job search. Since psychologists work with people, it’s helpful to gain experience and build relationships with potential employers by volunteering at a local clinic or hospital. 

You’ll need to decide if you want to work as a psychologist or apply for other jobs in the field such as an academic counselor, medical director, or program director. This way, you can narrow down the type of companies that will be a good fit for you—whether it’s a hospital, a school, or a mental health clinic. Decide which area of psychology interests you most and research what organizations offer jobs in your niche. Join professional associations and network with other psychologists to get your foot in the door or learn about job opportunities that may not be advertised on LinkedIn or Indeed.

4. Ace the Interview

In a psychologist interview, you will be asked about your experience working with clients. This could include the reason you became a psychologist, which type of clients you enjoy working with most, and what your approach to therapy is. Be prepared to discuss how your personality traits can help build rapport with different types of patients. You may also be questioned about previous challenges with clients and how you overcame these.

Be prepared to discuss your particular career goals, your own interests, and general topics to give the interviewer a chance to assess your interpersonal and communication skills.