Did you know that psychology – the study of the human mind and its behaviors – is the fifth most popular undergraduate major in the United States? However, not everyone who graduates with this degree goes on to work in mental healthcare. The American Psychological Association (APA) reported that 64% of Americans whose highest degree is their bachelor’s in psychology worked in relevant jobs. However, relevance is relative.

It’s important to note that clinical and counseling psychology careers often require advanced education, experience, training, and licensure. If going back to school or entering this profession is not appealing to you at your current life stage, don’t worry! Many positions are available to those with bachelor’s degrees in psychology. The skills you learned in school such as critical thinking and effective communication translate to every field and are attractive to all employers. Whether your passion is helping others, diving into research, or exploring business applications, your education provides a solid foundation. Let’s explore alternative career paths you can pursue with your psychology degree.

Behavioral & Mental Health

This traditional field focuses on behaviors impacting physical and mental well-being and the professionals in it do the critical work of supporting those with acute and persistent issues. They spend significant time with clients providing therapeutic services and monitoring progress. While some positions may require further education and experience, there are also opportunities for bachelor’s-degree holders. If you’re thinking of progressing in your psychology career in the future but would like to enter the workforce now, this is a great field to get started in.

Social Services & Community Work

These roles are ideal for people passionate about community work and social justice. The jobs typically involve working directly with individuals, families, and other groups to improve quality of life. Specializations include substance use prevention, veteran counseling, and many more. If you plan on returning to school to pursue case management, consider gaining experience in an entry-level role within your community first. Regardless of your position level, you can make a meaningful difference in this field.

Research & Academia

If you’re inclined towards scientific inquiry, research in psychology offers a rewarding career. Researchers contribute to understanding human behavior and developing new treatments and interventions by collecting data, conducting experiments, and analyzing results. You could work at a major university or healthcare institution. This career may lead to opportunities like participating in groundbreaking studies on mental health, although you may need continued learning and experience to get there.

Criminal Justice & Forensic Psychology

This field applies psychological theories and principles to the legal system. This means these professionals may work with criminal defendants, victims of crime, or witnesses. Their workplaces are law firms, prisons, private practices, and more. Jobs within this specialization often entail researching and analyzing crime and criminal behavior. If this field interests you, your insight into human behavior can be useful for various applications. For example, bachelor’s degree holders may qualify for probation and parole officer positions.

Marketing & Consumer Behavior

These psychologists analyze consumer behavior to develop effective marketing strategies. They study how people make purchasing decisions and what influences their choices. Following market trends is also an important part of these jobs. Gathering and interpreting customer feedback may also be involved. Overall, if you enter this field, you will be doing a lot of data collection and analysis.

Human Resources & Organizational Psychology

You could also apply your degree in business. Organizational psychologists improve workplace productivity and employee well-being. They use psychological principles to solve problems in human resources, management, company culture, and workplace diversity. This can dramatically improve recruitment and retention. It can also improve training processes. Work is a large stressor for many people so having an expert in interpersonal skills on the team who can provide support is extremely valuable.

Sport & Performance Coaching

Sports psychologists help athletes of all ages deal with their high-pressure environments. Being an athlete and feeling the need to excel, especially at the professional level, can come with a lot of stress and anxiety. Emotions like this can negatively impact their performance, creating a vicious cycle. Psychologists can help them get their nerves under control and achieve mental focus. Further and specialized education may be required to progress in this career.

Education & Child Development

This is a great path to take if you want to work with children and adolescents. Psychologists in these specializations work with youth, supporting their emotional, social, and sometimes academic growth. Developmental psychologists are experts in how the human mind changes through different life stages. Educational psychologists often work in schools, collaborating with teachers and families to create supportive learning environments for students.

A psychology degree is a wonderful tool as it offers diverse career paths, each providing unique opportunities to impact your chosen field. There are paths for those drawn to clinical practice, research, organizational roles, and beyond. Also, these paths often intersect allowing you to combine multiple passions into one position! Whichever direction you go, the skills and knowledge you’ve acquired during your education will serve you well. Embrace the journey ahead and know that even if you start in an entry-level position each step is a valuable move forward in your professional growth and toward making a difference in the world. By understanding the various applications of a psychology degree, you can find a career that fulfills your professional aspirations and aligns with your desire to help others. West Central Behavioral Health often provides job opportunities to people with psychology degrees. You can review currently open positions by visiting our career page.

Therapists and counselors play a crucial role in supporting mental health and well-being. This work is purpose-driven and provides job satisfaction. According to a survey conducted by CareerExplorer, counselors rate their career happiness 3.5 out of 5 stars putting them in the top 31% of careers.

However, this work has its challenges. Whether you’re a seasoned professional or new to the field, to thrive in this career requires various skills, the openness to keep learning, support from others, and a fulfilling personal life. Keep reading for actionable advice to help you excel in therapist and counseling roles.

Understand Your Role

Therapists and counselors are vital in helping individuals manage and overcome various mental health issues. There are many people in need of these services. BetterHelp reports that over 41.7 million US adults saw a therapist in 2021. If you’re considering entering this field, a good place to start is by researching a typical day to see if these jobs are right for you. Here are some key responsibilities you may be assigned:
● Conducting assessments
● Developing treatment plans
● Providing individual or group therapy
● Monitoring progress & adjusting treatments
● Offering crisis intervention

Bring Your Skills to the Table

Certain skills are essential to succeed in this field. Your clients come to you in a vulnerable state. They may even be in crisis. Being understanding in these situations is an essential skill. There are multiple important skills you can use to show clients that you are hearing them and are ready to help them work through any issues:
● Empathy: Understanding & sharing the feelings of others
● Active Listening: Fully concentrating, understanding & responding thoughtfully
● Communication: Clear, concise & effective interaction
● Critical Thinking: Analyzing & evaluating issues to make informed decisions
● Patience: Remaining calm & composed in challenging situations

Keep Learning

Staying current with the latest research and methodologies is crucial. Two of the many resources that can assist you with this are the American Psychological Association (APA) and Psychology Today. Depending on how you like to learn, there are multiple ways to enhance your expertise:
● Workshops & Seminars: Attend events to gain new insights & techniques
● Online Courses: Enroll in courses on specific therapy modalities
● Professional Reading: Stay updated with journals & books in your field
● Peer Supervision: Regularly consult with colleagues to discuss cases & share knowledge

Building a Strong Professional Network

Networking can provide support, opportunities, and collaboration. Of course, there are many traditional ways to do this in person, but the internet has made it possible to connect from your computer. According to Hootsuite, the professional networking platform LinkedIn has over 1 billion members worldwide, and it’s not the only platform of its kind! Consider the following:
● Engage in Online Communities: Use social media & forums to connect with other professionals
● Join Professional Organizations: Become a member of associations related to your specialization
● Attend Conferences: Participate in industry conferences to meet peers & learn about new trends

Work-Life Balance

Maintaining a healthy balance between work and personal life is essential to avoid burnout. One APA survey reported that the inability to strike this balance was the top stressor for practicing psychologists. Mental health jobs can be demanding. Don’t forget to put your oxygen mask on first! Try these strategies to cope with stress:
● Set Boundaries: Clearly define work hours & personal time
● Self-Care: Engage in activities that rejuvenate you, such as exercise, hobbies & relaxation techniques
● Time Management: Prioritize tasks & manage your time efficiently
● Seek Support: Don’t hesitate to seek help from supervisors or peers when needed

Career Advancement Opportunities

There are numerous paths for growth in the therapy and counseling field. Now, advancing in this field may require returning to school, at least for a few trainings. If you’re ready to take the next step in your career, here are some options for what you could work toward:
● Specializations: Consider specializing in areas like family therapy, substance abuse, or trauma therapy
● Advanced Degrees: Pursue further education, such as a Ph.D. or Psy.D.
● Supervisory Roles: Aim for leadership positions such as clinical supervisor or program director

Thriving as a therapist or counselor involves advanced communication skills, the drive to learn, a strong support system, and healthy workplace boundaries. With this combination, you can build a rewarding and impactful career. If you’re looking for a setting where you can be successful and grow, West Central Behavioral Health could be the right place.

Embarking on the journey to become a clinical psychologist is exciting yet demanding. If you’re willing to work hard, you can profoundly influence individuals’ mental health and well-being on this meaningful career path. Reviewing the process of becoming a clinical psychologist is a great place to start as this step will ensure you are informed and well-prepared for this new adventure.

What Does a Clinical Psychologist Do?

Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders. They work in various settings, including hospitals, private practices, schools, and community health centers. Their primary goal is to help patients manage and overcome mental health issues through therapy and counseling. Here are some of their key responsibilities:
● Conduct psychological assessments and diagnostic evaluations
● Develop and implement treatment plans
● Provide individual, group, or family therapy
● Collaborate with other healthcare professionals
● Engage in research to advance the field

Education & Experience Requirements

There is a lot of education involved in becoming a clinical psychologist. Start with a bachelor’s degree in psychology or a related field. This provides a solid foundation in psychological theories, research methods, and human behavior.

Next, it is recommended that you pursue a master’s degree in psychology. While some doctoral programs accept candidates with a bachelor’s degree, earning a master’s degree can enhance your knowledge and make you a more competitive applicant. To become a clinical psychologist, you must obtain a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) or Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology. These doctoral programs typically take four to seven years to complete. They include coursework, clinical training, and research.

During your program, you will complete an internship. These internships are typically one-year-long commitments. Post-doctoral supervised practice is also required, where you gain hands-on experience under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.

Finally, before entering the field as a clinical psychologist, you must obtain licensure. These requirements vary by state but generally include completing your doctoral program, accumulating a specified number of supervised practice hours, and passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

Once you become a licensed clinical psychologist, the learning doesn’t stop there! You must maintain your license through continuing education. This ensures you stay current with the latest research and practices in clinical psychology.

Employment Options

Even after completing all the requirements to become licensed, you’ll need to continue gaining experience in the workplace to be eligible for certain high-level roles. You may need to begin with positions that are entry-level or close to it, such as:
• Research assistant
• Mental health counselor
• Human resources specialist
• Case manager

These valuable stepping stones can help you continuously advance your career and lifestyle. The average national starting salary for licensed clinical psychologists is $54,440 annually. With more experience, their salary can increase to around $91,667 annually. Psychologyjobs.com provides a detailed breakdown of a clinical psychologist’s expected earnings by years of experience.

There are also opportunities for you to consider beyond working as a clinical psychologist. They may not present themselves for decades, but they’re worth considering now so you can set your long-term career goals. For example, you may want to work toward advanced positions like:
• Program director
• Clinical researcher
• Psychology professor
• Clinical supervisor

Insights for Aspiring Clinical Psychologists

Your education and experience will open many doors for you in the workforce. However, carefully considering which opportunity will be best for you before committing is important. When working in the mental health field, prioritizing your well-being is non-negotiable, as it directly impacts the quality of care you can provide your clients. You can’t pour from an empty cup!

This is why finding a job with a good work-life balance is crucial. Look for employers that offer flexible schedules and a supportive environment. You should feel comfortable setting boundaries with your employer, clients, and yourself to protect personal time and prevent burnout. When you’re off the clock, incorporate self-care into your daily routines. Practices such as mindfulness exercises and personal hobbies help you maintain good mental and emotional health.

Another aspect to consider when job hunting is whether a position will give you room to grow. Your employer should encourage the continued learning necessary for your licensure and overall fulfillment. As you continue this career path, you’ll want to seek opportunities for professional development like workshops, conferences, and additional certifications to enhance your skills and knowledge. Find a place where you can flourish.

Finally, even if you care for yourself and feel generally fulfilled, there will be hard days in this line of work. During these times, remember that what you do as a clinical psychologist can significantly impact clients’ lives. Stay motivated by focusing on the positive changes you help bring about and remember how you felt at the beginning of your journey. Whatever sparked your decision to go down this path and fueled your fire through school can also keep you going in the field. Never forget your “why.”

You can reap the rewards of becoming a clinical psychologist through passion and dedication. Of course, you must complete the required steps outlined in this blog to receive your license. But having a rough idea of your future and next move is a great start. Wherever you are in your journey, keep your mind open to new information and remain committed to yourself and your work. For further insight into this career path or to review current job opportunities for clinical psychologists at West Central Behavioral Health, visit the career page on our website and contact us any time.

Starting a career in psychology can be both exciting and daunting. For many, the journey begins with entry-level positions that pave the way to more specialized roles. Understanding the various opportunities in the field and insights on how to enter it can help you make informed decisions as you embark on this rewarding career path.

This Field Needs You

In today’s turbulent world, the truth is that more people are seeking psychological services than ever. Mental health professionals are needed across demographics from children and families to veterans and seniors. According to the U.S. Department of Labor’s Occupational Outlook Handbook, the overall demand for psychologists is predicted to grow 6% between 2023 and 2032. That growth rate is faster than average across all occupations!

The silver lining of this demand is that while mental and behavioral health disorders may be on the rise, so is the awareness and normalization of them. The stigma around asking for help still exists in many communities but has been reduced recently. Knowledgeable and empathetic people like yourself have the chance to make a change in this line of work. Whether working in a hospital, private practice, school, or community organization there is a place for you.

Psychology Job Opportunities Overview

An interest and education in psychology opens many doors. Below are a few position types that are often perfect for starting your career. However, depending on the organization you may need a couple years of real-world experience on your resume to meet the requirements to apply.

Research

Researchers play a critical role in academic and clinical settings. Assistant positions are often entry-level and perfect for those who prefer psychology theory over practice. Your daily tasks may include helping to conduct studies, collect data, and analyze results.

• Typical duties: Data entry, literature reviews, experiment setup
• Skills needed: Attention to detail, analytical skills, statistical knowledge

Counseling

Counselors guide and support individuals of all ages dealing with various issues. There’s a spectrum of specializations such as family, crisis, and substance abuse that counselors can choose to focus on. This is a popular and important role for people with psychology degrees to fill.

• Typical duties: Conducting individual or group therapy sessions, developing treatment plans, providing crisis intervention
• Skills needed: Empathy, active listening, problem-solving

Human Resources

Human resources employees in psychology settings often focus on recruitment, support, and training related to mental health. This department can be your foot in the door at a mental health organization or a wonderful long-term position for those interested in administration.

• Typical duties: Recruiting staff, organizing training sessions, managing employee relations
• Skills needed: Interpersonal skills, communication, knowledge of employment law

Case Management

Case managers coordinate client services such as mental health treatment, housing, and medical care. A focus is advocating for clients with acute and persistent mental illnesses. Since it is a managerial role, it requires a lot of communication with various involved parties.

• Typical duties: Assessing client needs, developing care plans, coordinating services
• Skills needed: Organization, problem-solving, understanding

Preparing for Clinical Psychologist Jobs

So, you want to take the leap and become a certificated clinical psychologist? You’re probably aware that this requires advanced education, plus significant experience and training. A bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, and doctorate are typically necessary for clinical practice. While you are still in school or shortly after graduating, working in entry-level roles can provide the valuable experience you’ll need. Internships and volunteer work can also serve the same purpose. It’s time to get out of the classroom and into the field!

Tips for Landing Your First Psychology Job

There are three to-dos you should prioritize as you prepare to apply for any of the positions mentioned. The first is networking. One option is to join professional associations and local psychology groups. The American Psychological Association (APA) is a great place to start. They offer a lot of free resources for people in your position, even for non-members. You may also consider attending conferences to meet others in the field and continue learning while you’re at it. These days networking can even be done from the comfort of your computer! LinkedIn is a great online platform for connecting with peers and finding potential employers.

Of course, you’ll also need to craft a strong resume. Psychology.org reports that each year in the U.S. more than 115,000 people are awarded a bachelor’s degree in psychology. To stand out, highlight any relevant experience you may already have, such as internships, volunteer work, or any coursework that included hours spent in the field. You should also showcase any special skills you have that are relevant to the positions you are applying for. Don’t forget to customize your resume and cover letter for each job application.

Finally, prepare for interviews. Again, it will help if you tailor your answers for each organization you speak with. A good place to start your research is to look for their mission and values on their website. This will give you a basic understanding of what the organization prioritizes. Consider how your education and experience apply to the specific role you’re interviewing for. There are some common questions you can look up and practice answering too. Most importantly, make sure you are excited about everything you apply for. True enthusiasm comes across in an interview and can make a big difference in what potential employers think of you and how you’ll fit into their organization.

Follow these guidelines and set a strong foundation for a fulfilling career in psychology. Whether you aim to become a clinical psychologist or explore other paths, the field offers numerous opportunities to make a significant impact. By positioning yourself as an intelligent and passionate candidate, you can secure a rewarding job while contributing to the growth and success of increasingly needed mental and behavioral health organizations.

A Master’s in Counseling equips you with skills to make a difference in various settings and opens the door to many job opportunities. The general occupation of counseling is steadily growing, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. They predicted that the demand for addiction, behavioral, and mental health counselors will increase by 23% between 2020 to 2030.

This isn’t an industry in which we want to see demand, so your compassion and the skills you learned in school are needed now more than ever. All kinds of people are affected by mental illness, but U.S. citizens in nonmetropolitan areas specifically often face significant barriers to mental health services. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 21% of adults in these areas experienced mental illness, but only 48% of this affected population received treatment. Another staggering statistic is that more than 25 million rural Americans live in a Mental Health Professional Shortage Area, where there are too few providers to meet demand.

In summary, the need for more counselors is unquestionable. Whether your interest lies in individual counseling, family dynamics, crisis management, or beyond, you can use your Master’s in Counseling to make a big impact on others while developing a rewarding career. Let’s explore some of the varied paths available to those with a Master’s in Counseling.

Clinical Counselor

These highly skilled professionals combine traditional psychotherapy with a practical problem-solving approach. The responsibilities of a clinical counselor vary based on their specialty and work environment, but a constant is working with clients to promote optimum mental health and set individual goals. This means counselors spend significant one-on-one time with clients. Sometimes treatment is administered in group sessions. Another important task is documentation, including assessments, treatment plans, and progress notes. Clinical counselors also dedicate time to educating themselves on the latest research in the mental health field.

Child Counselor

One area of specialty for counselors is working with children and adolescents. These counselors treat a wide range of mental illnesses and behavioral issues from anxiety and depression to ADHD. The goal is for these young clients to become emotionally stable. They may need to learn coping skills to help with a disorder or to talk through a situational trauma. Different tactics are used with youth than with adults such as play therapy. Group therapy may also be helpful with this age group, not only with peers but with family members too. Family counseling can provide caregivers of the child tools so they can be a beneficial part of the recovery process.

Family Counselor

Though family therapy can be a part of other treatment plans, some counselors focus specifically on interpersonal relationships. This can include romantic partners, married couples with young children, single parents, adult children – anyone who considers themselves part of a family unit. These counselors evaluate families to determine how each member affects the others’ mental health. The tasks at hand often involve improving communication and conflict-resolution skills.

Crisis Counselor

These counselors provide support during and after crises, traumas, and disasters. They often start by assisting clients with their immediate requirements. Sometimes they must intervene if they feel their client is in danger of hurting themselves or others. Crisis counselors also create treatment and recovery plans that help clients understand the emotional impacts of their experiences and teach them positive coping skills. They track client progress along the way, bearing in mind that their reports may need to be used in a court setting so accurate documentation is crucial. It’s also important for these counselors to gain their clients’ trust and make them feel comfortable since they often begin therapy in a volatile state.

Substance Abuse Counselor

This role may involve crisis management, but the focus is on clients who have a chemical dependency on alcohol or drugs. These counselors guide clients through the rehabilitation and recovery process. Their treatment is often centered around identifying what is leading to the client’s addictive behavior, such as environmental factors or relationship dynamics. By gaining awareness of their emotional patterns through therapy, clients of these counselors learn strategies to avoid triggers and adopt healthier habits.

Residential Counselor

These counselors specialize in supporting individuals in residential programs such as group homes. Clients often have severe and persistent mental illness and need assistance accomplishing activities of daily life. A common goal of working with this group is to help them gain independence. This often includes involving residents in group activities and their surrounding community. Of course, the number one priority is the safety of the residents.

Case Manager

People in this managerial role act as specialized social workers who oversee and coordinate the continued care of clients. Clients often have long-term mental illnesses like those in residential programs. An individualized approach is taken for each client, which means even case managers working at the same organization may have different daily responsibilities. These will vary based on the case managers’ assessments of their clients’ care needs. A huge part of this job is advocating for clients and communicating with the rest of their care team, possibly including social service and insurance companies.

There are many more routes you can take with a Master’s in Counseling, including focusing on whole-body health, helping others find their dream careers, or working with youth in a school setting. Know that whatever you do in this field, you can make a difference in the lives of real people, your community, and the world. Also, finding a work environment where you are supported, and your well-being is prioritized is important. If you are interested in starting a new position in this field, review the current openings at West Central Behavioral Health to see if anything sounds like a good fit for your future.