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.