Psychologist Jobs

The outlook for psychologist jobs is currently very favorable; the demand for psychologists is projected to increase at a faster than average rate in most specialties. This is particularly true in the area of school psychology, but also includes clinical psychology and counseling psychology. Psychologists with adequate education and the necessary licenses or certifications can find work in a wide variety of fields.

The demand for school psychologists is rising as administrators and educators recognize the effectiveness of treating mental, emotional, behavioral and physiological problems early in a child's life. School imparts a lot of stress on a child, both academically and socially. Working with a psychologist can help students overcome issues such as violence, drug/alcohol use, teenage pregnancy or peer pressure. Psychologists can help students cope with learning disabilities and also implement new learning strategies for them, or suggest alternate educational environments for gifted students. School psychologists play a crucial role in providing career counseling as students prepare for their future outside of the classroom.

Perhaps the largest number of psychologist jobs exists in the area of clinical psychology. The typical work environment for a clinical psychologist is a medical facility such as a hospital, counseling center or a medical clinic. Clinical psychologists spend a lot of time in sessions meeting with their patients or administering tests. Aside from personal sessions, they may also involve patients in group therapy, family therapy, or develop and execute plans of action to help patients change behaviors. Clinical psychologists might work with physicians or pharmacologists to help devise the best course of treatment for a patient when medication is involved.

Professionals with a Ph.D. might decide to teach at the university level or to continue research they began during their studies. Research/experimental psychologist jobs are found both in the private and public sector.