What is a Clinical Psychologist?
Clinical Psychologist Definition Diagnose or evaluate mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests, and formulate and administer programs of treatment.
Daily Life Of a Clinical Psychologist
- Develop, direct, and participate in training programs for staff and students.
- Discuss the treatment of problems with clients.
- Counsel individuals and groups regarding problems, such as stress, substance abuse, or family situations, to modify behavior or to improve personal, social, or vocational adjustment.
- Select, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests to obtain information on individuals’ intelligence, achievements, interests, or personalities.
- Plan, supervise, and conduct psychological research and write papers describing research results.
- Develop and implement individual treatment plans, specifying type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.
Featured schools near , edit
Things a Clinical Psychologist Should Know How to Do
These are the skills Clinical Psychologists say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Clinical Psychologist-Licensed
- Experimental Psychologist
- Treatment Coordinator
- Developmental Psychologist
- Criminal Psychologist
What Kind of Clinical Psychologist Job Opportunities Are There?
In 2016, there was an estimated number of 147,500 jobs in the United States for Clinical Psychologist. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 21,000 new jobs for Clinical Psychologist by 2026. There will be an estimated 12,100 positions for Clinical Psychologist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Clinical Psychologist are Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Maine, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Average Clinical Psychologists Salary
The typical yearly salary for Clinical Psychologists is somewhere between $44,040 and $129,310.
Clinical Psychologists who work in California, Oregon, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Clinical Psychologists make in different U.S. states?
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $69,070 |
Alaska | $91,450 |
Arizona | $66,040 |
Arkansas | $69,000 |
California | $108,350 |
Colorado | $85,470 |
Connecticut | $90,870 |
Delaware | $78,850 |
District of Columbia | $95,500 |
Florida | $76,190 |
Georgia | $89,190 |
Hawaii | $94,550 |
Idaho | $64,270 |
Illinois | $75,180 |
Indiana | $73,350 |
Iowa | $85,260 |
Kansas | $65,320 |
Kentucky | $64,330 |
Louisiana | $86,630 |
Maine | $75,620 |
Maryland | $79,820 |
Massachusetts | $86,490 |
Michigan | $83,210 |
Minnesota | $85,860 |
Mississippi | $67,570 |
Missouri | $76,480 |
Montana | $63,720 |
Nebraska | $66,510 |
Nevada | $83,760 |
New Hampshire | $84,270 |
New Jersey | $98,470 |
New Mexico | $73,600 |
New York | $94,140 |
North Carolina | $77,470 |
North Dakota | $87,090 |
Ohio | $75,710 |
Oklahoma | $60,760 |
Oregon | $103,870 |
Pennsylvania | $83,610 |
Rhode Island | $83,030 |
South Carolina | $63,050 |
South Dakota | $73,900 |
Tennessee | $69,510 |
Texas | $73,650 |
Utah | $80,920 |
Vermont | $77,670 |
Virginia | $80,380 |
Washington | $73,840 |
West Virginia | $59,200 |
Wisconsin | $83,420 |
Wyoming | $78,360 |
What Tools do Clinical Psychologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Clinical Psychologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Spreadsheet software
- Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
- Statistical software
- Testing software
- Athena Software Penelope Case Management
- ICANotes
- SpectraSoft AppointmentsPRO
- Noldus Information Technology The Observer
- Anasazi Software Client Data System
- Blueberry Harbor Software Clinical Record Keeper
- DocuTrac QuicDoc
- Mdansby The PsychReport
- TheraManager
- MPMsoft billing
- Comprehensive Affect Testing System CATS
- Addison Health Systems WritePad
How to Become a Clinical Psychologist
Individuals working as a Clinical Psychologist have obtained the following education levels:
How many years of work experience do I need?
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Clinical Psychologist might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Clinical Psychologist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Matthew Burke via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.