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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.

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.

  • 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.

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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.

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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:

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How many years of work experience do I need?

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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.

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