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Clinical Psychologist

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What Do Clinical Psychologist Do?

Occupation Description Diagnose or evaluate mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests, and formulate and administer programs of treatment.

Life As a Clinical Psychologist

  • Develop and implement individual treatment plans, specifying type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.
  • Obtain and study medical, psychological, social, and family histories by interviewing individuals, couples, or families and by reviewing records.
  • Consult reference material, such as textbooks, manuals, or journals, to identify symptoms, make diagnoses, or develop approaches to treatment.
  • Plan and develop accredited psychological service programs in psychiatric centers or hospitals, in collaboration with psychiatrists and other professional staff.
  • Plan, supervise, and conduct psychological research and write papers describing research results.
  • Direct, coordinate, and evaluate activities of staff and interns engaged in patient assessment and treatment.

What Every Clinical Psychologist Should Know

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.

Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.

Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.

Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.

  • Chief, Psychology
  • Chief Psychologist/Director of Counseling and Self-Development
  • Clinical Psychologist-Licensed
  • Staff Psychologist
  • Behavior Analyst

Is There Going to be Demand for Clinical Psychologists?

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. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 12,100 job openings in this field each 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.

Do Clinical Psychologists Make A Lot Of Money?

The salary for Clinical Psychologists ranges between about $44,040 and $129,310 a year.

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Clinical Psychologists who work in California, Oregon, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.

How much do Clinical Psychologists make in each U.S. state?

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?

Although they’re not necessarily needed for all jobs, the following technologies are used by many Clinical Psychologists:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Web browser software
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
  • Statistical software
  • Athena Software Penelope Case Management
  • Testing software
  • ICANotes
  • Noldus Information Technology The Observer
  • Anasazi Software Client Data System
  • Mdansby The PsychReport
  • SpectraSoft AppointmentsPRO
  • TheraManager
  • DocuTrac QuicDoc
  • Blueberry Harbor Software Clinical Record Keeper
  • Clinivate Clinitrak
  • Bluewater Management Systems BMCASE
  • Core Solutions Care Enterprise

How do I Become a Clinical Psychologist?

What education is needed to be a Clinical Psychologist?

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What work experience do I need to become a Clinical Psychologist?

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Where do Clinical Psychologists Work?

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The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

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Those thinking about becoming a Clinical Psychologist might also be interested in the following careers:

Those who work as a Clinical Psychologist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:

References:

Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Matthew Burke via Public domain

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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