Life As a Counseling Psychologist
Job Description: Assess and evaluate individuals’ problems through the use of case history, interview, and observation and provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment.
What Do Counseling Psychologists Do On a Daily Basis?
- Provide consulting services, including educational programs, outreach programs, or prevention talks to schools, social service agencies, businesses, or the general public.
- Conduct research to develop or improve diagnostic or therapeutic counseling techniques.
- Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.
- Analyze data, such as interview notes, test results, or reference manuals, to identify symptoms or to diagnose the nature of clients’ problems.
- Select, administer, and interpret psychological tests to assess intelligence, aptitudes, abilities, or interests.
- Evaluate the results of counseling methods to determine the reliability and validity of treatments.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Counseling Psychologist?
Counseling Psychologists state the following job skills are important in their day-to-day work.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
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.
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.
Writing: Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Mental Health Professional
- Psychotherapist-Counselor
- Behavioral Analyst
- Counseling Services Director
- Senior Staff Psychologist, Counseling Service
Job Outlook for Counseling Psychologists
In the United States, there were 147,500 jobs for Counseling Psychologist in 2016. 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 Counseling Psychologist by 2026. The BLS estimates 12,100 yearly job openings in this field.
The states with the most job growth for Counseling 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.
How Much Does a Counseling Psychologist Make?
The salary for Counseling Psychologists ranges between about $44,040 and $129,310 a year.
Counseling Psychologists who work in California, Oregon, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Counseling 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 |
Tools & Technologies Used by Counseling Psychologists
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Counseling Psychologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Spreadsheet software
- Google Docs
- Statistical software
- Google Sheets
- Testing software
- Athena Software Penelope Case Management
- ICANotes
- SpectraSoft AppointmentsPRO
- O*NET OnLine
- Noldus Information Technology The Observer
- Anasazi Software Client Data System
- Blueberry Harbor Software Clinical Record Keeper
- DocuTrac QuicDoc
- Mdansby The PsychReport
- TheraManager
How to Become a Counseling Psychologist
Individuals working as a Counseling Psychologist have obtained the following education levels:
How Long Does it Take to Become a Counseling Psychologist?
You May Also Be Interested In…
Those thinking about becoming a Counseling Psychologist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: BruceBlaus via Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported
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