PSYCHOLOGIST
Psychologists study the
mind and human behavior. Clinical and counseling psychologists gather data
from tests, observations and interviews with patients. Once psychologists
have enough information, they develop a treatment plan. They provide counseling
and therapy to those suffering from emotional, learning or behavioral problems.
Clinical psychologists help mentally or emotionally disturbed clients adjust
to life. They deal with patients who have the most serious problems. Counseling
psychologists generally talk to people about everyday problems. Psychologists
must be sensitive, compassionate and patient because treatment and research
often do not show results for long periods. Many psychologists have specialized
areas of training such as marriage and family counseling, drug addiction
counseling, group counseling, vocational counseling, family therapy, child
therapy, divorce mediation, prison counseling, etc. Psychologists work
with people of all ages.
Research psychologists study
many areas of human behavior. They may be developmental psychologists,
educational psychologists and/or cognitive psychologists. Most work at
colleges or universities where they teach and conduct research.
Education
Jobs are limited in the field
of psychology for those with a bachelors degree. They may be research assistants
or teach high school psychology if they meet the certification requirements.
A bachelor degree can be earned in four years; an additional two years
for a masters degree; and a PhD. requires an additional three years, including
a dissertation based on original research. A Psy.D. is based on practical
work and examinations rather than a dissertation. Counseling psychologists
must participate in an internship or supervised counseling.
Registration/Certification/Licensure
Psychologists in private practice
must be licensed. The Kentucky Board of Psychology endorses doctoral-level
licensed clinical, counseling and school psychologists as Health Service
Providers. A graduate with a masters degree from an accredited psychology
program and meeting the required supervised experience may sit for the
examination for certification as a Psychological Associate. The psychological
associate can not practice independently, except under the employment and
supervision of a licensed psychologist. To be eligible to sit for the examination
for licensure as a Psychologist, one must have a Ph.D., EdD or PSAT from
an accredited program, have at least two years supervised experience and
pass the written and oral examination. Candidates seeking the "Health Service
Provider" designation must have completed a one-year internship program.
Candidates may seek licensure in the following areas of specialty: clinical,
counseling, school or industrial/organizational.
Salary
$18,000-80,000
Employment Opportunities
Clinical and counseling psychologists
may work alone, in a group practice or for a school, hospital, clinic,
rehabilitation center, nursing home or mental health agency. Psychologists
often work in programs for specific populations (drug abusers, battered
spouses/partners, mental retardation, prison population and chronic psychiatric
patients). Research and computer firms may hire psychologists as consultants
to design studies and conduct research regarding consumer preferences and
marketing to help them understand, predict and influence behavior. Some
businesses hire psychologists to help employees with personal problems.
Psychologists may teach at universities.
Programs
Most colleges and universities
offer bachelors degrees in psychology. An undergraduate degree in psychology
or other field is required for admission into graduate school. The following
universities offer various masters and education specialist degrees in
counseling, clinical, school and industrial/organizational psychology.
Doctoral programs in Kentucky
Professional Associations
Last updated: June 21, 2001