Psychologists are mental health care professionals that use their advanced degrees and specialized training to diagnose, evaluate and treat individuals with mental and behavioral disorders. Psychologists can be found in a variety of settings, including hospitals, community centers and private practices.
Psychology majors at LSUS are encouraged to complete an internship or practicum during their studies. They also can become board-certified assistant behavior analysts by completing five core ABA courses.
Licensing
If you want to work with people who have mental health conditions, you’ll need a license in your state. The licensing process can be complicated, but it’s important to have the right qualifications and training for the job.
Many states require doctoral degrees and a postdoctoral residency before you can be licensed. Experts suggest accumulating 2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience during internship and postdoc to meet these requirements.
A psychologist’s duties include assessing and diagnosing mental illnesses, creating treatment plans, and guiding patients through illness management and recovery. They may also provide psychotherapy or counseling to clients.
Getting licensed as a psychologist requires passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), which is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. You also have to complete continuing education credits in areas like ethics, child abuse recognition and reporting, and suicide intervention.
Education
Psychology is a broad field of study that involves studying human behavior and thought. It offers a fascinating look into ourselves and helps us understand the people around us better, enabling us to lead more productive lives.
Typically, psychologists near me must earn a doctorate-level degree, either a PhD, PsyD or EdS, and complete a supervised internship before becoming licensed to practice. Those who earn a PsyD often specialize in clinical or counseling psychology, while those with a PhD usually focus on research or academic work.
Psychologists are often required to work under the supervision of a licensed psychiatrist or other mental health professional before practicing. This allows them to gain on-the-job experience, make sure a certain specialty is right for them, and get the satisfaction of helping others.
Depending on your career interest and the state where you live, you may be able to earn your bachelor’s, master’s, or doctoral degrees through an accredited university. You should check with your university’s psychology department to determine which courses are a good fit for you and your interests.
Specialization
A psychologist is a licensed health professional who provides psychotherapy and counseling, conducts tests, and treats mental disorders. These professionals work in hospitals, private practices and government agencies.
They may also work in schools to help students develop coping skills and manage their emotions. School psychologists are also responsible for identifying learning disabilities and developing teaching strategies that can accommodate students with these conditions.
Many psychologists specialize in specific areas, such as cognitive psychology or counseling. They can also specialize in neuroscience to understand how damage to the brain affects behavior and cognition.
After earning an undergraduate degree, you can pursue a master’s or doctoral degree in your chosen psychology specialization. These degrees typically include a one-year internship, a national exam and an additional exam for your state.
Fees
If you’re struggling to pay for therapy, look into finding a psychologist near me who offers sliding scale fees. These therapists use your income information to determine the cost of their services and may allow you to pay for therapy on a budget without insurance coverage.
Another way to find a therapist that works with you is to ask for referrals from friends and family. They are often more aware of the issues you’re facing and can offer recommendations for therapists in your area who specialize in what you’re dealing with.
Some psychologists also provide free or low-cost therapy to people from all socioeconomic backgrounds through local clinics and community agencies. These therapists often take on interns or students in training and provide counseling at low fees in exchange for hours towards licensure.
Comments are closed.