Clinical psychology is one of the many careers in health sciences that are also referred to as child psychology or education psychology. Clinical psychology is one of the largest specialty areas in psychology which focuses on assessment, treatment, prevention, and diagnosis of medical disorders. Most clinical psychologists practice psychotherapy for disorders or abnormalities (Allsop, & Saks, 2003).
Like other health professionals, clinical psychologists deal with patients’ therapy particularly those cases of disorders. The following are the specific duties and responsibilities of the clinical psychologists: they evaluate or diagnose emotional and mental disorders of clients through observation, psychological tests, interviews, and formulation and administration of treatment programs for the patients (Lubin, & Levitt, 2009). They also provide administrative and psychological services the community and private firms regarding mental health disorders and complications. Clinical psychologists are charged with the responsibility of providing occupational and educational information to patients in order to equip them with the timely and informed knowledge about their mental and psychological disorders. Other responsibilities of clinical psychologists include developing and implementing therapy plan for an individual, maintaining updated knowledge on relevant research, observing medical and social history of families and clients suffering from medical disorders and mental disabilities. Besides, clinical psychologists develop, participate, and direct training clinical training programs for students and the entire medical staff (Parker, & Revelli, 2008).
For most psychologists, a doctoral or master’s degree together with a license are required for them to be accepted to enter in this career. In relation to education and training, psychologists are required to have a doctoral degree for independent practice. Ph.D. psychologists or psychology Doctors have a wide qualification range in health care services, clinical, teaching, research, counseling positions mostly in universities, elementary and high schools. Doctoral degree psychologists often work in private practices or in clinical positions but they also teach sometimes, carry out administrative duties or conduct research. Doctoral degree psychologists generally require a graduate study of 5 to 7 years and culminating in dissertation that is originally based research. Quantitative research methods are integral and important part in graduate study (Lubin, & Levitt, 2009). These methods of quantitative research including computer-based analysis use assist in completion of the dissertation. In school psychology, clinical and counseling, doctoral degree psychologists are required to have at least an internship of 1-year school. For school psychologists, a specialist degree is required in many states. However in few states, master’s degree is also applicable for school psychologists.
Clinical psychologists are likely to earn a compensation average ranging from $56000 to $84000 based on their level of experience. They receive average salaries worth $74200 on annual basis. A Clinical Psychologist will most likely earn an average compensation that can range from $56000 - $84000 based on level of experience. Clinical Psychologists receive average salaries of Seventy Four Thousand Two Hundred dollars on an annual basis. In New Jersey, clinical psychologists are the one who create the greatest compensation that has an average rate pay of approximately $92380. People with this clinical job expect the most pay in Other Services except in Public Administration where they expect compensation of $94120 on average (Cheshire & Pilgrim, 2004).
BLS does not specifically project the outlook of the job for experimental psychologists or research. However, the bureau does find the job growth for all psychologists. In general, it is expected that between 2008 to 2018, the general growth in the industry with respect to employment opportunities would average at 12%. However, the industry is more promising for those specialists in nursing psychology and research methods in clinical health. Therefore, the industry of medical sciences and psychology promises strong prospects of hiring and employment. According to BLS statistics, approximately 22% employment opportunities would be created between 2010-2020 because of the increasing number of specialists in clinical psychology (Lubin, & Levitt, 2009). Besides, the prospected population growth implies that clinical psychologists would have more work to do because of increase in mental depressions and psychological stress facing the general population. It is believed that the population is growing older and many people be turning to psychologists and help solve physical changes for aging and their mental problems. This will hire many opportunities for Ph.D. candidates.
The primary duties of clinical psychologists are treating and diagnosing mental disorders and learning disabilities, cognitive and emotional problems facing families, children, and the public at large. In addition, clinical psychologists are charged with the responsibility of designing and implementing behavior modification programs. Clinical psychologists have a wide a range of fields that they can work in. These include medical settings, academic institutions and colleges, and private practice (Cheshire & Pilgrim, 2004). Others specialize in research and legal settings or administrative responsibilities.
