Earning a Master’s in Clinical Psychology may give you the option to work as a professional psychologist, but it’s important to explore the clinical psychology jobs available to those with a lower level degree. Many of the highest paying positions in the field require a doctoral degree, which comes with a residency requirement. In addition to completing a doctoral dissertation, students will spend at least one year working in the field. After looking at some of the jobs available with a master’s degree, you might decide to go right to work instead of continuing your studies.
Hospital Psychologist
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median wage for all types of psychologists is $90,020 a year, but the median wage for clinical psychologists is $67,650 a year. Clinical psychologists often work in hospitals and other medical settings. They provide therapy and counseling, as well as create short and long term treatment plans. They may work with emergency room patients brought in by the police or with those exhibiting signs of emotional distress. They also lend support to patients and families of patients who have been recently diagnosed with a life altering or life threatening disease.
Pediatric Psychologist
If you enjoy working with kids, you may consider becoming a pediatric psychologist. Though some might confuse this career path with that of a school psychologist, there are a few differences between the two professions. A pediatric psychologist typically works with kids in a private setting, at a community center or in other settings that kids use. A school counselor works in the school setting and must have a license from the state. In both professions the psychologist will focus on helping the child navigate the daily challenges of family, friends, and school.
Substance Abuse Counselor
Clinical psychology jobs can include positions as substance abuse counselors. Substance abuse counselors treat patients dealing with prescription or illegal drug abuse or alcoholism. They may also work in addiction treatment centers that treat addictions to certain behaviors, including sex addiction, gambling addiction or video game addiction. They often treat patients with a dual diagnosis, those who have both a substance addiction and a mental illness. Treatment centers often need counselors who can work with patients one-on-one and in group sessions. They are also responsible for facilitating sessions with addicts and their loved ones.
Sport Psychologist
Those who enjoy sports might enjoy working with athletes. Sports psychologists work with both amateur and professional athletes. Psychologists working in this field offer support to players struggling with anxiety, depression, a death in the family, divorce or other issues. They often provide support to athletes going through a slump or dealing with a trauma that makes it difficult for them to keep playing. Sports psychologists can focus on visualization techniques that show players how to clear their minds and focus on the game, but they may use alternative and traditional therapies as well.
Clinical psychology is a field of psychology that focuses on treating patients through a series of different methods and techniques. While many jobs require a doctoral degree, it’s possible to find clinical psychology jobs, including positions as sports, pediatric, substance abuse and hospital psychologists and counselors with only a Master’s in Clinical Psychology.
