What Is a Psychologist?
Psychologist DefinitionA psychologist is a person who studies human behavior and the mental processes that underlie human behavior. Psychologists use scientific research methods to study behavior and develop theories about how behavior works. They also use psychological techniques to help people understand and change their behavior.
Psychologists are trained in a variety of specialties, including:
- Clinical psychology
- Cognitive psychology
- Developmental psychology
- Educational psychology
- Industrial-organizational psychology
- Personality psychology
- Social psychology
- Health psychology
- Forensic psychology
Psychologists work in a variety of settings, including:
- Universities and colleges
- Hospitals and clinics
- Private practice
- Businesses and corporations
- Government agencies
- Nonprofit organizations
What Psychologists Do
Psychologists use a variety of methods to study behavior, including:
- Observational methods
- Experimental methods
- Case studies
- Interviews
- Surveys
- Tests
Psychologists use their research findings to develop theories about how behavior works. They also use their research findings to develop psychological techniques to help people understand and change their behavior.
Psychological techniques include:
- Behavior therapy
- Cognitive therapy
- Psychotherapy
- Counseling
- Group therapy
- Family therapy
Why Psychologists Are Important
Psychologists play an important role in understanding human behavior and in developing techniques to help people improve their lives. Psychologists can help people:
- Manage stress
- Improve their relationships
- Make healthier decisions
- Resolve conflicts
- Cope with trauma
- Improve their academic performance
- Get a job
- Achieve their career goals
- Live a happier, more fulfilling life
Education and Training Required to Become a Psychologist
Psychologists must earn a doctorate degree from an accredited university or college. Doctoral programs in psychology typically last four to seven years.
During their doctoral program, psychologists complete coursework in a variety of areas, including:
- Psychology
- Biology
- Statistics
- Research methods
- Clinical psychology
Psychologists also complete a supervised internship in a clinical setting. During their internship, psychologists gain experience diagnosing and treating mental health problems.
Once they have completed their doctoral program and internship, psychologists must pass a national licensing exam in order to practice psychology.
Job Outlook for Psychologists
The job outlook for psychologists is excellent. The United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that the employment of psychologists will grow by 14% from 2019 to 2029. This growth is faster than average for all occupations.
The BLS also projects that there will be more than 20,000 new job openings for psychologists each year. This growth will be due to a number of factors, including:
- The increasing demand for mental health services
- The aging population
- The growing recognition of the importance of mental health
Psychologists with a doctorate degree and a license to practice psychology are expected to have the best job opportunities.
Salary for Psychologists
The salary for psychologists varies depending on a number of factors, including:
- Education
- Experience
- Specialty
- Location
The BLS reports that the median annual salary for psychologists was $84,430 in May 2019. The highest 10% of earners made more than $138,370, while the lowest 10% of earners made less than $57,302.
Psychologists with a doctorate degree and a license to practice psychology typically earn the highest salaries.
Are You Interested in Becoming a Psychologist?
If you are interested in becoming a psychologist, there are a few things you can do:
- Get a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field.
- Gain experience working in a mental health setting.
- Volunteer your time at a local mental health organization.
- Shadow a practicing psychologist.
- Take the Graduate Record Examinations (GRE).
- Apply to graduate school in psychology.
If you are passionate about helping people and understanding human behavior, then a career in psychology may be right for you.