Are you interested in learning about how to become a psychologist?  Psychologists enjoy rewarding careers helping people by studying human behavior and the mind. There are a number of different areas of specialization available to any psychology major, including becoming a child psychologist, a counseling psychologist, a school psychologist, a forensic psychologist, a social psychologist, an environmental psychologist, or a clinical psychologist.

There is often confusion regarding psychologist vs psychiatrist career paths. In the simplest terms, psychologists have medical degrees while psychologists obtain a doctoral degree in psychology. While much talk is centered on psychologist vs psychiatrist career options, here we focus on how to become a psychologist.

Psychologist: Job Description

Psychologists are social scientists focusing on human behavior and interaction. They work in a variety of settings, depending on their particular area of specialization. Some of the most common places for psychologists to work include schools, governmental organizations, clinics, and private practices. Psychologists may conduct research, teach, or provide professional services. Within the broader field of psychology, most social scientists specialize in a specific subfield. Five of the most common subfields of psychology are child, clinical, counseling, developmental, forensic, and research psychology.

• Child Psychology. A child psychologist focuses on children ranging in age from infants to adolescents. Child psychologists may work directly with children as a counselor, conduct research in a laboratory or field setting, or work as a consultant on programs at schools or other institutions with a focus on children. One of the greatest challenges in child psychology is that minors cannot legally give informed consent. Thus, research and treatment in this field require the careful design and implementation of research or therapy methods.
• Clinical Psychology. A clinical psychologist is concerned with helping those with severe emotional or mental disturbances. In particular, those specializing in this subfield focus on diagnosing and treating mental and emotional disorders, and finding ways, through therapy or research, to predict and prevent such disturbances. Clinical psychologists may open their own practices or work in private practices with other colleagues. Those working with individuals recovering from traumatic events often work in hospitals or rehabilitation centers where they help implement recovery plans and counsel patients coping psychologically with severe physical disabilities or illness.
• Counseling Psychology. A counseling psychologist is primarily focused on offering advice to those dealing with problems related to everyday life. Counseling psychologists may help couples considering divorce, a laid off or downsized employee, or children coping with peer pressure or traumatic events occurring at school, like the death of a classmate. Their main focus is on treating and preventing disorders, including physical, emotional, or social disturbances. Counseling psychology specialists typically work in hospitals, rehabilitation facilities, universities, schools, crisis centers, or private practice settings.
• Developmental Psychology. A developmental psychologist is concerned with the various developmental stages associated with different phases of the life cycle. Those focusing on early development may be concerned with the particular cognitive and emotional challenges associated with infancy or adolescence. Specialists focusing on gerontological development tend to focus on helping the elderly maintain their independence as they undergo the various emotional, mental, social, and physical changes associated with aging. Still others focus on learning disabilities and other developmental challenges. Depending on the particular area of expertise, developmental psychologists may work in schools, universities, elderly care facilities, research institutes, or private practices.
• Forensic Psychology. A forensic psychologist specializes in applying psychological theory and practice to the judicial system, typically working in consultation with attorneys and judges. Forensic psychologists serve as expert witnesses in court cases, testifying on the psychological findings associated with a given criminal or civil case. Forensic psychologists specializing in family court cases often consult on custody or child abuse cases. Those working on civil cases may offer therapy to victims of crimes or offer expert opinions during court proceedings. In criminal case proceedings, forensic psychologists may evaluate those accused of committing a crime to determine whether they are competent to stand trial, or treat minors serving as witnesses to a crime.
• Research or Experimental Psychology. A research psychologist focuses on conducting laboratory or field experiments aimed at understanding a variety of cognitive and behavioral tendencies. Research psychologists work with human and animal test subjects. Current areas of research include the cognitive underpinnings of abuse of drugs, alcohol, and other substances; the effect of genetics and the environment on human behavior; and memory and learning processes. Experimental psychologists work for universities, private and public research institutes, governmental agencies, and corporations.

How to Become a Psychologist: Education Requirements

In addition to examining the different specializations available, it is also essential to consider specific educational requirements when researching how to become a psychologist. Those interested in specializing in psychology should start with a bachelor’s degree in the field. Those with a bachelor’s degree in psychology may work in corrections or community mental health facilities.

A psychology major interested in pursuing further avenues within psychology may then enroll in a graduate program in order to further specialize in a particular subfield. Those with a master’s degree in psychology may opt to work as assistants in private practices or as research assistants to experimental psychologists.

Those wishing to become licensed psychologists must obtain a doctorate in order to practice independently or work as a psychologist in another institution. Obtaining a doctorate typically includes five years of formal study plus the presentation of an independently researched doctoral dissertation. The American Psychological Association is the accrediting authority for graduate programs in psychology. In addition, the American Board of Professional Psychology offers certificates in multiple specializations, including forensic and clinical psychology.

Since clinical psychology is one of the most popular specialties, clinical psychology graduate programs are extremely competitive. In addition to academic requirements, clinical psychology graduate programs typically also include a practical experience aspect that requires recent graduates to gain experience under the supervision of a licensed psychologist before practicing independently.

How to Become a Psychologist: Licensing Requirements

Psychology licensing requirements vary by specialty and state. In addition to the formal educational requirements mentioned above, practicing clinical and counseling psychologists must also demonstrate several years of practical experience. Such experience is typically obtained as part of an internship under the guidance of a licensed psychologist. State licenses typically require psychologists pass the state test and participate in continuing education courses when their licenses come up for renewal.

Psychologist Salary and Job Outlook

Overall, psychology employment options are expected to increase more than 10% by 2018. Pay rates also vary, with annual salaries ranging from about $50,000 to $110,000. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics numbers, the top paying positions for psychologist in 2010 were:

• Physician offices: $109,600
• Research Facilities: $100,790
• Hospitals: $91,810
• Social Assistance (Individual and Family Service): $90,220
• Schools (Elementary and Secondary): $89,570

After learning about how to become a psychologist, it is important to remember that as with any field, salary rates and job prospects depend on one’s educational background and experience. Those with doctoral degrees specializing in clinical or counseling psychology may have the best prospects in addition to having the option to open a private practice.

Working as a psychologist is a great way to take charge of your career and earn a good psychologist salary. This has seen the number of psychologists who are self-employed outpace the national average by up to four times. If you are looking for a career with good Job prospects, the field of psychology offers that and much more. In addition, psychology is not just confined to the medical field but is widely applied in other fields. These include law, business, sports, government institutions, and management. The majority of psychologists specialize in a particular field after learning an overview of what psychology is all about.

Careers in Psychology and Psychiatry

Working as a psychologist involves interacting with humans to examine behavior, mental functions, and how these factors affect social interactions. You will be also involved in research and explorations of human intellect, emotions, and physiology. The information gathered during research will be used to come up with hypotheses and conclusions touching on the subject. It is also common for psychologists to take part in the observation of subjects, surveys, and the study of stimuli on the brain. All of these aspects will be part of your work while working in institutions such as healthcare facilities, hospitals, private clinics, and schools. Patients will be looking up to you to help them change negative behaviors which affect personal health. On the other hand, educators expect your input when making school reform considerations. The full range of work done by psychologists is quite wide and includes advising lawyers on jury selection as well as helping trauma victims cope with shocking events.

Psychologist Salary

There are many different subfields in psychology which involves research as well as endeavors to promote healthy human development. The following are some of these subfields in order to get a general idea of the psychologist salary.

Counseling Psychology Salary

The average salary for counseling psychologists is about $59,600. Professionals working in clinical or school settings can expect to earn about $72,300. Practicing counseling psychology in an industrial or organizational setting can result in an annual take-home pay of $102,570.

Forensic Psychology Salary

The Bureau of Labor Statistics estimates that the demand for forensic psychologist will hit 15% by 2016. The average salary ranges from $44,000 to $83,000 though working experience can push this amount even higher. If you are just starting out, your forensic psychology salary will be in the region of $35,000 to $49,500. This rises to between $40,500 and $69,700 after working for two years. After five years you can expect to take home about $82,400 every year. Forensic psychologists with more than 10 years of experience will make about $117,900 annually.

Child Psychology Salary

The salary you will be earning as a child psychologist depends on field of practice and working experience. After graduation, your starting child psychology salary will range from $30,000 to $45,000 per year. If you stick it out for 5 more years, the amount can be anywhere from $55,000 to $80,000. Professionals who have been working for more than 10 years earn anything from $80,000 to $100,000 annually.

Training And Job Qualifications

Since the work involves dealing with either vulnerable people or sensitive issues, proper schooling is necessary. The starting point is a good psychology background while in high school. This includes taking courses in math, science, English, history, and foreign languages. Undergraduate degree programs in criminal psychology involve studies in human personality, social psychology, introductory psychology, statistics, and research methods. Most graduate programs do not require an undergraduate psychology major as 18 basic coursework credits are enough. A bachelor’s degree is not enough to practice as a psychologist and you will need to obtain a master’s degree. It is common to find practicing PhD holders in the field of child psychology, clinical psychology, and counseling. It takes about six years to earn a PhD with much of this time taken up in learning psychological theory, analysis, research, writing dissertation and sitting for examinations. Accreditation for psychologists is provided by bodies such as the American psychological Association (APA) and the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Certification is required for psychologists who are self-employed. The laws which govern certification vary depending on the state you are practicing in. The American Board of Professional Psychology gives certification for different specialties of psychology.

Psychologist and Psychiatrist Salary And Job Outlook

The US Bureau of Labor Statistics expects continued growth in the field of psychology. This is because there is increased demand for psychologists in institutions such as hospitals, companies, government institutions, mental health care centers, and schools.Psychologist salary will depend on working experience and educational qualifications. The average psychiatrist salary ranges from $123,000 to $195,000. This figure is inclusive of commissions and bonuses every year. The hourly rate is also dependent on factors such as region and experience. States with the best salaries for psychologists include Wyoming, Alaska, Oregon, and South Dakota. Salaries in these states can top $200,000 per year.

People who love working with children may want to consider becoming a child psychologist. This career is exciting, has a great outlook and offers a lifetime of fulfillment both professionally and personally. A degree that focuses in child psychology is the main requirement to enter the field, although there are other qualifications that may be required depending on the type of job and workplace. Learn how to become a psychologist and how a degree in child psychology can help open doors to a rewarding opportunity.

What Does a Child Psychologist do?

A person who holds a degree in child psychology focuses on juvenile mental and emotional health and behavior through observation, recording and interpretation of the patient’s words, emotions and reactions to other people, events and the environment. A child psychologist uses scientific methods, procedures, principles and theories to identify patterns, predict behavior and help the patient deal with any issues that may have caused the problem.

A child psychologist may work with children directly through interaction or study, particularly if the focus of his or her work is therapy. He or she may also choose to work mainly in research and study. There are child psychologists, however, who combine both areas to work in a variety of responsibilities.

A child psychologist may choose to work in different environments and industries, such as in schools, clinics, hospitals, research facilities and courts.

How to Become a Child Psychologist

The best way on how to become a psychologist is to complete a college degree in courses related to the field of psychology, including juvenile and child developmental issues. After completing a degree, students may then apply for one of several clinical psychology graduate programs. A child psychologist with a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) have the training and competence to work as teachers, counselors and researchers in a variety of fields, such as healthcare and education. Clinical psychology graduate programs take about 4-5 years to complete and will require an internship to provide the student with sufficient exposure to practice what he or she has learned.

Child Psychologist: License

All psychologists have to earn a license in order to practice. Once an internship has been approved, a child psychologist will need at least 1 year of professional experience in order to qualify for a State licensure. In some states, a licensed child psychologist may be required to enroll in continuing education classes in order to keep his or her license.

Child Psychology Salary Range

The salary of a child psychologist varies widely depending on the his or experience, location and specialization. In general, psychologists who enter the field with little experience can earn at least $30,000 a year to $40,000 a year at most. With experience, the yearly salary can rise to about $50,000 to as much as $80,000 a year. Experienced psychologists, such as those who have been practicing for at least 10 years may earn from $80,000 to $150,000 a year.

Child Psychology Job Outlook

Demand for skilled and experienced experts in child psychology continues to rise with changes in child healthcare. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment in the field could grow by about 10% until 2018, presenting an excellent job outlook for trained and licensed professionals such as child psychologists.

The first step included in how to become a social worker is enjoying working with people. While many jobs have that skill listed as a requirement, a social worker’s entire career revolves around trying to help people. Those who do not naturally get along with other people may not do well in a field that relies so heavily on that skills. If you have been wondering how to become a social worker, you should consider that requirement first, before examining the other potential requirements and benefits of the field.

What is a Social Worker?

Generally speaking, a person with a social worker degree helps people learn and heal from the problems in their lives. Because a social worker often works with people who are socially or physically disadvantaged, the role of a social worker requires many hours of research to keep up to date on changing laws and services for their clients. A social worker must also be willing to speak up and advocate strongly on their clients’ behalf. Due to the amount of policy research and advocating that social workers do in their every day job, it is not surprising that many become heavily involved in public policy advocacy outside of work, as well.

Due to the diverse nature of the career field of social work, people in the field choose specific populations to work with and specific types of duties to perform. This has lead to the creation of several categories of social worker jobs, including the following:

1. Child and family: These types of advocates, which include the category of school social workers, focus on providing services to both children and the child’s family. In addition to situations related to child physical, sexual and mental abuse, these social workers may help with adoptions or struggling parents find affordable daycare options.
2. Public health: Patients with illnesses such as HIV/AIDS, Alzheimer’s disease or terminal cancer may seek the help of these professionals, also known as medical social social workers. Family members of the ill also benefit from the support offered by this group.
3. Gerontological: Gerontology is the study of aging and the elderly, and gerontological social workers specialize in working with the needs of elderly patients. Some of the unique challenges this group of clients faces include limited mobility, transportation and housing.
4. Mental health: Also known as substance abuse social workers, these types of professionals offer types of therapy and rehabilitation to clients with mental illnesses or who suffer from drug abuse. Social workers may also offer counseling to family members who are affected by the illness or drug abuse. Mental health social workers, once licensed, often operate out of their own private practice.

Regardless of the type of social work that they specialize in, a social worker must work as part of a team. Nurses, doctors, therapists, psychologists, psychiatrists, schools, parents, lawyers, judges and law enforcement regularly make up the group of people with whom a social worker must cooperate in order to best serve the needs of their clients.

How to Become a Social Worker: MSW Programs and the Social Worker Degree

A social worker degree is offered at the undergrad and graduate level. Although a bachelor’s degree may qualify you for an entry-level job, many of the most coveted positions will require a Masters in Social Work (MSW.) Jobs which require a Masters in Social Work include any clinical, health or school positions.

While it is not necessary to possess an MSW to have rewarding careers as a caseworker, MSW programs prepare those in their social worker degree program to concentrate on an area of specialization. The MSW programs also prepare graduates for supervisory tasks, the ability to perform assessments, and explore coping methods for larger cases than an undergraduate social work degree.

To complete a MSW, you will need to take at least two years of full time classes. In addition, you will be required to complete an internship with at least 900 hours outside the classroom.

How to Become a Social Worker: Licensing Requirements

Social work jobs are limited to those without a license. Even with a graduate degree, insurance companies will not pay a social worker if they are not licensed. Supervisory roles almost always require a license, as well.

In order to gain a license, many states require that graduates of MSW programs complete an exam and an addition two years of supervised practice under a licensed social worker. However, every state has their own licensing requirements. Specific information about requirements for any of the states can be obtained from the Association of Social Work Boards.

Social Work Jobs: Salary and Job Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor and Statistics, social work jobs are expected to grow faster than average. The Occupational Outlook Handbook estimates a percentage growth of 16 to 22 percent by 2018. Social work jobs are expected to be especially plentiful for gerontological social workers, public health social workers, substance abuse social workers or professionals in rural areas.

The social worker salary depends primarily upon where they work. Social worker salary averages in elementary schools have a median salary of $53,860, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. In hospitals, social worker salaries had a median annual salary of $51,470. Local and state government salaries ranged between $39,000 to $47,000, while social workers in emergency relief services had salaries as low as $31,000.

As with any career, social workers deal with stresses unique to their field. They often have large backlogs of case files, face pressure from government regulations and argumentative parents and may be underfunded for public health programs. For the right person, however, it is very valuable to learn how to become a social worker, as this career is filled with the rewarding experiences of being able to make a positive change in other people’s lives.

A career in professional counseling is particularly appealing for anyone who enjoys working with people and solving various problems that people encounter in their education, vocations and personal lives. For those who are interested in pursuing a career related to counseling psychology, it is helpful to know exactly what different types of counselors do and how to become a counselor. Two other practical factors include the current job outlook and expected salary for this field.

What Counseling Psychologists and Counselors Do

The job of a counselor is, as the name suggests, one who counsels, gives advice or guides. It is a job many consider when thinking about how to become a therapist as well. Counselors are needed in a variety of settings such as schools, churches, hospitals and rehabilitation facilities. Some of the different types of counseling positions include marriage and family, vocational, financial, and educational guidance counselor. A counselor assists people who need help making decisions during different transitions in life. They do this very important job by evaluating individuals; educating and informing them on different issues; making suggestions and offering support. For example a guidance counselor who works at a school helps to advise students on what classes to take, based on the student’s interests and abilities. A marriage or family counselor is able to objectively identify relationship problems and give advice as to how people might work with each other and get along better. A person who is able to counsel in both normal counseling situations and special situations where there might be physical, mental or emotional issues is a counseling psychologist. A counseling psychologist can deal with issues such as mental health, substance abuse, eating disorders, rehabilitation counseling, and more.

How to Become a Counselor or Guidance Counselor

For those who want to know how to become a counselor, educational requirements differ from state to state, but obtaining a bachelor’s degree is a good way to begin. For most professional counseling jobs it is necessary to have a master’s degree and a license in counseling. Degrees in counseling psychology, human services, sociology, and other related fields are all appropriate areas of study for counseling. For those who know what area of counseling they would like to work in, it is helpful to major in a degree which focuses on that particular specialty. Psychology or counseling degrees with concentrations in certain areas such as child development, marriage and family therapy, substance abuse and social work, are all examples of options in the counseling field. Mental health counseling programs are also common. Going on to earn a PhD is extremely helpful for people who would like to open their own private practice in any area of counseling or would like to teach others how to counsel.

How to Become a Counselor: Licensing Requirements

In all fifty states of the U.S., a master’s degree in counseling or a related field is required to become a licensed professional counselor. An additional requirement is that candidates must perform a certain number of hours of clinical work in the field, depending on the particular state’s regulations. They must also pass a state licensing exam. There are different licensing examination options, depending on what the state requires. The National Certified Mental Health Counselor Examination (NCMHCE) is one of these exams. In many states, after passing the required exam, the applicant is given a temporary license and is then required to complete an internship with a specific number of hours of practice. In the state of Texas, for example, a 3,000 hour internship under a board-approved supervisor is required with at least 1,500 of those hours working directly with clients.

Salaries of Counselors

Salaries for counselors can vary greatly depending on education, experience, type of counseling and region. According to the website AllPsychologySchools, a substance abuse counselor makes between $29,410 and $65,360 per year. A counselor who specializes in mental health is paid $35,580 to $48,580 and a marriage and family counselor can expect to make anywhere from $34,840 to $56,320. A guidance counselor in a school generally makes between $38,740 and $65,360. According to Salary.com, the average annual salary for a typical counseling psychologist–specifically in the higher education field–is $59,637. The cities which seem to generally pay the highest average salaries for counselors in general, are New York and Houston. As with many other career fields, larger businesses such as schools and hospitals tend to offer more competitive wages than smaller non-profit organizations.

Job Outlook for Counselors

The job outlook for a counselor or a counseling psychologist is very favorable at this time. Counseling jobs are expected to continue to grow at a faster rate than many other careers through the year 2016. Substance abuse and behavioral counselors are especially in demand as more and more drug offenders are receiving treatment rather than longer prison sentences. The overall field of counseling psychology will be in demand more and more as stress-related problems grow with current fast-paced lifestyles. In recent years there has also been a growing need for counselors who work with military members and specialize in Post Traumatic Stress Disorder. More people are seeking professional help with marriage and family related problems than ever before. As more and more high school students are planning to attend college, there is an even greater need for guidance counselors to help them map out their futures and choose appropriate schools and degrees.

For those who are either beginning their formal education or already have an associate’s or bachelor’s degree and would like to continue their education, training to become a counselor can be a good choice. For those who enjoy helping people, the counseling field offers a wealth of options and opportunities, and it is definitely worth learning about how to become a counselor. With careful planning and preparation, a counseling related degree can be the beginning of a fulfilling and successful career.

Have you ever thought about how to become a therapist, and what a therapist is exactly?  Becoming a therapist is somewhat different from becoming a psychiatrist. Generally, a therapist offers advice and counseling to an individual or a group of people who suffer from mental or emotional disorders. Typically, people who see therapists may suffer from depression, stress, addictions or anxiety disorders. Some therapists also work in health care settings to assist with physical or occupational techniques for improving physical mobility.

There are several types of therapists who help people with mental and emotional disorders. Common job titles include a counseling psychologist, clinical social worker and mental health counselors. Some may work in a mental health facility or in private practice.

Although therapists are paid for their services, many enter this field because of a desire to help individuals get through turbulent times. Therapists help individuals deal with issues that may cause certain types of mental disorders. Typically, therapists diagnose and treat mental or emotional problems such as substance abuse and phobias.

Differences Between a Therapist and a Counselor

There are a few differences between a therapist and a counselor, although both terms are used interchangeably. Both seek to improve the lives of people who are dealing with mental and emotional issues.

A number of therapists may provide long-term treatment for individuals, focusing on the underlying issues causing emotional disorders. The focus is primarily on the thought processes or behaviors that may lead to anxiety or depression. For example, a person may experience a traumatic event that leads to post traumatic stress disorder (PTSD). A therapist will help that person work through emotions and learn how to cope with and control thoughts that may cause an onset of PTSD.

In technical terms, a counselor is a person who offers advice to another for solving a problem. Many types of counselors exist: school, financial planning or spiritual counselors involve giving advice. A mental health counselor usually offers short-term treatment to target specific behaviors.

A therapist and counselor may overlap in practice, since both offer advice for dealing with certain disorder. However, a therapist has more skills in dealing with these disorders. Therapists possess the training and skill to provide counseling after diagnosing a disorder. In practice, therapists might be a trained counselor, counseling psychologist or social worker.

How to Become a Therapist: Education Options and Clinical Psychology Graduate Programs

Finding out how to become a therapist begins with determining the preferred career path. Each classification of therapist has a set level of degrees, courses and certifications. Further, the certification requirements on how to become a therapist may vary among states. Similar considerations exist on how to become a psychologist.

Regardless of which career path a person chooses, an undergraduate degree is the first level of education required. Prospective therapy professionals can benefit from completing an undergraduate degree in psychology, human services or social work. Typically, a person cannot begin a career as a therapist with just an undergraduate degree. However, one is required before enrolling in a graduate degree program.

A person can learn how to become a psychologist or a therapist by completing a graduate degree program. Examples of degrees include a masters in social work (MSW) and clinical psychology graduate programs. These programs typically last two years and provide a robust curriculum that covers theories, therapeutic techniques, research and practical experience. Most require the completion of an internship where students gain hands-on experience working in a hospital, community center or mental health facility.

 A masters degree in social work is an opportunity for students to explore concepts and theories related to solving complex social issues. Those who graduate from MSW degree programs are generally prepared to work with families and individuals with emotional needs.

Admission requirements may vary among academic institution. Generally, requirements include completing an undergraduate degree in a related field and receiving passing scores on the Graduate Record examination (GRE).

The coursework for a masters in social work covers general and core classes. General coursework may include human development theories and social work practice. Core coursework may include counseling techniques and policy.

Clinical psychology graduate programs are also two-year degrees where students learn about clinical diagnosis, psychological testing and research methods. Students also receive hands-on training in a clinical setting and gain practical experience in counseling psychology techniques.

Before enrolling in a clinical psychology graduate program, students must complete an undergraduate degree in psychology. Typically, an undergraduate degree in another field requires completing psychology related coursework prior to acceptance into the clinical psychology program. Other admission requirements may include passing the GRE and submitting letters of recommendation.

The curricula for most masters degree programs include a combination of coursework and clinical research. Courses during this type of program may include clinical assessments, psychotherapy, crisis intervention and advanced psychology. Students are generally required to also complete a research study that demonstrates knowledge of a specific area.

Some people may continue their education with PsyD programs, which are Doctor of Psychology degrees in clinical psychology. This degree level is required to become a counseling psychologist. In general, PsyD programs have received accreditation from the American Psychological Association (APA). Students want to enroll in programs with APA accreditation in order to become licensed and practice counseling psychology.

How to Become aTherapist: Licensing

 Licensing standards vary among each state for therapist professionals. In addition to passing a licensing examination, many states have continuing education requirements to maintain counseling credentials. Part of the licensing process may also include completing a number of clinical hours. For example, licensed social workers (LSWs) may need 3,000 hours of clinical experience under direct supervision.

Psychologist Salary and Job Outlook

How exactly does one measure a psychologist salary? According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median income for clinical psychologist is just over $64,000 annually. The job outlook for clinical psychologists is expected to grow along with increased demand.

Social workers and therapists will also experience a steady growth in demand. The annual median salary for social workers averages $39,000. Some counselors and therapists can earn up to $63,000 annually.

Conclusion

For those with a natural affinity towards helping others and possess a curiosity about the human mind, it is most definitely worth your time learning about how to become a therapist. Though the training can take awhile, the experience brings not only challenging but also rewarding career that lasts a lifetime.

Knowing how to become a psychiatrist, as well as what a psychiatrist does, is the first step toward making a decision to become one. A prospective psychiatrist must know what the job of a psychiatrist entails, what schooling and licensing is needed, as well as job prospects and potential income. Armed with this information, a student can make an informed choice, such as becoming a psychiatrist vs psychologist.

Job Description: What is a Psychiatrist?

Before we delve into the topic of how to become a psychiatrist, it’s important to know what a psychiatrist is.  Psychiatry is an area of medicine that deals primarily with the mental health of patients. A psychiatrist is able to prescribe medications as necessary to patients, as well as talk to patients about their problems. While many people seek the help of a counselor to talk through their issues, a counselor cannot help with medications and doesn’t have the amount of training a psychiatrist does. Therefore, those who are dealing with mental illness issues would do best seeing a psychiatrist rather than a general counselor. A psychiatrist will work with each patient to administer psychotherapy, including delving into the patient’s past, giving advice on how to handle issues and sometimes even conducting group or family therapy sessions. If necessary, a psychiatrist will prescribe medications to help the patient. Even if a patient regularly sees a counselor or psychologist, a psychiatrist may be necessary for medication management purposes.

When choosing a mental health doctor, it is important to understand the difference of psychiatrist vs psychologist. Both types of doctors deal with many of the same issues in similar manners. However, there are some distinct differences. The education is one of the biggest differences. Psychiatrists are considered to be doctors and thus must go to medical school, while psychologists must only complete regular college courses through a typical graduate school. Psychiatrists must also complete a residency like other types of doctors. Psychiatrists are also the only ones who can prescribe medications, especially narcotics, to patients. Psychologists often use personality testing and other types of testing to make evaluations. In terms of fees, psychiatrists often charge more for their services, but they do offer more services in many situations. To choose which one is best, a patient must evaluate his needs and potentially talk to his regular doctor or a therapist to gauge what he needs for treatment.

Psychiatrists work in many different environments. Many of them operate their own practices or work in practice with a group of psychiatrists. However, psychiatrists can be found in other health institutions as well. Some psychiatrists work in a hospital setting, including regular hospitals and special mental health hospitals. Some psychiatric doctors even work for the government or through law enforcement to help with profiling and other legal issues. Nursing homes and other residential care facilities are also known to hire psychiatrists to complete the medical staff available to patients and their families for the most well-rounded care available.

How to Become a Psychiatrist: Education & Licensing Requirements

Psychiatrist: Education Requirements

The path to becoming a psychiatrist is much the same as that toward becoming a regular medical doctor. A person who wants to become a psychiatrist must first attend an undergraduate college and take courses that qualify for the pre-med major at that particular college. These classes will lead the student along the path to medical school. Classes often focus on biology, math, chemistry and physics. After graduating from a four-year college, the student must then apply to and attend a medical college. Courses in a medical college typically take at least four years to complete. A student who hopes to become a psychiatrist will take many of the same classes as those who want to become other types of doctors, such as anatomy, biochemistry, pharmacology and medical ethics. During the last two years of medical school, students will change their focus to psychiatry. When choosing to become a psychiatrist, a student must also consider potential sub-specialties, such as a pediatric psychiatrist or a forensic psychiatrist, to best tailor his schooling. After medical college, a psychiatry graduate must complete several years of residency before practicing on his own.

Psychiatrist: Licensing Requirements

The licensing requirements to become a psychiatrist is much the same as other types of doctors. A psychiatrist needs to check into the state medical licensing requirements in the state in which he would like to work. Each state has its own licensing regulations and processes. To practice in a different state later, a psychiatrist must follow the new state’s guidelines. A psychiatrist must also apply for a license with the Drug Enforcement Administration for a Federal Narcotics License. This is required to prescribe narcotics to patients because these types of drugs must be closely monitored for abuse. This license must be renewed periodically. Some states also require a state narcotics license. If a doctor wishes to serve patients who have medicare or medicaid insurance, he must also apply for a provider number with the government. Psychiatrists who want to work in specific fields, such as a pediatric psychiatrist or forensic psychiatrist, would need to take a board certification exam to become certified in these areas.

Psychiatrist Salary: How much does a Psychiatrist make?

The salary of a psychiatrist is higher than many of the other areas of mental health. As a recent graduate, a student can expect to start working in the range of $45,000 and $175,000, according to PayScale.com. Pay also depends on the location in which a psychiatrist will work. Larger cities often pay more than small cities. Pay can also vary greatly by state. After working in the field for 5 years, a psychiatrist can expect a salary in the range of $83,000 to $226,500. At 10 years, the range goes up to $99,000 to 225,000. Those who work in the field for more than 20 years find pay falling in the range of $99,000 to $237,000. The exact rate will depend greatly on the type of practice, as well as the location in which the psychiatrist practices. For instance, the median salary for psychiatrists in California is about $179,000, while the media salary in Vermont is $118,000.

The area of psychiatry in which a psychiatrist works will also weigh in on the salary potential. For instance, those who work in a doctor’s office make a median salary of about $159,000; a psychiatrist that works in a mental hospital can expect to earn a median wage of about $166,000. Some of the top earning positions for a psychiatrist include nursing care facilities with a median salary of about $190,000, state government positions with a median salary of about $196,000 and outpatient care facilities with a median salary of about $188,000.

Psychiatrist Jobs: Job Outlook and Prospects

Because psychiatry is a constant need without many other options, the field has remained steady and is projected to remain so in the future. According to the Department of Labor Statistics, job growth for all areas of medicine are projected to grow steadily at a rate of about 22 percent. However, this statistic covers all areas of medicine. Psychiatrists make up about 5 percent of the medical field. This field is in high demand, however, as about 26 percent of the adult population requires the services of a psychiatrist each year, according to the National Institute of Mental Health. Around 6 percent of Americans suffer from severe mental illness. The greatest need in the psychiatry field falls to the mental health and substance abuse hospitals, which accounts for nearly 2 percent of all psychiatrists. Government jobs are the most rare, with less than 1/2 percent of all psychiatrists working in this area. Private practice accounts for the greatest percentage. For private practice, though, pay varies greatly depending on location and the amount a psychiatrist charges for services versus the cost of operating an office.

Some areas of psychiatry, especially pediatric psychology, have a greater need for workers. The country suffers from a shortage of pediatric psychiatrists, making it difficult for parents of children with mental issues to find help for their children. This also makes the waiting period for child psychiatrists long. If a potential psychiatrist is looking for a field that has plenty of options, this particular area is a good option. Forensic psychiatry is another field that is in great need. These psychiatrists work alongside law enforcement officials and lawyers to handle cases involving mentally disturbed individuals. A student going to school for psychiatry who also has an interest in the field of law may want to consider becoming a forensic psychiatrist. This choice would provide a psychiatrist with the ability to work in both fields at the same time and satisfy both interests.

Conclusion

When making a decision to go into the field of psychiatry, a student must consider the various areas of the field available, as well as job availability and salary in the area in which he wants to work. In general, the field of psychiatry is a growing field that continues to show steady growth over the years. Psychiatrists are needed to treat mental illnesses in ways that other related fields can’t, and that is why it is incredibly valuable to find out how to become a psychiatrist.