Clinical Psychologist

Are you fascinated by how the human mind works? Do you often find people coming to you for advice, and do you enjoy giving it to them? If so, you should consider a career as a Clinical Psychologist, where you’ll find the opportunity to affect people’s lives in positive ways. Clinical Psychologists do this work in a clinical setting, which might be at a mental health facility, a rehabilitation center, a hospital, or a private practice.

If you’re a Clinical Psychologist, your patients suffer from a range of illnesses and disorders. While your first patient of the day might suffer from depression, the next might struggle with a drug addiction, and the next might be scarred by a traumatic childhood. Some patients have also experienced physical trauma, such as a stroke or spinal cord injury, while others have lost loved ones.

Regardless of why they’re there in your clinic, your goal is to formulate a plan that helps them cope. Because your cases vary widely, there is no cookie-cutter solution. So your job requires understanding, empathy, strong communication skills, knowledge of a variety of treatment techniques, and an uncanny ability to target the central issue.

Listening is a key component of your job. Not only does this not-so-simple task allow your patients to express themselves, but it also helps you identify the problem and create a plan for treatment. With the information you gather, you might recommend group counseling, drug or alcohol rehabilitation, or a referral to a Psychiatrist when you think medications are required.