Training psychologists. Pursuing a Career in Clinical or Counseling Psychology: A Comprehensive Guide

13.07.202308.07.2023 by alexxlab

What are the steps to pursuing a career in clinical or counseling psychology? How can one get the necessary training and education? Explore the details.

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Pathways to a Career in Clinical or Counseling Psychology

Pursuing a career in clinical or counseling psychology involves a multifaceted educational and training process. Aspiring psychologists must navigate a series of steps to qualify for licensure and practice in their chosen field.

Educational Requirements

The journey begins with obtaining a bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology or a related field. After completing an undergraduate program, individuals must then pursue a graduate degree, either a Master’s in Clinical or Counseling Psychology or a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical or Counseling Psychology.

Accredited Programs and Licensure

It is crucial to ensure that the graduate program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or a recognized regional accrediting body. Upon completing the graduate program, individuals must obtain licensure, which typically involves passing a comprehensive exam, such as the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

Clinical Training and Supervised Experience

In addition to the educational requirements, aspiring clinical or counseling psychologists must also complete a significant amount of supervised clinical training, often in the form of internships and postdoctoral fellowships. This hands-on experience is essential for developing the necessary skills and expertise to provide effective psychological services.

Specialization and Continuing Education

Within the fields of clinical and counseling psychology, there are numerous opportunities for specialization, such as working with specific populations, addressing particular mental health concerns, or utilizing specialized therapeutic approaches. Ongoing continuing education is crucial for maintaining and expanding one’s knowledge and skills throughout a career in psychology.

Professional Development and Networking

Engagement in professional organizations, such as the APA, can provide valuable resources, networking opportunities, and avenues for professional development. Joining these organizations can help aspiring and practicing psychologists stay informed about the latest advancements in the field and connect with colleagues.

The APA’s Role in Training and Development

The APA plays a pivotal role in supporting the training and professional development of psychologists. It offers a wide range of resources, including training programs, continuing education opportunities, and professional development presentations, to help psychologists at all stages of their careers.

Exploring the APA’s Training Programs and Resources

The APA’s training programs and resources cover a diverse range of topics, from the assessment and treatment of pediatric anxiety disorders and OCD to the use of virtual reality in mental health treatment. These offerings provide psychologists with the knowledge and skills needed to address the evolving needs of their patients and clients.

Navigating the Complexities of Documentation and Legal Considerations

Effective documentation and adherence to legal and ethical standards are crucial for psychologists. The APA’s training programs address these important aspects, equipping psychologists with the knowledge and best practices to navigate the complexities of documentation and legal considerations in their practice.

Opportunities for Non-Citizen Psychologists in the U.S.

The APA also provides resources and support for non-citizen psychologists seeking employment in the United States. These resources help individuals understand the necessary requirements and find job opportunities that align with their skills and interests.

Continuous Learning and Professional Growth

The field of psychology is continuously evolving, and psychologists must engage in ongoing learning and professional development to stay at the forefront of their practice. The APA’s training programs and resources, such as the “Lead from Anywhere” webinar series and the Continuing Education offerings, provide psychologists with the tools and knowledge needed to thrive in their careers.

Conclusion

Pursuing a career in clinical or counseling psychology requires a comprehensive educational and training process, but the rewards of making a positive impact on individuals’ lives can be immensely fulfilling. By leveraging the resources and support provided by the APA, aspiring and practicing psychologists can navigate the complexities of the field and continuously grow their knowledge and skills to deliver the highest quality of care to their patients and clients.

Your Training

APA provides training, professional development presentations, and resources for members.

Assessment and treatment of pediatric anxiety disorders and OCD

This free presentation will explore ways in which clinicians can continue to meet the increasing needs of patients and families suffering from anxiety and OCD.

Documentation with a jury in mind

This presentation will review basic principles of documentation and how to apply best practices with both the patient and jury in mind.

Virtual reality in mental health treatment

Learn how to use virtual reality to treat a broad range of conditions and therapies, supporting both in-person and remote care.

Jobs in the U.S. for noncitizen psychologists

This series will help you understand what you’ll need in order to work in the U.S. and how to find jobs that fit your skill set and interests.

More Training Programs and Resources

Lead from anywhere

This new webinar series focuses on helping all psychologists develop and refine their personal approach to leadership.
Continuing Education

APA approves and develops continuing education programs for psychologists and other mental health professionals, providing the opportunity for professional development.

CE offer

Welcome to the world of unlimited learning. Access live webinar series throughout the year, and more than 200 video on-demand CE programs from our catalog including any of our featured APA 2022 virtual CE workshops.

Get subscription

Lead From Anywhere

This webinar series focuses on helping all psychologists develop and refine their personal approach to leadership.

Watch now

Building and Sustaining a Thriving Private Practice: When to Call in Outside Help

In this five credit CE series, learn how consultants can be engaged to help build/grow a practice (group or solo). Consultants featured: An attorney, accountant, risk management specialist, practice management specialist, and professional development consultant.

Supercharge Your Presence

Building a professional presence can be time-consuming, and at times, frustrating for psychologists who are new to the field, just starting a business, or looking to enhance their existing online personas. However, the process isn’t that daunting if you know what tools to use and how to use them.

Watch now

Ask the Experts

Many legal and risk management challenges are complex, distinct, and often require expertise beyond what most psychologists have. APA’s Legal and State Advocacy team and risk management experts from Allied World, underwriter for the American Professional Agency, are here to help.

Watch now

Adolescent and adult-based mental health and addiction assessment and treatment

Psychologists at all levels of care seek training in evidence-based practices, promoting education, expertise, and best practice for the patients and families they serve. This webinar series strives to provide practice and research-based tools and knowledge for clinicians to aid in clinical intervention, assessment, and treatment.

Watch now

Opioid addiction as an attachment disorder

Explore opioid use disorders and their treatment through two discrete yet interconnected lenses: the larger ecological system, including sociohistorical changes in the United States; and attachment theory, which sees connection-seeking behaviors as primary to survival.

Watch now

Essential Science Conversations

Join APA for a regular webinar series, where panelists and audience members can engage in an open dialogue about emerging topics in psychological science.

How Did You Get That Job?

The knowledge, skills, and experience gained through your psychology training can successfully transfer to a variety of jobs. Learn how other professionals got their current job and how you can apply your training to a similar career path.

Watch now

Visit our online store to purchase great APA-branded items for yourself or someone special. Products are available at member prices, for a limited time.

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Here to help

Have a question about APA membership?

American Psychological Association. (2023). Your Training. https://www.apa.org/members/your-training

Training, Education & Comparison with Psychiatrist

Psychologists obtain doctorate degrees, not medical degrees, and can prescribe medications in only three U.S. states.

Psychologists are doctors who obtain a doctorate degree that is either a PhD, a PsyD, or an EdD.

They work with patients to help diagnose, treat, and manage a wide range of conditions and issues related to emotions, thoughts, and overall mental health.

Some areas in which they may help include:

Stress
Anxiety
Depression
Anger
Grief
Addiction
Coping with chronic illness
Relationship difficulties

Psychologists use a variety of therapies to help patients, including cognitive, behavioral, cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, humanistic, or psychodynamic therapy; hypnosis; or a combination of several therapies.

According to the American Psychological Association, there are about 105,000 licensed psychologists in the United States.

Psychologists work in various settings, including:

Private practice
Schools, colleges, and universities
Hospitals
Prisons
Veterans’ medical centers
Community health and mental health clinics
Business and industry
Nursing homes and rehabilitation and long-term care centers

Psychologist Training and Education

Psychologists usually receive an undergraduate degree in psychology, and then go on to earn a master’s degree and a doctorate degree in psychology. This usually takes an additional five to seven years.

To become a licensed psychologist, most states require a year-long, full-time supervised internship before graduation, plus an additional year of supervised practice.

Psychologists must also pass a national examination, plus another examination that’s specific to the state where they wish to practice.

Once licensed, psychologists must obtain a certain amount of continuing education to maintain their license.

Psychologists can go on to receive additional schooling and licensing if they want to specialize in a particular field of psychology, or if they want to gain expertise in psychoanalysis (a non-drug mental health treatment technique).

In Illinois, Louisiana, and New Mexico, psychologists can undergo advanced training after they’re licensed in order to prescribe medications.

Usually, they must complete a specialized training program or a master’s degree in psychopharmacology.

Psychologist vs Psychiatrist: What’s the Difference?

A big difference between a psychologists and a psychiatrist is that psychiatrists graduate from medical school, obtaining an MD. Because of this, psychiatrists can prescribe medications.

Psychologists are not medical doctors, so most of them can’t prescribe medications (outside of the three states mentioned above, where doing so is allowed with advanced training).

Psychologists mainly focus on the thoughts, feelings, and general mental health of patients, while psychiatrists often focus on disorders that involve a chemical imbalance.

Because of their differences, psychologists and psychiatrists often work together or refer patients to one another to provide the best care for their patients.

For example, psychologists may refer a patient to a psychiatrist if they believe a medication may be helpful to the patient.

On the other hand, psychiatrists may refer a patient to a psychologist if the psychologist has a particular expertise in a non-drug treatment, such as psychoanalysis.

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