If you are interested in helping others and are fascinated by the human mind, you should consider becoming a clinical psychologist, a career ranked 23rd in CNNMoney’s 2009 survey of the top 50 jobs in America.

Clinical Psychology Job Description

Clinical psychologists engage in the diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of mental ailments, ranging from depression and anxiety to psychosis and schizophrenia. Clinical psychologists also work with those who–while not afflicted with particular disorders–are confronting divorces, job changes, bereavement, and other life challenges.

Clinical Psychology Requirements

In order to become a clinical psychologist, you generally must attend an accredited graduate program that grants a doctoral degree in psychology–either a Doctor of Philosophy in psychology (Ph.D.) or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.)–which takes about five years to complete. Ph.D. programs tend to focus more heavily on research, while Psy.D. programs involve greater clinical engagement. Most graduate programs require candidates to have taken the Graduate Record Examination (GRE) and an associated subject test on psychology. Programs vary in their insistence on a particular undergraduate course of study. Many candidates find it beneficial to have majored in psychology regardless of whether it is required; however, as clinical psychologists confront a variety of people and problems, schools are likely to value a well-rounded student.

.Once you receive a doctoral degree, you must obtain government license by passing an examination and demonstrating that you have fulfilled your states professional experience requirement by participating in supervised clinical internships both before and after graduation. States typically require one to two years of professional experience.

Clinical Psychology Career Outlook

The variety of clinical practices is quite diverse, and you have significant discretion in developing the practice that best suits you. Clinical psychologists not engaged in a general practice might focus on a specific gender, age group, condition, or form of therapy. Clinical psychologists also can choose from a range of practice settings from maintaining a private office to serving as a member of a large hospitals staff. You can find your niche in the field whether you want to counsel children adjusting to a new school, teenagers fighting an eating disorders, or adults trying to kick an addiction, among other specialties. Clinical psychologists generally earn between $48,000 and $82,000 dollars, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Psychologists in urban areas with significant experience and expertise can command significantly higher salaries.

Clinical Psychology Trends

Given the increase in awareness of mental health concerns, the decrease in stigma associated with seeking treatment, and recent “parity” legislation mandating that health insurance plans offer similar coverage for both physical and mental conditions, it is likely that demand for clinical psychologists will grow. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment of clinical psychologists will increase in the next 8 years by some 11 percent.

Clinical Psychology Degree Programs

Welcome to the most complete directory on the Web of Clinical Psychology programs. It contains all the nationally accredited programs, from 441 schools across the country.