Last Updated on December 28, 2022
A PhD in clinical psychology is a degree that allows you to work in the highest levels of the field. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), PhDs are “intended for students interested in generating new knowledge through scientific research and/or gaining teaching experience. PhD graduate students receive substantial training in research methods and statistics in order to independently produce new scientific knowledge and are often required to produce a dissertation to demonstrate research competency.” That said, PhD students will also be highly trained in applied psychology, working hands-on with patients in public or private settings.
Find out more on this page regarding Getting Into Clinical Psychology Doctorate, clinical psychologist salary, how to become a clinical psychologist, phd in clinical psychology in usa and phd in clinical psychology in uk.
As previously stated, a PhD or other doctoral degree is necessary in most states if you wish to apply for your psychology license. Even if it’s not, most employers will require that you hold a license. This involves completing a set number of supervised clinical hours, often in the thousands, and passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) through the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). Many boards also require their own state-specific exam. If you pass all of the necessary tests, you can then apply for licensure through your state board.
PhD vs. PsyD degrees
Introduced in the 1970s as an alternative for students who were less interested in conducting ongoing research, the PsyD degree was designed for those with more of an interest in providing psychological services to patients and the public. Per the APA, “the focus of PsyD programs is to train students to engage in careers that apply specific knowledge of psychology and deliver empirically based service to individuals, groups, and organizations.”
Both of these degrees can prepare you to get your license and work in many of the same roles within clinical psych. However, if you know for certain that you don’t want to conduct research or teach at a graduate level, a PsyD can put a stronger emphasis on client-facing training. Because of a lesser focus on conducting extensive research, PsyD degrees can also often be earned in a shorter period of time.
Who are PhDs in clinical psychology intended for?
PhDs in clinical psych are typically designed for students who’ve already earned their master’s in the same or a related field. These PhDs are made to train students in multiple facets of the field, including applied psychology, research, and teaching. Even if you plan on pursuing a career that doesn’t involve research or teaching, holding a PhD can likely open more doors down the road if you change your mind.
Getting Into Clinical Psychology Doctorate
We begin by explaining the process of Getting Into Clinical Psychology Doctorate, then clinical psychologist salary, how to become a clinical psychologist, phd in clinical psychology in usa and phd in clinical psychology in uk.
Academic Requirements Before Starting a PhD in Clinical Psychology
To apply for clinical psychology PhD programs, you’ll likely need to hold a master’s degree in the same or a closely related field. You’ll need a GPA of a least 3.0, though many psychology doctoral programs require up to a 3.5.
Can you get in without a master’s degree?
In some cases, you may be able to enter a PhD program with only a bachelor’s, however your studies will include earning your master’s on your way to getting your PhD. These joint programs allow you to work on your master’s first and, once you’ve reached a certain number of credits, begin simultaneously working toward your doctorate. This option often allows students to cut down on the overall length of time they spend earning the 2 degrees.
Can you apply credits from a master’s degree?
Depending on the program you choose and your prior education, you may have credits that can be applied to your PhD and shorten the amount of time it takes you to earn your degree.
Can you get in if your master’s isn’t in psychology?
You can find schools that will accept you into a PhD program for clinical psych, however your prior education should still be related in some way to the field. This could involve other subfields within psychology or areas within social sciences, brain studies, human services, and more. It’s likely that you’ll need to pass a psychology exam prior to admission, so advanced knowledge is needed.
Do you need to take the GRE or other standardized tests?
In most cases, you’ll need to get good scores on the GRE and/or other tests determined by your school. You’ll also need to provide personal essays and letters of recommendation, and will most likely need to attend an in-person interview.
How Long Does It Take to Get a PhD?
In some states, the program you attend must be accredited by the APA if you want to get your license. The APA requires all accredited programs to include at least 3 full-time academic years and a 1-year internship, so the length of your program will always be at least 4 years. Many factors affect the amount of time it takes students to earn a PhD, and some take as long as 8 years to complete their degree.
clinical psychologist salary
Next, clinical psychologist salary, how to become a clinical psychologist, phd in clinical psychology in usa and phd in clinical psychology in uk.
Salaries for the work you do in psychology can vary widely based on a number of factors.
That said, keep reading to learn how much you’re likely to make in any number of psychology careers: organizational-industrial, clinical, counseling, or school psychology, and more.
Also, learn about job growth predictions, competition for jobs, and where you might work.
Median Annual Salary
According to the most current Occupational Outlook Handbook from the 2020 U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) Occupational Outlook Handbook, the median annual salary for clinical psychologists is $82,180. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors.
What’s my earning potential?
Salaries for clinical psychologists can be lucrative, with the BLS reporting that the top 10% earned more than $137,500. As with every career, experience plays an enormous factor in salary. A clinical psychology salary jumps significantly around the fifth year, and salaries tend to increase steadily with each consecutive year.
How does a clinical psychologists’ salary compare to other psychology careers?
| Psychology Career | Median Annual Salary |
|---|---|
| Organizational Psychologists | $96,270 |
| Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists | $79,820 |
| General Psychologists | $82,180 |
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics 2020 Occupational Outlook Handbook, Psychologists.
The salary information listed is based on a national average, unless noted. Actual salaries may vary greatly based on specialization within the field, location, years of experience and a variety of other factors. National long-term projections of employment growth may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.
Is there demand for this career?
Demand for clinical and counseling psychologists will increase as people continue to turn to psychologists to help solve or manage their problems. More psychologists will be needed to help people deal with issues such as depression and other mental disorders, marriage and family problems, job stress and addiction. Psychologists also will be needed to provide services to an aging population, helping people deal with the mental and physical changes that occur as they grow older.
What is the job growth for the field?
Employment of clinical psychologists is expected to grow 8% through 2030 which is right on average for all occupations. Greater demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social services agencies should drive employment growth. National long-term projections of employment growth may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.
How much competition will I face for a job?
Depending upon the area of clinical psychology that you intend to pursue, jobs are competitive despite a healthy job growth prediction. The best way to stay ahead of the competition is by earning your doctorate degree in an applied specialty, or in school psychology, which will continue to grow because of the increasing number of children in school. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics suggests that earning your master’s degree alone may place you in high competition markets, and that master’s degree-holders may need to resort to finding jobs in a related field outside of psychology.
how to become a clinical psychologist
Now we journey through how to become a clinical psychologist, phd in clinical psychology in usa and phd in clinical psychology in uk.
If you have a desire to help people and are interested in how the human mind works, a career in clinical psychology might be a great fit. Clinical psychologists receive a specialized education that allows them to assist clients with a variety of problems, helping people to make changes, become more resilient, and develop strengths to better navigate life. The clinical psychology field can provide opportunities, too. Whether you decide to start your own private practice or work for a school, hospital or in another setting, there is the opportunity to find work you may enjoy. If you think this is the career path for you, read on to see an overview of how to become a clinical psychologist.
Why Study Clinical Psychology?
Studying clinical psychology can help prepare you for a career as a clinical psychologist. Clinical psychologists receive specialized training so they can diagnose and treat mental, emotional and behavioral illnesses. Rather than prescribing medications, clinical psychologists use techniques like psychoanalytic therapy to help their patients. In addition to treating patients, clinical psychologists may participate in research and testing projects. They may also choose to teach psychology.
According to the American Psychological Association, clinical psychologists can choose from many career opportunities External link . Some may choose to focus on treating certain problems, like work stress or chronic conditions. Clinical psychologists may open up their own private practices, or they may work in settings like hospitals, courts, schools, the military and more. Psychologists can also choose to work with certain populations, like children, trauma survivors or veterans.
Starting your private practice External link could have its own benefits. When you open a private practice, you enjoy greater autonomy than you would have working at a group practice. You’ll be able to set your own schedule, decide where to locate the practice, and determine the practice’s specialty. There’s a great deal of pride that can go along with starting your own practice, and being in charge of your own business can be freeing.
A career as a clinical psychologist offers many opportunities. Helping other people can be emotionally rewarding, and clinical psychology jobs External link had a mean salary of $80,450 in 2019, according to the BLS.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Clinical Psychologist?
Because clinical psychologists need specialized training and must meet multiple education requirements, it can take long to become one. Clinical psychologists will need undergraduate and doctoral degrees. These requirements take eight to 12 years to complete, depending on the specific programs you enroll in and whether you study on a full- or part-time basis.
Clinical psychologist education requirements
According to The American Psychological Association, a clinical psychologist External link must complete the following education requirements:
- Undergraduate degree
- Master’s degree
- Doctoral degree
- Additional training and licensing
4 Steps to Becoming a Clinical Psychologist
While every journey is different, the American Psychological Association outlines the following common steps to become a clinical psychologist External link :
1. Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
Many clinical psychologists begin by earning a bachelor’s degree in psychology. This provides the fundamentals, preparing you for the degrees you’ll pursue next. Some graduate programs will require a bachelor’s degree in psychology, while others may be open to bachelor’s degrees in other fields. If you know you want to become a clinical psychologist when you enroll in a bachelor’s degree program, pursuing a program in psychology may mean you’ll be able to choose from a wider selection of master’s degree programs than if you major in another field.
2. Earn a Master’s Degree
You’ll have a few choices when it comes to your master’s degree in clinical psychology. It’s possible to complete a master’s degree and then pursue a clinical psychology doctoral program. You may also be able to enroll in an undergraduate program that results in a master’s degree so you can graduate more quickly and get started on your doctoral program. Some doctoral programs also allow you to enroll directly without earning a master’s degree.
3. Earn a Doctoral Degree
Doctoral degree programs usually take five to seven years to complete, depending on your program and its requirements. Be prepared to write and defend a dissertation. Most programs culminate in a comprehensive examination you’ll have to pass to earn your degree. It’s also common for a doctoral program in clinical psychology to require a one-year internship.
4. Get Training to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists must be licensed in most states External link , the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports. Licensing requirements vary depending on your state and the type of position. In most states, a clinical psychologist must meet the following requirements:
- Have a doctorate in psychology
- Complete an internship
- Have at least one to two years of supervised professional experience
- Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
Once you have your license, you will likely need to take continuing education courses to renew that license throughout your career. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards External link provides additional information on state licensure requirements.
8 Skills Clinical Psychologists Use Every Day
Good Psychologists should possess certain skills. If you’re considering a degree as a clinical psychologist, plan to use the following skills daily.
Interpersonal skills
Clinical psychologists use multiple interpersonal skills every day. These are the skills that allow psychologists to express themselves and to understand how their clients think and feel during each appointment. A psychologist needs to focus on their clients and empathize with them. Strong listening skills are essential. Staying genuinely interested in the client, keeping the conversation focused on the client, and picking up on messaging conveyed by body language will help a psychologist be effective and gain a client’s trust.
Strong communication talents
Psychologists need to communicate well and clearly with clients. This communication is important in everything from establishing a dialogue and asking the right questions to explaining why clients are experiencing their symptoms. A psychologist needs to be able to provide these explanations clearly so clients understand why they’re feeling certain ways and why the psychologist is suggesting certain approaches and treatments.
Self-awareness
While psychologists should keep appointments focused on clients, it’s also important that psychologists have self-awareness and self-insight. For a psychologist to be effective in helping clients, it’s important they can identify their own issues and understand how those issues could affect their emotional responses to clients and client conversations. By identifying and managing their own emotional responses, psychologists can remain more impartial and more effective in their conversations with clients.
A long-term viewpoint
Helping clients can be a long-term process, so a psychologist will benefit from a long-term viewpoint. This long-term approach, and the dedication to a client that comes with it, can help psychologists identify an appropriate plan, evaluate that plan over time, and make changes to improve that plan. These steps are essential.
Sensitivity to and awareness of cultural differences
Psychologists may work with clients from a variety of cultural backgrounds. It’s important for psychologists to be aware of and sensitive to the cultural differences that can affect a client’s values and emotions. When psychologists are aware of a client’s background and how that background affects family relationships, religion, and societal behavior, they’re better able to understand and help the client.
Flexibility
Clients aren’t one-size-fits-all, and the approach that works for one client won’t necessarily work for the next. Since some types of treatments tend to be more effective for certain types of problems, it’s important that a psychologist is willing to be flexible in their treatment plans to find the right option. Listening to client feedback about what is and isn’t working can also cause a psychologist to reevaluate a treatment plan to make sure it’s the best option for the client. Clinical psychologists who embrace this flexibility are more likely to be able to truly help each client as an individual.
Ability to develop trust
For psychology to be effective, it’s important that a client is able to trust their psychologist. Psychologists can help build that trust through their communication. A mix of verbal and nonverbal skills can convey trustworthiness to new clients. Because people determine whether they can trust someone immediately upon meeting them, a psychologist who has the ability to develop trust can set the tone for a session from its very beginning.
Devotion to ongoing learning
The field of psychology continues to adapt and advance, and a clinical psychologist needs to stay well-informed about new methods and theories. A psychologist should have a natural desire to stay informed by reading the latest available research, and should also continue to pursue new training and education. When a psychologist keeps well-informed of advancements in the field, they can ensure their talents and approaches stay as effective as possible.
phd in clinical psychology in usa
More details coming up on phd in clinical psychology in usa and phd in clinical psychology in uk.
If you want to take up psychology as a career, check out how you can study it, various specialisations, and the job opportunities and scope in this field. Psychology is a vital field now because of the increasing focus on mental health and wellbeing. … Needless to say, the scopes of psychology, as a career, are huge.
Below are a few good schools for Clinical Psychology in the USA:
phd in clinical psychology in uk
Psychology Conversion – MSc
Would you like to fast-track your route to Chartered Psychologist status? This psychology conversion course is designed to make you eligible for the Graduate Basis for Chartered Membership (GBC) of the British Psychological Society (BPS) on graduation. Gaining GBC will be your first step to chartered status.
Your course will focus on enhancing your critical thinking and research skills, preparing you for your dissertation and future career.
You will learn from active research staff with specialisms in areas that include applied gender psychology, the effects of ageing on decision-making and personality.Read more about this course
MSc Dementia (Online)
Critically challenge common perceptions of dementia as a diagnosis solely of loss and despair. Focus on human rights, dignity and care provision. Learn what it means to live well with dementia.
Why this MSc?
Dementia is a condition which is taking centre stage in all our lives but continues to be understood primarily as one of deficit and dysfunction.Read more about this course
Entry Requirements
A minimum 2.2 Honours degree or international equivalent in a related subject (such as nursing, social work, psychology, occupational therapy, or similar)
If you don’t have a 2.2 Honours degree or international equivalent in a related subject, equivalent professional qualifications/personal experience (such as a Diploma in Nursing) may be considered, along with a portfolio of evidence and a 1,000 word essay to support your application.
CV including a current professional or voluntary role which requires regular direct contact with people with dementia.
Fees
Please see the university website for further information on fees for this course.
£10,300
Psychological Sciences (Conversion) MSc online
Why Brunel?
Brunel University London is ranked amongst the top 60 universities worldwide based on the number of international students studying with us (QS World University Rankings 2020). We are also proud to rank 34th for globally international outlook (Times Higher Education World University Rankings 2020). We aim to equip you to work internationally and address society’s challenges on a global scale. Studying with Brunel, you will learn with passionate academics who have established experts in their fields, who are dedicated to helping you develop the hard and soft skills, academic skills and interpersonal skills needed to become a successful professional in today’s competitive world in the real world.
Advanced Counselling Theory and Research (MA)
Through a blend of online delivery and on-campus teaching, the MA Advanced Counselling Theory and Research offers a unique non-practice Masters qualification for individuals with an already existing practice qualification or who wish to pursue a theory-based Masters.Read more about this course
Entry Requirements
This programme is open to individuals with a background in counselling. Entry criteria is normally a 2.1 honours degree, but we may consider a good 2.2 honours degree (with a strong research dissertation). Whilst we may consider applications from those with a background in a closely related area, due to the nature of this programme this would depend upon an assessment of academic writing and psychological research skills.
Fees
Please see the university website for further information on fees for this course.
