Clinical and Counseling Psychologist

Clinical and Counseling Psychologist

Your Fit?
Income

$103K

Preparation

Extensive

Growth

11.4%

What is a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist?

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They apply psychological theories and research to help individuals overcome challenges and improve their well-being.

Sample job titles:

Clinical Psychologist, Counseling Psychologist, Psychologist, Psychotherapist

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How much does a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist earn

Typical annual income Income by country/state/province

Income data is from Employment and Social Development Canada's 2024 wage tables. The closest match for this career in Canada’s occupational classification system is Clinical and Counseling Psychologist.

Bottom 10%Bottom 25%Median (average)Top 25%Top 10%
$69K
per year
$83K
per year
$103K
per year
$114K
per year
$143K
per year

Compared to other careers: Median is $38K above the national average.

See income by country/state/province

What does a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist do?

Work environment Quick task list Full task list Areas of specialization Description

Work environment

These psychologists work in various settings, including private practices, hospitals, mental health clinics, schools, and government agencies. Their work often involves one-on-one sessions with clients, but can also include group therapy, research, and collaboration with other healthcare professionals.

Quick task list

  • Assesses and diagnoses mental health conditions.
  • Provides psychotherapy and counseling.
  • Develops and implements treatment plans.
  • Conducts psychological testing and evaluations.
  • Collaborates with other healthcare professionals for holistic care.
  • Conducts research and contributes to the psychological body of knowledge.

Areas of specialization

  • Child and Adolescent Psychology
  • Geropsychology
  • Health Psychology
  • Neuropsychology
  • Forensic Psychology
  • Substance Abuse Counseling

Description

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists play a vital role in mental health care by addressing a wide range of psychological issues. They use various therapeutic methods, including cognitive-behavioral therapy, psychodynamic therapy, and humanistic approaches, tailored to the individual needs of their clients. Their goal is to help clients understand their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors, and to develop coping strategies.

These professionals are trained to work with diverse populations, dealing with issues ranging from everyday stresses to severe psychological disorders. They must keep abreast of the latest research and techniques in the field to provide the best care. Ethical practice and confidentiality are paramount in this profession, as they deal with sensitive personal information.

The work can be highly rewarding, as it involves helping individuals improve their mental health and overall quality of life. However, it also requires a deep understanding of human behavior and the ability to handle emotionally charged and challenging situations. Strong interpersonal skills, empathy, and patience are crucial in building effective therapeutic relationships.

Job Satisfaction

Sources of satisfaction What makes a good fit Pros & cons

Sources of satisfaction

You might make a good Clinical and Counseling Psychologist if you are...

Pros:

  • Personal fulfillment from helping others.
  • Diverse work environments and client populations.
  • Opportunities for research and academic involvement.

Cons:

  • Emotionally demanding work.
  • Lengthy and rigorous educational and licensure requirements.
  • Potential for burnout due to intense nature of the work.

How to become a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist

Typical education High school After high school More resources Similar careers

Typical education

Typically, this occupation requires a doctoral degree in psychology (Psy.D. or Ph.D.), which includes 4-7 years of graduate study, internships, and postdoctoral supervised experience.

High school preparation

Courses:

  • Psychology
  • Biology
  • Sociology
  • Statistics
  • Communication

Extra-Curricular Activities:

  • Volunteer work, especially in community service or healthcare settings.
  • Participation in peer counseling or mentorship programs.
  • Clubs or organizations focused on mental health awareness.

Preparation after high school

Courses:

  • Bachelor's degree in Psychology or a related field.
  • Graduate studies leading to a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in Psychology.
  • Specialized courses in clinical and counseling methods, ethics, and psychological assessment.

Experiences:

  • Internships or volunteer work in mental health settings.
  • Research projects or assistantships during undergraduate and graduate studies.
  • Attending workshops and conferences related to psychology.

More resources

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