What is a Clinical Psychologist?
Position Description Diagnose or evaluate mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests, and formulate and administer programs of treatment.
Life As a Clinical Psychologist: What Do They Do?
- Provide psychological or administrative services and advice to private firms or community agencies regarding mental health programs or individual cases.
- Select, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests to obtain information on individuals’ intelligence, achievements, interests, or personalities.
- Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, modifying plans or diagnoses as necessary.
- Maintain current knowledge of relevant research.
- Provide occupational, educational, or other information to individuals so that they can make educational or vocational plans.
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Clinical Psychologist Needed Skills
These are the skills Clinical Psychologists say are the most useful in their careers:
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Reading Comprehension: Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work related documents.
Related Job Titles for this Occupation:
- Experimental Psychologist
- Psychologist
- Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice
- Chief Psychologist
- Licensed Psychologist Manager
Job Opportunities for Clinical Psychologists
There were about 147,500 jobs for Clinical Psychologist in 2016 (in the United States). New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 21,000 new jobs for Clinical Psychologist by 2026. Due to new job openings and attrition, there will be an average of 12,100 job openings in this field each year.
The states with the most job growth for Clinical Psychologist are Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Maine, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
Clinical Psychologist Average Salary
The average yearly salary of a Clinical Psychologist ranges between $44,040 and $129,310.
Clinical Psychologists who work in California, Oregon, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
How much do Clinical Psychologists make in different U.S. states?
| State | Annual Mean Salary |
|---|---|
| Alabama | $69,070 |
| Alaska | $91,450 |
| Arizona | $66,040 |
| Arkansas | $69,000 |
| California | $108,350 |
| Colorado | $85,470 |
| Connecticut | $90,870 |
| Delaware | $78,850 |
| District of Columbia | $95,500 |
| Florida | $76,190 |
| Georgia | $89,190 |
| Hawaii | $94,550 |
| Idaho | $64,270 |
| Illinois | $75,180 |
| Indiana | $73,350 |
| Iowa | $85,260 |
| Kansas | $65,320 |
| Kentucky | $64,330 |
| Louisiana | $86,630 |
| Maine | $75,620 |
| Maryland | $79,820 |
| Massachusetts | $86,490 |
| Michigan | $83,210 |
| Minnesota | $85,860 |
| Mississippi | $67,570 |
| Missouri | $76,480 |
| Montana | $63,720 |
| Nebraska | $66,510 |
| Nevada | $83,760 |
| New Hampshire | $84,270 |
| New Jersey | $98,470 |
| New Mexico | $73,600 |
| New York | $94,140 |
| North Carolina | $77,470 |
| North Dakota | $87,090 |
| Ohio | $75,710 |
| Oklahoma | $60,760 |
| Oregon | $103,870 |
| Pennsylvania | $83,610 |
| Rhode Island | $83,030 |
| South Carolina | $63,050 |
| South Dakota | $73,900 |
| Tennessee | $69,510 |
| Texas | $73,650 |
| Utah | $80,920 |
| Vermont | $77,670 |
| Virginia | $80,380 |
| Washington | $73,840 |
| West Virginia | $59,200 |
| Wisconsin | $83,420 |
| Wyoming | $78,360 |
What Tools & Technology do Clinical Psychologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Clinical Psychologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Web browser software
- Spreadsheet software
- Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
- Statistical software
- Testing software
- Athena Software Penelope Case Management
- ICANotes
- SpectraSoft AppointmentsPRO
- Noldus Information Technology The Observer
- Anasazi Software Client Data System
- Blueberry Harbor Software Clinical Record Keeper
- DocuTrac QuicDoc
- Mdansby The PsychReport
- TheraManager
- MPMsoft billing
- Comprehensive Affect Testing System CATS
- Addison Health Systems WritePad
How do I Become a Clinical Psychologist?
Education needed to be a Clinical Psychologist:
What work experience do I need to become a Clinical Psychologist?
Where do Clinical Psychologists Work?
The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Clinical Psychologist might also be interested in the following careers:
Are you already one of the many Clinical Psychologist in the United States? If you’re thinking about changing careers, these fields are worth exploring:
References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Matthew Burke via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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