What Does it Take to Be a Clinical Psychologist?
Job Description & Duties Diagnose or evaluate mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests, and formulate and administer programs of treatment.
Daily Life Of a Clinical Psychologist
- Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, modifying plans or diagnoses as necessary.
- Use a variety of treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, behavior modification, stress reduction therapy, psychodrama, or play therapy.
- Plan, supervise, and conduct psychological research and write papers describing research results.
- Develop and implement individual treatment plans, specifying type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.
- Direct, coordinate, and evaluate activities of staff and interns engaged in patient assessment and treatment.
- Provide psychological or administrative services and advice to private firms or community agencies regarding mental health programs or individual cases.
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What Skills Do You Need to Work as a Clinical Psychologist?
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.
Complex Problem Solving: Identifying complex problems and reviewing related information to develop and evaluate options and implement solutions.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Other Clinical Psychologist Job Titles
- Behavior Specialist
- Clinical Director
- Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Private Practice
- Criminal Psychologist
- Psychologist
What Kind of Clinical Psychologist Job Opportunities Are There?
In the United States, there were 147,500 jobs for Clinical Psychologist in 2016. 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.
How Much Does a Clinical Psychologist Make?
Clinical Psychologists make between $44,040 and $129,310 a year.

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 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
- Athena Software Penelope Case Management
- Testing software
- ICANotes
- Noldus Information Technology The Observer
- Anasazi Software Client Data System
- Mdansby The PsychReport
- SpectraSoft AppointmentsPRO
- TheraManager
- DocuTrac QuicDoc
- Blueberry Harbor Software Clinical Record Keeper
- Clinivate Clinitrak
- Bluewater Management Systems BMCASE
- Core Solutions Care Enterprise
How do I Become a Clinical Psychologist?
Are there Clinical Psychologists education requirements?

How Long Does it Take to Become a Clinical Psychologist?

Where Clinical Psychologists Are Employed

The table below shows some of the most common industries where those employed in this career field work.

Related Careers
Those interested in being a Clinical Psychologist may also be interested in:
Those who work as a Clinical Psychologist sometimes switch careers to one of these choices:
References:
Image Credit: Staff Sgt. Matthew Burke via Public domain
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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