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Counseling Psychologist

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Life As a Counseling Psychologist

Occupation Description Assess and evaluate individuals’ problems through the use of case history, interview, and observation and provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment.

Life As a Counseling Psychologist

  • Analyze data, such as interview notes, test results, or reference manuals, to identify symptoms or to diagnose the nature of clients’ problems.
  • Develop therapeutic and treatment plans based on clients’ interests, abilities, or needs.
  • Supervise interns, clinicians in training, and other counselors.
  • Consult with other professionals, agencies, or universities to discuss therapies, treatments, counseling resources or techniques, and to share occupational information.
  • Evaluate the results of counseling methods to determine the reliability and validity of treatments.
  • Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.

Counseling Psychologist Required Skills

Below is a list of the skills most Counseling Psychologists say are important on the job.

Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.

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.

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.

Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.

Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.

Types of Counseling Psychologist Jobs

  • Behavior Specialist
  • Staff Psychologist at University Counseling Center
  • Healthcare Science Specialist
  • Personal Counselor
  • Behavior Therapist

Is There Going to be Demand for Counseling Psychologists?

In 2016, there was an estimated number of 147,500 jobs in the United States for Counseling Psychologist. 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 Counseling Psychologist by 2026. There will be an estimated 12,100 positions for Counseling Psychologist per year.

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The states with the most job growth for Counseling 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.

Salary for a Counseling Psychologist

The typical yearly salary for Counseling Psychologists is somewhere between $44,040 and $129,310.

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Counseling Psychologists who work in California, Oregon, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.

How much do Counseling 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 Counseling Psychologists Use?

Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Counseling Psychologists may use on a daily basis:

  • Microsoft Excel
  • Microsoft Word
  • Microsoft Office
  • Microsoft PowerPoint
  • Web browser software
  • Spreadsheet software
  • Google Docs
  • Statistical software
  • Google Sheets
  • Athena Software Penelope Case Management
  • ICANotes
  • Testing software
  • Blueberry Harbor Software Clinical Record Keeper
  • Noldus Information Technology The Observer
  • O*NET OnLine
  • Anasazi Software Client Data System
  • SpectraSoft AppointmentsPRO
  • TheraManager
  • DocuTrac QuicDoc
  • Mdansby The PsychReport

How to Become a Counseling Psychologist

What education is needed to be a Counseling Psychologist?

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What work experience do I need to become a Counseling Psychologist?

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Where Counseling Psychologists Work

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Below are examples of industries where Counseling Psychologists work:

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Other Jobs You May be Interested In

Those thinking about becoming a Counseling Psychologist might also be interested in the following careers:

References:

Image Credit: BruceBlaus via Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported

More about our data sources and methodologies.

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