Being a psychologist has many facets and there are so many shapes and sizes of them. But first the definitions…
Clinical psychology is concerned with the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders. While some professionals in this field often work in medical settings, clinical psychologists are not medical doctors and do not prescribe medications in most states. Just an FYI.
When you are looking for something specific it is important to be clear with your needs and make sure you are going to the right person the first time. With all the current waiting lists and delays in receiving services the last thing you want to do is wait for months and only then find out that you cannot get your mental health needs met like you thought you could.
The first thing to know is how a psychologist is licensed. There are two ways one becomes a psychologist. The traditional Ph.D. in Psychology (or Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology) emphasizes the role of research and science. The Psy.D. degree (Doctor of Psychology) is primarily focused on clinical and practitioner work. Psy.D. programs are attractive to many students because they typically take a year less time to complete than a Ph.D. On the other hand, Ph.D. programs tend to provide better funding for graduate students.
Psychologists come in all types and specialties!
The fascinating thing is all the subcategories that this field has! Check out this list!
Aviation psychologists study the behavior of pilots and other flight crew members. Aviation psychologists also perform research on airline safety, develop new training equipment, and help select suitable employees.
Biopsychologists are also sometimes called biological psychologists or physiological psychologists. They study and perform research on the brain and behavior. By examining the neural bases of behavior, biopsychologists are able to understand different biological factors that might impact how people think, feel, and act.
Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose and treat individuals experiencing psychological distress and mental illness. They also perform psychotherapy and develop treatment plans.
Cognitive psychologists investigate how people think, including topics such as decision-making and problem-solving. This type of psychologist is interested in how the brain processes, learns, stores, recognizes, and utilizes information.
Community Psychologists conduct research on community health issues. They also seek to educate the community and develop prevention programs. These professionals are focused on helping lead positive changes at both the individual and community levels.
Comparative psychologists study the behavior of different species, particularly how animal and human behavior differs. Why study animals? Because while there are obviously major differences, it is assumed that some things may hold true for all species.
Ever heard of a consumer psychologist?
Consumer psychologists also known as marketing psychologists, research consumer behavior and develop marketing strategies to promote businesses. This type of psychologist is involved in helping businesses better understand what makes consumers purchase products and services. They research how buyers respond to marketing messages, analyze decision-making strategies, and investigate the role that emotions play in purchasing choices.
Counseling psychologists provide psychotherapy to people experiencing psychological disturbances, behavioral problems, emotional difficulties, stress, and related issues. These professionals share many commonalities with clinical psychologists.
Cross-cultural psychologists look at how people vary across cultures and how cultural affiliations influence behavior. They often explore how different aspects of behavior may be either universal or varied across different cultures.
Developmental psychologists research human development across the entire lifespan. Some focus on a specific period such as early childhood, adolescence, adulthood, or old age. These professionals may perform tasks such as evaluating children who may have a developmental delay or disability, investigating issues associated with aging, and studying how language skills are acquired.
Check out these amazing psychologists!!
Engineering psychologists are focused on discovering ways to enhance human abilities by improving machines, equipment, technology, and work environments. While some may focus on more basic research, this is most often a very applied field. Engineering psychologists work to solve real-world problems and develop solutions that can have practical applications in everyday life.
Environmental psychologists explore the relationship between people and their surroundings, including natural environments as well as created environments. This might involve working on conservation projects, helping to protect endangered species, and investigating ways to halt global warming.
Forensic psychologists focus on the relationship between psychology and the law. This might involve acting as a consultant in criminal cases or civil disputes, performing child custody evaluations, and offering psychotherapy services to crime victims.
Health psychologists are centered on how psychology, biology, social groups, and behavior influence wellness, illness, and overall health. They work with clients to help maximize well-being and improve both mental and physical health.
I-O psychologists study workplace behavior such as how to select the best employees for particular jobs and how to increase worker productivity. An I-O psychologist might utilize his or her knowledge of psychological principles to design assessments to screen candidates for specific job roles.
Military psychologists practice psychology in a military setting. This can include such things as treating soldiers who have a mental illness or emotional distress, researching different aspects of military life, and helping soldiers transition back to civilian life.
A psychologist can be personal, scientific, and technical; the choices are nearly endless!
Personality psychologists study the different aspects of personality and how individual traits influence an individual’s life and behavior. Researchers in the field of personality psychology are interested in a wide range of topics that can have applications in everyday life.
School psychologists help children cope with emotional, academic, social, and behavior problems in school settings. Professionals who work in this field of psychology play a vital role in the educational system, typically collaborating with parents, teachers, students, and other school staff to ensure that the learning environment is healthy, safe, supportive, and productive.
Educational Psychologists study how people learn and the educational process. This might involve developing instructional strategies and teaching techniques. Some educational psychologists study giftedness or learning disabilities.
Social psychologists study the behavior of groups, including how people behave in social settings and how groups influence individual behavior. A social psychologist might investigate a wide range of topics, including attitudes, prejudice, communication, interpersonal relationships, aggression, and persuasion.
So whether you’re looking for assistance or you’re looking for a job in this field you have a lot to choose. Enjoy the journey.