Clinical psychology Essay Example | Topics and Well Written Essays - 750 words

Clinical psychology - Essay Example A licensed clinical or counseling psychologist usually requires a doctoral degree for employment. Psychologists with a Ph.D. qualify for a wide range of teaching, research, clinical, and counseling positions in universities, elementary and secondary schools, private industry, and government. To work in a clinical position a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree is usually required. (College Grad.com.) The prospects for job growth are expected to be faster than the average for all careers through 2012. The average yearly income of clinical psychologists in 2003 was $58,640, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Psychologists study about the human mind and behavior. They formulate hypotheses and collect data to test their validity. Depending on the topic under study, the research methods may vary. Controlled laboratory experiments, personality, performance, aptitude, and intelligence tests may be used to collect information. In addition, other methods like observation, interviews, questionnaires, clinical studies, and surveys may also be used. The knowledge gained by psychologists is applied to health and human services, management, education, law, and sports. Clinical psychologists constitute the largest specialty in psychology. They often work in counseling centers, independent or group practices, hospitals, or clinics. Some clinical psychologists work in physical rehabilitation centers. Others may work in universities and medical schools, where they train graduate students in mental health and behavioral medicine. Some are involved in community mental health programs. The range of work includes helping mentally and emotionally disturbed persons, helping people deal with personal crisis like divorce or death of a close person, helping medical and surgical patients to deal with their illnesses or injuries, treating patients with spinal cord injuries, chronic pain or illness, stroke, arthritis, and neurological conditions. They often