Over the years, psychology has expanded to make way for specialized fields. Among them is sports psychology where the major players are, well, not the athletes. It is the sports psychologist.

What Sports Psychologist Do

Despite being “well-oiled” machines of fitness and sports, much of what makes athletes strong competitors are their mental health, or “mental toughness”, as they call it. The inclusion of sport psychologist in coaching staffs and medical staff of athletes and sports teams is indicative of the acceptance that performance is greatly affected by one’s psychological and mental health.

When athletes are confronted with problems that may or may not affect their concentration or their game, as a whole, they can turn to sports psychologist. These could be due to discord or a strain in his relationship with his teammates, or an even deep-seated fear or trauma. When they feel like they are about to buckle under the pressure of say, having to win a game or beat a certain competitor, they can consult with sports psychologist. Those who are recovering from injuries that hinder them from playing usually have their rehabilitation treatments and therapy coincide with sessions with a psychologist.

Other sports psychologist opt to join the academe and teach instead; some set up their own consulting practice, while others get connected with universities and institutions so they can conduct research related to their field.

Where Sports Psychologist Work

Where there are athletes, you’ll find sports psychologist. At least, that’s the general idea. Sports psychologist work with both professional and amateur athletes, so you will expect the big leagues and huge sports teams to have sports psychologist in their team. They also work at universities, maybe as a member of the teaching staff, or as a part of the school’s sports contingent, directly working with the university or school’s athletes.

Who Does Sports Psychologist Work With

Although the athletes are the direct recipients of their services, they would still be working with the coaching staff and the rest of the non-playing staff. After all, they are working towards the same goal: winning. Even former athletes still require the help of a sport psychologist from time to time.

How to Become A Sports Psychologist

After obtaining a bachelor’s degree, preferably in psychology, or its equivalent, you have to get a Master’s degree where you can choose to specialize in sports psychology. All in all, this would take you at least 6 years. A Master’s degree is required for you to become a counselor; to be licensed as a psychologist you must have a Doctoral degree in Philosophy (Ph.D.) or Psychology (Psy.D.). Relevant training on sports technology is also important. You must then pass the state-issued exam for psychologist in order to get that license to practice your profession. To add to your credentials, you can also obtain certifications from sports organizations or groups concerned with sports psychology. In the U.S., one such organization is the American Board of Sport Psychology who also offer continuous education and training programs for sports psychologist.

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The period of childhood to adolescence is considered to be the most crucial stage in a person’s life. It is in that stage where a person is at his most impressionable; thus, guidance and support is most needed. Every day, as they leave the comfort of their homes to go to school, it is important that their second home also provides support and guidance.

The School Psychologist: Who are They?

As the designation implies, school psychologist practice their profession in schools and learning institutions. Mostly, they work with pupils and students in early childhood and elementary and secondary schools. Their main areas of concern include the students’ behavioral issues and learning problems. Using these findings, they make recommendations to the school for points of improvement in general management of the school, and confer with parents regarding their parenting skills and practices. Their evaluations are also used when dealing with gifted students and students with disabilities who need special attention or special education programs. Basically, they are going to work with the school management to make sure the students are given a safe and secure environment which is conducive to learning. Often, they would be conducting interviews, interventions and even counseling.

During other times, school psychologist are also instrumental in evaluating the effectiveness of academic programs and other school-related programs.

Where are they working?

School psychologist are found in pre-schools, elementary schools, and secondary schools. Whether state-run, public, or private, the services of school psychologist are hired in these learning institutions. This is especially ideal to those who want to be in the academe and work with children or young people without actually having to teach in a classroom. Other than schools, school psychologist can also be found in clinics and hospitals, while there are others who set up their private practice.

 Who do they work with?

School psychologist mainly work with the students of the schools they are connected with. Since they are part of the school personnel, they would also be working closely with the management of the school, the teachers and the other members of the school staff. Since parent involvement would be high, school psychologist are also expected to be in contact with the students’ parents.

How does one become a school psychologist?

Much like other fields of specialization in psychology, school psychologist have to complete a Master’s degree and a site-based supervised internship for experience to become certified or licensed. In some states, an individual should also have a post-master’s training or specialist degree, such as the Educational Specialist degree Ed.S., owing to the fact that they will be involved in the education system. It is also for this reason that the training for school psychologist cover both education and psychology. For those who want to set up their own private practice, however, a Doctoral degree is required.

There are certain school systems that are particular about the certification of the school psychologist that they would hire. For instance, some schools would only hire those who have been certified by the National Association of School Psychologist (NASP) as a Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP).

School Psychologist Salary: Around $40k to $109k per year.

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Child Psychologist Salary:

Limited Experience: $30k to $45k per year.
5 to 10 Years Experience: $55k to $80k per year.
10 Years or More: $80k to $100k per year.

Some people say that if you love kids and you want to have a career out of that, you can be one of two things. The first is a teacher who will provide guidance for these children guidance while educating them. The other is a child psychologist. However, very few can tell what exactly a child psychologist does, or what it entails to become one. Let us get to know the Child Psychologist.

In the past, there has been a certain stigma attached when a child is known to be seeing a child psychologist. As more and more people became cognizant of how crucial the formative years are, that perception has gradually declined, and child psychology and its benefits earned more support.

Child psychology, merely one of the many branches of specialization in the field of psychology, focuses on the mental, emotional, and social growth and development of children from point of birth until they hit puberty. In simpler terms, a child psychologist is one who aims to understand what makes kids tick in the face of all the factors and influences in their environment.  While the love, support, and guidance provided by parents and the family is invaluable, there are times when professional expertise is needed, and that’s where the child psychologist comes in.

Issues such as behavioral problems, relationship conflicts, developmental and health disorders, and learning disabilities are not the only concerns dealt with by the child psychologist. There is no question that much of what makes the adult is attributed to how he was as a child. It is those formative years – that period before adolescence – where a child’s experiences pretty much shapes and moulds his future self. For example, adults do not have the monopoly on depression; children go through them, too. You’ve probably also heard about cases of bullying at schools or playgrounds and the many ways a child deals – or doesn’t deal – with them. With the help of a child psychologist, the effects of these events can be counteracted such that they do not become detrimental to the child and his future. Beyond medical prescriptions and drug relief, the child psychologist aims to look for a cure to these problems by getting to the root of the problem and understanding it.

Where Child Psychologists Work

Child psychologists do their best work in a variety of workplaces and conditions. Basically, where you can find children, you will most likely find a child psychologist. Some are working in the schools and school systems, readily on hand when the need arises. Hospitals and medical centers also make sure child psychologists are available should any of their patients need them. Others set up their own private practices and can be sought in their offices through the yellow pages. Even the judiciary have a place for child psychologists to put their knowledge and skills to good use.

Who Child Psychologists Work With

Psychologists are naturally curious about human nature and behavior, both of which start at birth. Since children are the focus, child psychologists spend most of their time working with them as well as their parents, guardians or families. While it is true that their efforts will help parents understand their child better in order to deal with the changes faced while growing up, the ultimate recipient of the benefits is the child himself.

How to Become a Child Psychologist

A college degree is not enough to make one a child psychologist in every respect of the word. Supplemental knowledge acquired from external classes and trainings related to psychology, juvenile and developmental issues, and the like, is also important. This is especially useful when you are thinking of entering a graduate program or getting a Ph.D in psychology. Get some hands-on experience and exposure by providing volunteer work with children. Not only will these give you a real-world angle, it will also give you additional credits should you aspire to enter a very good educational program. Field experience will also give you more tools to work with when you need to write a dissertation for your Ph.D. However, the most important characteristic every child psychologist should have is an affinity with children. They should be patient, compassionate and have the ability to reach out and influence the kids.

Requirements to Become A Child Psychologist

To become a child psychologist, you must have a Ph.D in psychology or, alternatively, you must be a Doctor of Psychology, or Psy.D. Each state may have unique additional requirements before anyone can start practicing as a child psychologist. For you to start practicing, it is required that you earn your license to practice by passing the Examination of Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP).

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What do Clinical Psychologist Do?

Clinical psychologist are primarily involved in the diagnosis and treatment of mental and psychological disorders, such as depression, schizophrenia, and learning disabilities, as well as physical health problems like neurological and eating disorders. Their services and expertise also extend to the personal, such as when a person is having a hard time dealing with grief over the loss of a loved one, devastation over a recently concluded divorce, strange behaviors that border on addiction, and family and relationship problems. The methodologies may vary, but clinical psychologist use tools such as psychological tests, observations, interviews, and interventions which are composed of a vast range of techniques, methods, or approaches. Included in the services they provide are psychological treatments, conducting applied research related to the field, development of treatment and prevention programs, consultations for other professions and entities, counseling, and program administration. Should they be interested to further specialize in a specific field, they can choose among child and adolescent psychology, health psychology, school and sport psychology, and forensic psychology, among others.

Where do Clinical Psychologist Work?

You can find clinical psychologist in almost every setting. Often you will find them in consultancy capacities in various educational, social and health organizations. Others opt to stay with universities and hospitals to carry out applied research or help in the development of programs specifically addressing mental and psychological health. Depending on their further specialization, others get involved in rehabilitation programs, working with people recovering from severe physical injuries, or alcohol and substance abuse. While others set up shop and open their private practice, some clinical psychologist prefer to share their expertise in forensics, where they are made to evaluate the mental health of wrongdoers and criminals. Once in a while, they will also be asked to take the stand as an expert witness in court trials.

Who do Clinical Psychologist Work With?

Clinical psychologist work with a range of personalities and entities. The most obvious would be the patients themselves, or those who have mental, psychological, emotional or health problems. People suffering from depression and other conditions, or those who seek professional help in coping with upheavals or changes in their lives can personally approach the clinical psychologist. You will also find clinical psychologist working in a collaborative with other professionals. In the development of treatment programs, they have to collaborate with medical professionals; in forensics, they will find themselves working with law enforcers and people working in the legal system. You will also find them working closely with other doctors and psychiatrists, especially since they are not permitted to prescribe medications.

How Does One Become a Clinical Psychologist?

To become a clinical psychologist, one must possess the appropriate education and training; while the first can be acquired from an accredited educational institution, the latter can be obtained through supervised clinical experience and volunteer works. Some would require at least a Master’s degree or even a Ph.D., and since practicing the profession requires a license, one must pass the licensure examinations conducted by the appropriate licensing boards. In the United Sates, it is the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology or EPPP.

Clinical Psychologist Salary: Around $78K per year.

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What is A Forensic Psychologist?

Forensic psychology is, in essence, the combination of psychology and the legal and criminal justice system. The person who practices it, known as the Forensic Psychologist, applies principles and doctrines in psychology to help shed some light and understanding on the psychological findings of a particular case under investigation or under litigation. This would include assessing the motives and actions of offenders or victims, or both, and working on the treatment.

Their most obvious tasks involve serving as expert witnesses providing testimony and evidence in court after conducting one-on-one assessments with the subject. Those who are with the police force are heavily involved in criminal investigations and profiling. Forensic psychologist’ involvement in research projects and studies related to offender treatment and rehabilitation programs is also highly-valued. They also provide consultancy services and advice in parole boards, tribunals, hospitals, universities, and various agencies while helping in programs that have to do with the training and development of support forensic staff.

Where Does The Forensic Psychologist Work?

The legal and criminal justice system is the forensic psychologist’ oyster, so to speak. Depending on their area of specialization, they can be found working in family court, civil court, or criminal court. It is also normal to find forensic psychologist in the police force, where their expertise becomes helpful in profiling and investigations. There are also forensic psychologist in correctional facilities, prison, parole, and probation services. Those who provide consultancy services can set up their private practice, offering their services to victims of crime and the general public. Meanwhile, those who are connected with universities, hospitals and other institutions are most likely devoting their knowledge and skills in carrying out applied research and studies.

Who Does the Forensic Psychologist Work With?

The scope and nature of their job require forensic psychologist to work closely with offenders and criminals themselves. Whatever information and assessment derived shall then be used to help everyone involved in the judicial and penal systems, from the judges, the lawyers, and other legal professionals, to the members of parole and probation tribunals. They will also be working closely with members of the police force, aiding in their investigations. Forensic psychologist will also be working with the victims themselves and other witnesses involved in whatever case is under trial.

How to Become A Forensic Psychologist

Anyone who wants to be a forensic psychologist should obtain a doctorate in forensic psychology or, if unavailable, other fields of applied psychology. Since experience is required in order to obtain a license, they can apply for internships and supervised experience or do volunteer work. Some may even opt for more continuing education. In other cases, some even join the police force to get a more hands-on experience in dealing with offenders and criminals. After passing the appropriate examination conducted by licensing boards, they may apply for license to practice.

Forensic Psychologist Salary: Around $60K per year.

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What is A Counseling Psychologist?

Basically, the counseling psychologist dispenses advice to people on how to deal with everyday problems, issues and stresses, for the sole purpose of guiding towards the improvement of their well-being and quality of life. These issues or concerns could be anything to do with the home, family, school, workplace, or the community as a whole. However, much assessment and evaluation of the patient’s personal situation and the surrounding circumstances is done by the counseling psychologist before giving any advice.

Normally, the counseling psychologist would conduct one-on-one treatment programs with patients, starting by using such techniques including testing, interviewing and intervention, to get a clearer grasp of the situation and the problem. Every aspect of the patient’s life, such as career, overall health, personal and professional relationships, is taken into account. The advices, designed to provide guidance, will be greatly influenced by these factors. Some behavior modification is also involved, when it is deemed necessary. Treatments may be short or long, depending on the problem and the progress of the treatment itself. In other cases, counseling psychologists also get involved in conducting researches and studies that would be beneficial in the development of treatment programs for mental health issues.

Where Does The Counseling Psychologist Work?

Go to a welfare center or a crisis counseling center and you will find counseling psychologist at work. Hospitals, clinics and even rehabilitation centers also make a point of having counseling psychologists on board as reinforcement in their institutional objectives to help patients in the road to healing, fully cognizant of the connection of one’s mental well-being to his physical health. Just as universities and schools hire counseling psychologists for their students, private companies and organizations, especially those whose line of business is stressful, also recognize the need for counseling for the members of their workforce. Of course, counseling psychologists can also have their private practice and conduct individual or group sessions.

Who Does the Counseling Psychologist Work With?

The counseling psychologist works with people of all ages and genders. They can be students feeling the pressure of school, parents having trouble dealing with their family, a career woman on the verge of a job burnout, a recovering alcoholic… basically anybody having a hard time and who needs help on dealing with issues and problems on their own. When their expertise in psychological evaluation and assessment is needed in the development of specific programs, they may find themselves working with educators, legislators, and other health and medical professionals.

How to Become A Counseling Psychologist

Usually, counseling psychologists hold a master’s degree or even a doctorate degree in counseling psychology. Professional experience of at least one to two years is also commonly required. Licensing laws may differ from one place to another but, generally, one must first take and pass the licensure examination before they can practice as a counseling psychologist.

It is important for the counseling psychologist to have the skills of being a good listener and a good communicator. Knowing the principles and their application will not be effective if he/she is not able to ‘reach’ the patient he’s trying to help.

Counseling Psychologist Salary: Around $59,637 per year.

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