Clinical Psychology Degrees

In order to become a professional in the clinical psychology industry, individuals must obtain at least a master’s degree. Most professionals opt to achieve their PhD before they become a working professional, simply because it offers them more expertise and a chance for higher earnings than they might have otherwise. As a professional in clinical psychology, individuals can work in medical facilities, mental health offices, social services, public health, and in private practice where they see patients on an individual basis. The duties of a clinical psychologist are to diagnose and develop treatment plans for patients or clients who come into the office based on their conversations, as well as to research and educate people on the topic of psychology and human behavior. There is a license required to practice in the applied psychology disciplines like this one, and every state has different requirements. There are a variety of licensing options to choose from in most cases, so professionals need to be sure to find the license that suits their desired career. Earnings for professionals working in clinical psychology average between $65,000 and $90,000 annually depending on the state of residency and the capacity in which they work. Private practice psychologists will be on the higher end of the scale while those working in social services and public health systems will earn much less. The career future for clinical psychology is looking good. There will be steady growth through the next decade, with the best opportunities going to those with the highest degrees or levels of experience.