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How to become A Counseling Psychologist

Health Science

Counseling Psychologists are mental health practitioners who specialize in treating patients with emotional crises, stress, anxiety, and behavioral disorders. Their primary responsibilities include offering patient consultations and implementing individualized psychological treatment. Continue Reading

Skills a career as a Counseling Psychologist requires: Psychology Counseling Psychotherapy Therapy View more skills
Counseling Psychologist salary
$104,845
USAUSA
£34,368
UKUK
Explore Career
  • Introduction - Counseling Psychologist
  • What does a Counseling Psychologist do?
  • Counseling Psychologist Work Environment
  • Skills for a Counseling Psychologist
  • Work Experience for a Counseling Psychologist
  • Recommended Qualifications for a Counseling Psychologist
  • Counseling Psychologist Career Path
  • Counseling Psychologist Professional Development
  • Learn More
  • Conclusion

Introduction - Counseling Psychologist

Counseling Psychologists are mental health practitioners who specialize in treating patients with emotional crises, stress, anxiety, and behavioral disorders. Their primary responsibilities include offering patient consultations and implementing individualized psychological treatment.
Similar Job Titles Job Description
  • Clinical Counseling Psychologist

What does a Counseling Psychologist do?

What are the typical responsibilities of a Counseling Psychologist?

A Counseling Psychologist would typically need to:

  • Assist people with emotional and mental health issues by assessing, diagnosing, and treating mild and severe psychological symptoms; help patients improve their sense of wellbeing, mitigate feelings of distress, and resolve crises
  • Address the social, work, school, and physical health concerns people may have at different stages in their lives
  • Help clients tackle typical life stresses as individuals and as a part of families, groups, and organizations; offer services to all age groups through one-on-one and group counseling
  • Establish a collaborative working relationship with the patient, based on trust and respect; engage in discussions with patients to put them at ease
  • Identify patients’ problems by undertaking an assessment of mental health needs, risk assessment, and psychometric testing
  • Formulate a psychological explanation of the client's issues; implement individualized treatment programs that may include scheduling a long-term counseling plan involving multiple visits
  • Monitor and evaluate patient responses to treatment over time; keep a detailed chronological account of the mental health history of patients
  • Collaborate with and advise colleagues, the broader multidisciplinary team, and referrers in the planning of treatment and provision of services to meet the patient's needs
  • Plan and implement specialist psychological treatments to help patients understand their feelings/behavior
  • Empower patients to address their issues by taking control of them and making positive changes to their behavior
  • Communicate complex, technical, and clinically sensitive information clearly, both orally and in writing, to patients, their families, and carers
  • Contribute to research, service evaluation, and audit, either individually or as part of a teamz

Counseling Psychologist Work Environment

Some Counseling Psychologists work alone, doing independent research, consulting with clients, or counseling patients. Others work as part of a healthcare team, collaborating with physicians, social workers, and other stakeholders to treat mental illness and promote universal well-being.

Those who conduct research may spend time interacting with study participants, but a great deal of time will also be spent designing studies, analyzing results, and preparing research reports. Those who work in more applied professions will likely spend more one-on-one time with clients. Clients can include children, adults, families, couples, and groups.

The Counseling Psychologist will typically create a comfortable and inviting atmosphere to treat their patients better. Counseling Psychologists employed by general hospitals may work in acute admissions, psychiatric care, and rehabilitation. Working conditions can be stressful at times, especially when dealing with clients who are emotional, angry, or non-communicative.

Patients feel most comfortable with healthcare professionals who are dressed in business casual, conservative clothing.

Work Schedule

Counseling Psychologists typically work five days a week, from nine a.m. to five p.m. However, extra evening and weekend work may be essential from time to time to accommodate patients.

Employers

Finding a new job might seem challenging. Qualified Counseling Psychologists can boost their job search by asking their network for referrals, contacting companies directly, using job search platforms, going to job fairs, leveraging social media, and inquiring at staffing agencies.

You may choose to practice solo or in a group practice. You may opt to be employed by or work on an independent contractor basis with health care facilities. You can also work as an organizational consultant in the public or private sector, where you may be involved in training & development or conflict resolution. You may choose temporary locum tenens positions offered by practices, hospitals, or healthcare organizations with an unfilled clinical need. There are also some opportunities for experienced Counseling Psychologists to work abroad with organizations such as Medecins Sans Frontieres and the World Health Organization.

You will have ample opportunities for part-time work, career breaks, and job-sharing.

Counseling Psychologists are generally employed by:

  • Government General Hospitals
  • Psychiatric Hospitals
  • Outpatient Clinics
  • Rehabilitation Facilities
  • Private Hospitals
  • Health Centres
  • General Practitioner Surgeries
  • Specialist Child & Family Services
  • Community & Mental Health Centers
  • Prison Services
  • Voluntary Agencies
  • Educational Organizations
  • Consulting Firms
  • Private Research Organizations
  • Forensic Agencies
  • The Industrial Sector
Unions / Professional Organizations

Professional organizations and associations such as the International Registry of Counselor Education Programs (IRCEP) provide unparalleled networking and educational opportunities. They offer all the certification courses members will need throughout their professional careers.

Affiliated Counseling Psychologists may attend conventions, seminars, and dinners frequented by peers, mentors, and other industry leaders. The events help them keep up with the newest breakthroughs and latest developments in the field, including plum jobs.

Workplace Challenges
  • Constant work pressure concerning schedules, deadlines, and overtime
  • Demanding clients and emotionally charged situations

Work Experience for a Counseling Psychologist

One of the best introductions to a career in mental health counseling is to vol­unteer at a local hospital, clinic, or nursing home. Work experience demonstrates your interest and dedication to the profession. It is possible to get a feel for what it is like to work around other healthcare professionals and patients.

Working with a diverse range of clients helps you build an understanding of different behaviors, situations, and problems you may encounter during your practice as a Counseling Psychologist.

As in any career, reading as much as possible about the profession, talking with a high school coun­selor, and interviewing veterans in the field are other important ways to explore your interest.

Doctoral course providers typically ask for a minimum of one year’s relevant work experience in a mental health or counseling role. Experience as an assistant psychologist, psychological well-being practitioner, health or social care support worker/counselor will come in handy, as will work as a healthcare assistant in a ward or community setting.

Face-to-face experience in a mental health charity or victim support unit or bereavement/relationship counseling should also prove helpful. Contact the course providers to understand better what type of experience they require and its specific length.

Recommended Qualifications for a Counseling Psychologist

A doctoral degree in counseling psychology is the ideal course to pursue, although some employers accept candidates with a master’s degree. Promising Counseling Psychologists can get a PhD in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), or a Doctor of Education (EdD) degree.

A PhD is a research-based degree that includes a dissertation based on original research and an exam. Courses usually include statistics and experimental procedures. A PsyD is a clinical degree, traditionally based on work experience in clinical settings. It includes exams but does not require a dissertation.

Some locations accept applicants to an accredited doctorate program if they have an excellent accredited bachelor’s degree in a psychology-related subject, relevant work experience, evidence of research skills, and basic counseling/therapeutic training. A master’s in psychology that demonstrates research ability may also get you a seat in the doctoral program.

Candidates with an unrelated undergraduate degree may need to complete a one-year conversion course. Contact individual course providers for exact details on their entry requirements. Be prepared for the probability that you may have to pay for your personal therapy and your required supervision unless you can secure an assistant psychologist post wherein your employer may fund your training in part or full.

A master’s degree in counseling psychology may enable you to work under the supervision of a licensed, fully qualified psychologist. You may also work independently using alternative titles such as psychological associate, psychological examiner, psychological assistant, or psychological practitioner.

Certifications, Licenses and Registration

To practice as a Counseling Psychologist, you must get a government license. Requirements may vary depending on your location. However, typically, you will need to have a minimum of two years of full-time supervised work experience and continued education in addition to your doctoral degree.

Some locations mandate registration with an accredited professional organization, which involves training at the postgraduate level before conferring a Counseling Psychologist’s title on the candidate.

Certification demonstrates competence in a skillset, typically through work experience, training, the passage of an examination, or some combination of the three. Voluntary certification from an objective and reputed organization can help you gain professional credibility, stand out in a competitive job market, and become an independent consultant.

Successful certification programs protect public welfare by incorporating a Code of Ethics. The reassurance that members who practice outside the Code will be investigated and held accountable earns the community’s trust and respect, which are the most critical elements in securing a Counseling Psychologist’s future.

Counseling Psychologist Career Path

Performance, experience, and acquisition of professional qualifications drive the career progression of a Counseling Psychologist. Some choose to specialize in one particular area, such as grief counseling and focus on building up their reputation and client base in this niche. Many opt to work on a freelance basis after gaining adequate experience and expertise.

You could always give something back to the community by working as a university lecturer and teaching the next generation of Counseling Psychologists or go in for vocational counseling. Some large organizations will allow you to advance into senior management positions.

Job Prospects

Job competition is fierce for Counseling Psychologists. Having experience, shadowing, and adequate medical records will help in job prospects.

Counseling Psychologist Professional Development

Once qualified, continuing professional development (CPD) will be an integral part of your career and an essential requirement to retain your license and/or registration. Most Counselling Psychologists have a supervisor or mentor who can provide advice and guidance for dealing with challenging situations, clients, or groups.

Ongoing development should include a mixture of directed and self-directed activities such as post-qualification courses, lecturing, teaching or giving presentations, attending workshops/conferences, topic research, writing articles or papers, mentoring, supervising/ assessing trainees, and developing expertise with a particular client group.

Counseling Psychologists who wish to focus on research can expect support and additional training from the academic institution or from Vitae, a non-profit global leader with over 50 years’ experience in enhancing researchers’ skills. In partnership with governments, funders of research, academies, professional bodies, trusts & foundations, universities, and research institutes, Vitae offers training, resources, events, consultancy, and membership.

Learn More

Counseling psychology is a type of applied psychology that can help people gain control of their feelings. It is one of the most common and widespread psychological specialties.

Trials & Tribulations

Life issues that people struggle to deal with may include bereavement, domestic violence, relationship difficulties, sexual abuse, and traumas. Mental health conditions include anxiety, depression, eating disorders, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), and psychosis.

Counseling vs. Clinical Psychology

The two specialties are often mistaken for each other, but there are distinct differences between the two. Both treat a wide variety of mental and emotional problems. However, Counseling Psychologists typically focus on individuals whose symptoms are less severe, such as those coping with everyday stresses. Clinical psychologists, on the other hand, often treat patients with more severe symptoms and disorders.

Tools of the Trade

Counseling Psychologists use psychological theory and research in therapeutic work to help clients with a range of challenging life issues and/or mental health problems.

Person-centered therapy, which is based on the patient's individual life experiences, is still one of the most popular and effective forms of treatment in counseling psychology. The psychologist helps steer patients towards changing themselves for the better by listening to and trying to understand them.

Cognitive-behavioral therapy focuses on the clients identifying and understanding the negative beliefs that affect their mood and emotions. The client and the psychologist then work towards changing them.

A Short-Term Commitment

Patients typically meet with their counselor for 50 minutes once a week, shorter for kids and in time-pressed settings like schools. Though it depends on each person’s needs, the relationship tends to last five visits. Studies show there is very little relapse and clients rarely come back with the same problem.

Potential Pros & Cons of Freelancing vs. Full-Time Employment

Being a freelance Counseling Psychologist offers freedom regarding flexible schedules, working hours, and location. They have full ownership of the business and can afford selectivity in terms of the variety of projects and clients presented.

While it has unlimited earning potential, freelancing also has less stability and security, with inconsistent work and cash flow. There is more responsibility, effort, and risk involved. No paid holidays; sick/maternity/paternity leaves are almost unaffordable. There is the added pressure of a self-employment tax and no eligibility for unemployment benefits.

However, a full-time Clinical Psychologist has access to company-sponsored health benefits, insurance, and retirement plans. They have job security with a fixed, reliable source of income and guidance from their bosses. Even so, they are susceptible to potential boredom and inability to pursue passion projects due to their lack of time or effort. There is also a lack of flexibility, ownership, variety, and the need to budget extra money for commuting and attire costs.

When deciding between freelancing or being a full-time employee, consider the pros and cons to see what works best for you.

Conclusion

At times, life can feel a little like a roller coaster with all of its ups and downs. Human emotions, particularly the negative ones, can take on a life of their own and overwhelm a person. Clinical Psychologists work in tandem with the client in a holistic and insightful manner, so that they consider change and take control of their recovery.

Advice from the Wise

Practicing as a Counseling Psychologist requires a high level of training and self-awareness, achieved through personal therapy.

Did you know?

Counseling sessions are often less expensive than many other mental health services.

Introduction - Counseling Psychologist
What does a Counseling Psychologist do?

What do Counseling Psychologists do?

A Counseling Psychologist would typically need to:

  • Assist people with emotional and mental health issues by assessing, diagnosing, and treating mild and severe psychological symptoms; help patients improve their sense of wellbeing, mitigate feelings of distress, and resolve crises
  • Address the social, work, school, and physical health concerns people may have at different stages in their lives
  • Help clients tackle typical life stresses as individuals and as a part of families, groups, and organizations; offer services to all age groups through one-on-one and group counseling
  • Establish a collaborative working relationship with the patient, based on trust and respect; engage in discussions with patients to put them at ease
  • Identify patients’ problems by undertaking an assessment of mental health needs, risk assessment, and psychometric testing
  • Formulate a psychological explanation of the client's issues; implement individualized treatment programs that may include scheduling a long-term counseling plan involving multiple visits
  • Monitor and evaluate patient responses to treatment over time; keep a detailed chronological account of the mental health history of patients
  • Collaborate with and advise colleagues, the broader multidisciplinary team, and referrers in the planning of treatment and provision of services to meet the patient's needs
  • Plan and implement specialist psychological treatments to help patients understand their feelings/behavior
  • Empower patients to address their issues by taking control of them and making positive changes to their behavior
  • Communicate complex, technical, and clinically sensitive information clearly, both orally and in writing, to patients, their families, and carers
  • Contribute to research, service evaluation, and audit, either individually or as part of a teamz
Counseling Psychologist Work Environment
Work Experience for a Counseling Psychologist
Recommended Qualifications for a Counseling Psychologist
Counseling Psychologist Career Path
Counseling Psychologist Professional Development
Learn More
Did you know?
Conclusion

Holland Codes, people in this career generally possess the following traits
  • R Realistic
  • I Investigative
  • A Artistic
  • S Social
  • E Enterprising
  • C Conventional
United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals that this career profile addresses
Good Health and Well-being Reducing Inequality Peace, Justice, and Strong Institutions