Careers in Psychology

Clinical Psychologists constitute the largest specialty in psychology, and they work in independent or group practice, or in hospitals or clinics. The main concern in this area of expertise is with the individual's mental and emotional health. Some examples of the problems that a clinician might address range from normal psychological crises such as adolescent rebellion or loss of self-esteem in middle age, to extreme conditions such as severe depression and schizophrenia.

A clinician may also teach in a college or university. Many clinical psychologists conduct research or do studies on enhancing patient improvement in therapy. While some clinicians choose to specialize in one population, such as children, or one interest, such as phobias, others prefer to remain less restricted in their practice and work as generalists. The population of clients is expanding to include those who at times have been disregarded, such as the elderly, prison inmates, or the poor. Most states do not allow individuals with a master's and bachelor's degree to practice psychology independently. However, there are services in clinical settings that someone with a master's or bachelor's degree can perform under the supervision of a doctoral-level psychologist.