Of the many fields and subfields of psychology, clinical psychology is the top choice for students who want to focus their careers on addressing and providing mental and behavioral health care.
With a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology, particularly a master’s and a Ph.D. or a PsyD, you can pursue a myriad of careers! Let’s explore the many opportunities for highly trained and competent holders of a graduate degree in Psychology!
What is Clinical Psychology?
Clinical Psychology specializes in assessing and treating mental illness, abnormal behavior, and psychiatric problems, focusing on individuals, couples, families, and groups. Clinical psychologists use various treatment approaches, including:
- Psychodynamic therapy investigates unconscious motivations.
- Cognitive therapy behavioral therapy examines the interaction between feelings.
- Humanistic therapy focuses on self-actualization.
Generally speaking, graduate programs in Psychology aren’t cheap, BUT you can apply for scholarships to reduce your expenses!
The principles of Psychology connect with Applied Behavior Analysis as they both deal with mental and behavioral disorders.
Best Graduate Degree Careers in Clinical Psychology
Although you might often need a doctorate for state licensure, a Master’s in Clinical Psychology leads to numerous opportunities! This section will list the best careers with a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology and their average salaries:
| Clinical Psychology Graduate Careers | Role | Average Annual Salary |
| Career Counselor | Helps people explore the right career paths | $60,140 |
| Clinical Social Worker | Develops treatment and prevention plans for clients with behavioral or mental health issues | $79,900 |
| Marriage and Family Therapist | Helps individuals navigate their emotions and relationships | $56,570 |
| Rehabilitation Counselor | Helps clients improve their overall well-being after traumatic events and guides them to return to work. | $39,990 (paid more in state rehab services and government agencies like the Department of Veterans Affairs) |
| Substance Abuse Counselor | Helps clients recover from substance use disorders using a combination of clinical methods and a 12-step philosophy | $49,710 |
| Forensic Psychologist | Helps law enforcement agencies, courts, correctional facilities, and legal teams understand and address various psychological aspects of criminal behavior | $87,877 |
| Clinical Psychologist | * Assesses and treats mental disorders using a variety of psychological exams * Requires a PsyD or PhD in Psychology * Licensure is also required for practice | $198,864 |
| Industrial and Organizational Psychologist | * Helps organizations optimize their workforce and enhance organizational effectiveness * Requires a PsyD or PhD in Psychology * Licensure and certifications are required for practice | $144,610 |
Alternative career paths include:
- HR Manager (average pay: $92,266/year)
- Parole Officer (average pay: $69,793)
- Market Research Analyst (average pay: $78,816)
- Project Manager (average pay: $102,682)
- Learning Disabilities Specialist (average pay: $77,341)
- Academic Adviser (average pay: $80,840)
Skills Required for a Clinical Psychology Career
A career in Clinical Psychology entails helping clients manage psychological conditions, build resilience, and cope with challenges. These are challenging tasks, requiring a specific skill set to navigate the complexities of the human mind and emotions to do the job right.
The most essential skills for a career after a graduate degree in Clinical Psychology include the following:
- Communication
- Understanding the cause and effect of human behavior
- Patience
- Research
- Commitment to Learning
- Emotional Stability
- Compassion
- Analysis
Advancing Your Career After a Master’s in Clinical Psychology
The highest-paid professionals in the Clinical Psychology field are those who have obtained a terminal degree.
A Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology highlights a professional’s engagement in scientific research or teaching. Psychology PhD holders also hold tenure teaching jobs in postsecondary institutions.
The alternative to a PhD, a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) program develops expertise in psychological services for clinical practice.
In addition to a doctorate, you can also pursue specializations after a master’s degree in Clinical Psychology. Great examples include:
- Geriatric Psychology, focusing on older adults with mental health issues, chronic illnesses, or dementia, meeting ABPP’s specialization requirements.
- Psychometrics, creating and revising IQ, aptitude, and personality tests.
- Neuropsychology, conducting evaluations for brain injury, neurological disorders, and impairments. This is among the top avenues for students who want to participate in a highly specialized area of psychology.
Succeeding in a graduate program in Psychology requires dedication, time management, and an unwavering focus on your goals. The road to your dream job in the field of Clinical Psychology is within your reach; it takes knowing exactly what you’re in for and capitalizing on your strengths and interests!
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