The interest in clinical psychology, one of the largest specialties within the field, has grown in recent years as more people look for trusted professionals who can address a variety of psychological issues.
Those who wish to pursue a career in psychology should consider a clinical degree that will help them take advantage of clinical psychology’s promising outlook. Read on to learn more about the field and why now is the perfect time to earn a degree in clinical psychology.
Clinical psychology defined
Clinical psychology addresses a wide range of mental and behavioral health issues using a variety of evidence-based interventions. Clinical psychologists are trained to assess a patient’s cognitive, behavioral, emotional, and interpersonal challenges and create therapeutic interventions to address those challenges.
Clinical psychologists enjoy a highly varied career landscape because their specialty field encompasses other psychological disciplines that can be used with patients of all ages. In addition to the foundational skills of psychology, they can also seek further training in other more specialized areas of study that align with their personal or professional goals, including courses in neuropsychology, child, adolescent, and family services, forensic psychology, human sexuality, sexual orientation, and gender identity, health and primary care, international and human rights, and more.
Their breadth of knowledge allows clinical psychologists to work with children, individuals, couples, families, organizations, institutions, and even whole communities, as well as all ethnic, cultural, and socioeconomic populations.
Clinical psychology jobs are in demand
As interest in mental health continues to rise, so too do the job prospects for clinical psychologists.
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the overall employment for clinical psychologists is expected to grow 10% by 2031, faster than the average for all occupations.
Job opportunities in this field also tend to come with higher-than-average annual wages. For instance, clinical psychologists in 2021 earned a median annual wage of $82,510, with a significant number earning more than $100,000 annually. The median annual wage for all occupations during that time was $45,760.
Clinical Psychology at The Chicago School
Perhaps the most enticing aspect of clinical psychology is the variety of roles and environments one can enter as a career. A Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology from The Chicago School prepares students to work in a wide range of settings, including:
- Hospitals
- Clinics
- Nonprofits
- Health care
- Community engagement
- Government
- Education
- Social work
Graduates of The Chicago School become influential and passionate professionals when they enter the working world. The following list represents only a small number of the notable job titles our alumni have achieved during their careers:
- Chief human resources officer
- Director of mental health operations
- Director of diversity, equity, and inclusion
- Head of employee listening
- Clinical psychologist
- Licensed clinical professional counselor
- Board certified behavior analyst
The Chicago School is proud to be a leading nonprofit and psychological innovator for more than 40 years. Students in the clinical psychology program, our flagship program, gain early hands-on training and participate in three years of challenging but rewarding practicum experiences that prepare them for quality internship and employment opportunities.
Visit our academic catalog today to learn more about our clinical psychology offerings, or check out the following programs that may also be of interest:
