Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
What is a Clinical and Counseling Psychologist?
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists are licensed professionals who specialize in diagnosing and treating a range of mental health issues, emotional difficulties, and behavioral problems. They apply principles of psychology to help individuals understand their feelings, handle stress, improve relationships, and navigate life challenges. These psychologists conduct assessments and evaluations to identify mental health conditions and develop personalized treatment plans, which may include psychotherapy, counseling, and therapeutic interventions. They work in various settings, including private practices, hospitals, schools, and community organizations, and often collaborate with other healthcare professionals. Their approaches can be diverse, ranging from cognitive-behavioral therapy to humanistic methods, ensuring that they can tailor their techniques to meet the unique needs of each client. Clinical and Counseling Psychologists aim to empower individuals to achieve optimal mental well-being and enhance their quality of life.
Tasks
- Conduct assessments of patients' risk for harm to self or others.
- Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
- Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.
- Write reports on clients and maintain required paperwork.
- Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.
Technology Skills
-
Medical software
- Addison Health Systems WritePad EHR
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
- Healthcare common procedure coding system HCPCS
- UNI/CARE Pro-Filer
-
Video conferencing software
- Google Meet
- Zoom
-
Analytical or scientific software
- Comprehensive Affect Testing System CATS
- Noldus Information Technology The Observer XT
- Statistical software
- Testing software
-
Spreadsheet software
- Google Sheets
- Microsoft Excel
-
Word processing software
- Google Docs
- Microsoft Word
Tools Used
- Notebook computers
- High capacity removable media drives
- Electromyography EMG units
-
Desktop computers
-
Personal computers
Knowledge
-
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
-
Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
-
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
-
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
-
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
Skills
-
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
-
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
-
Active Listening
Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
-
Critical Thinking
Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.
-
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Abilities
-
Oral Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in speaking so others will understand.
-
Written Comprehension
The ability to read and understand information and ideas presented in writing.
-
Oral Comprehension
The ability to listen to and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences.
-
Problem Sensitivity
The ability to tell when something is wrong or is likely to go wrong. It does not involve solving the problem, only recognizing that there is a problem.
-
Written Expression
The ability to communicate information and ideas in writing so others will understand.
Education
How much education does a new hire need to perform a job in this occupation?
-
Post-doctoral training
-
Doctoral degree
-
Master's degree
Work Activities
-
Establishing and Maintaining Interpersonal Relationships
Developing constructive and cooperative working relationships with others, and maintaining them over time.
-
Making Decisions and Solving Problems
Analyzing information and evaluating results to choose the best solution and solve problems.
-
Assisting and Caring for Others
Providing personal assistance, medical attention, emotional support, or other personal care to others such as coworkers, customers, or patients.
-
Documenting/Recording Information
Entering, transcribing, recording, storing, or maintaining information in written or electronic/magnetic form.
-
Getting Information
Observing, receiving, and otherwise obtaining information from all relevant sources.
Detailed Work Activities
- Evaluate patient functioning, capabilities, or health.
- Record research or operational data.
- Diagnose neural or psychological disorders.
- Prepare scientific or technical reports or presentations.
- Counsel clients on mental health or personal achievement.
Work Interests
-
Social
Work involves helping, teaching, advising, assisting, or providing service to others. Social occupations are often associated with social, health care, personal service, teaching/education, or religious activities.
-
Investigative
Work involves studying and researching non-living objects, living organisms, disease or other forms of impairment, or human behavior. Investigative occupations are often associated with physical, life, medical, or social sciences, and can be found in the fields of humanities, mathematics/statistics, information technology, or health care service.
Job Outlook
Projected salary and job growth
$48820.0 - $168870.0
This career will grow rapidly in the next few years.
Assessment
Related assessments and tests
No assessment available.