PSYCHOLOGISTS California Occupational Guide Number 77 Interest Area 10 1995
THE JOB
PSYCHOLOGISTS collect, interpret and apply scientific data related to human behavior and mental processes. They may study the way people think, feel, or behave in order to understand, explain, or help them change their actions or manage stress. Psychologists specialize in a wide variety of areas such as clinical, social, counseling, industrial, school, educational, behavioral, experimental, rehabilitation/vocational, forensic, and neuropsychology.
Clinical Psychologists diagnose or evaluate mental and emotional disorders of individuals and conduct programs of treatment to modify the behavior of their patients. They use psychotherapy, psychological testing, hypnosis, and other techniques. Social Psychologists, by examining people's interaction with others and with the social environment, gain understanding of individual and group behavior. Counseling Psychologists work with people who have problems of every-day living but usually are not mentally or emotionally ill but are often upset, anxious, or struggling with some conflict in their environment or within themselves. Industrial Psychologists resolve questions of personnel, management, marketing, and production. They are also involved in policy planning, applicant screening, training, and counseling. School Psychologists work with students, teachers, parents and administrators to determine the needs of students, help them adjust to conflict and make learning easier. Educational Psychologists investigate processes of learning and teaching to develop ways to foster intellectual, social, and emotional development.
Behavioral Psychologists use special techniques to eliminate or modify unsuitable behavior in specific situations. Experimental Psychologists measure and study behavioral patterns of people and animals, generally in laboratory situations. Some areas of experimental research include motivation, cognition, and effects of substance use and abuse. Rehabilitation/Vocational Psychologists help individuals with physical and/or emotional disabilities enter or re-enter the work force. This specialty requires a knowledge of medical aspects of disabilities, the labor market, and worker traits. Forensic Psychologists evaluate individuals involved in legal and court matters such as criminal defense, juvenile court cases, and personal injury cases. Neuropsychologists work with brain injuries and cancer patients. Within each of the major specializations are specific areas of interest. Psychologists may work with one type of client, one particular industry, or one level of education.
WORKING CONDITIONS
Psychologists work in hospitals, schools, industries, correctional institutions, public agencies, counseling centers, community mental health centers, research organizations, private practice, or any combination of these. They frequently work under tremendous pressure and must be able to cope objectively with client emotions, mood swings, or tension without losing perspective and judgment.
EMPLOYMENT OUTLOOK
The following information is from the California Projections of Employment published by the Labor Market Information Division.
Estimated number of workers in 1990 8,710 Estimated number of workers in 2005 11,830 Projected Growth 1990-2005 36% Estimated new jobs 1990-2005 3,120 Estimated openings due to separations by 2005 1,170
(These figures do not include self-employment nor openings due to turnover.)
The Psychologist occupation should grow faster than the average of all occupations thorough 2005. New jobs will account for most employment opportunities, but opportunities will also occur as Psychologists retire. Employment prospects for Psychologists in colleges and universities should improve due to an expected wave of retirements among college faculty over the next several years.
Opportunities also will grow in other settings such as businesses, nonprofit organizations, research firms, and computer manufacturing companies. Companies will use Psychologists in survey design, analysis, research testing, and program evaluation. Jobs in health care should also remain strong. Opportunities are best for candidates with a doctoral degree. Psychologists with doctorates from leading universities in applied areas such as school, clinical, counseling, health, industrial, and educational psychology should be in demand.
WAGES, HOURS, AND FRINGE BENEFITS
The earnings of Psychologists depend on their education, years of experience and specialty. The average annual salary for School Psychologists is between $41,000 to $58,700. Clinical Psychologists earn an average of $81,000 to $90,000 yearly in the Los Angeles Area. Annual average salaries for Counseling Psychologists are between $29,000 to $70,000 or more yearly. Psychologists in private practice may earn $45,000 during early years to well over $100,000 a year as their practice grows. Psychologists with a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. degree and one year internship who work for the federal government could begin at the GS-11 level which starts at $37,080 annually and advance to the GS-15 level which starts at $73,471 annually. Federal pay is slightly lower north of the San Francisco Bay Area. The American Psychological Association reports that a wage survey for 1995 will be available in the spring of 1996. For information call the association at (202) 336Ð5980.
Psychologists work a variety of hours. In high schools, clinics, hospitals, or government agencies, they work a set schedule. Those in private practice or in university settings work flexible hours, including evening and weekend appointments to serve their clients.
Fringe benefits -- except for Psychologists in private practice -- usually include paid vacation and sick leave; health, vision and dental insurance; and retirement plans.
ENTRANCE REQUIREMENTS AND TRAINING
A Ph.D. degree is the usual minimum educational requirement of hospitals, college level institutions, and government agencies. In addition, most organizations require completion of an approved internship. A few clinics and therapeutic organizations may hire well-qualified applicants with only MA degrees. The public school system requires Psychologists to hold the pupil personnel services credential with specialized advanced training in psychology. Some colleges and universities offer a master's degree to those completing these requirements.
The Ph.D. degree usually requires at least four years of integrated graduate study, field experience and an original research dissertation. Very high standards are required for admission to any of the programs accredited by the American Psychological Association. Currently there are 10 to 20 applicants for every opening in a Psychology Doctoral Program. Undergraduate courses should be in psychology, other social sciences, physical sciences, biological sciences, humanities and statistics. There are very few jobs in psychology at the bachelor's degree level.
Clinical Psychologists who work in the public sector or in private practice must be licensed by the Board of Psychology. They must have a Ph.D. in psychology from an accredited university or a doctoral degree deemed equivalent by the Board. Training in human sexuality, child abuse, and drug/substance abuse are other requirements. In addition they must have completed 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience -- 1,500 of these hours must be after completion of the Ph.D and under the direction of two different supervisors.
ADVANCEMENT
There are many opportunities for advancement in the field of psychology. Psychologists in academic positions may move up the university administration ladder to department chair, dean, or president. Psychologists in the federal government may be promoted to head such agencies as the National Institute of Mental Health and the National Institute of Drug and Alcohol Abuse. Many Psychologists work as consultants, do contract research, or provide industrial organizational services. Some of them start their own firms. The potential for earnings in this work is unlimited.
FINDING THE JOB
Experienced Psychologists find jobs through professional publications and networking at conventions of professional organizations. Personal contacts and an individual's reputation are often the best route to jobs at all levels in this field. Employers also recruit through psychology departments of colleges, universities, and training hospitals. Government agencies hire through the usual application/examination process.
ADDITIONAL SOURCES OF INFORMATION
California Psychological Association 1010 11th Street, Suite 202 Sacramento, CA 95814 (916) 325-9786
Board of Psychology 1422 Howe Avenue, Suite 22 Sacramento, CA 95825 (916) 263-2699
(For School Psychologists) Commission on Teacher Credentialing 1812 9th Street Sacramento, CA 95814-7000 (916) 445-7254
RELATED OCCUPATIONAL GUIDES
Psychiatric Technicians No. 95 Social Workers No. 122 Counselors, Rehabilitation & School No. 429
OCCUPATIONAL CODE REFERENCES
DOT (Dictionary of Occupational Titles, 4th ed., Rev. 1) Psychologist, Experimental 045.061-018 Psychologist, Educational 045.067-010 Psychologist, Social 045.067-014 Clinical Psychologist 045.107-022 Psychologist, Counseling 045.107-026 Psychologist, Industrial 045.107-030 Psychologist, School 045.107-034
OES (Occupational Employment Statistics) System Psychologist 271080
Source: State of California, Employment Development Department,
Labor Market Information Division, Information Services Group,
(916) 262-2162.
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