Psychologist
A psychologist is a social scientist who studies psychology, the study of the human mind, thought and human behaviour. Psychologists are usually categorised under a number of different fields, the most well-recognised being clinical psychologists, who provide mental health care, and research psychologists, who collect, investigate and analyse aspects of human behaviour.
Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists are no longer considered a medical doctor and hence are unable to prescribe psychiatric medications. Psychologists however do generally have doctoral degrees, either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D.. However prescription privileges in the United States have recently changed and some psychologists are gaining prescriptive privileges, specifically in New Mexico and Louisiana.
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Types of psychologist
Psychologists are categorised under two different fields
- Clinical psychologists often work in counseling centres, hospitals and clinics. They diagnose and evaluate mental and emotional disorders, and use tools such as psychotherapy and hypnosis to treat affected patients. They conduct interviews and psychological tests, and may conduct complex treatment programs, sometimes in conjunction with physicians or other specialists.
- Research psychologists study behavioural processes by experimenting on human beings and animals. They work in universities and private research centres, as well as for government organisations and often contribute to fields including marketing, design, and different forms of drug and chemical research. Common areas of research include memory, motivation, and factors affecting behaviour and development.
Statistics
These statistics are from the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics, information dated 2002 unless noted otherwise.
- Employed psychologists: 139,000
- 1/4 self-employed
- 3/10 employed by educational institutions (in positions other than teaching)
- Median income for clinical psychologists: USD$51,170
- Median income for industrial/organisational psychologists: USD$63,710
See also
External links
- Bureau of Labor Statistics page
- California Employment Development Department occupational guide
- Career Prospects in Virginia: research psychology