Psychologists

Psychologists have the therapeutic expertise and professional training to assist individuals in learning to deal with life’s challenges and mental health concerns more successfully. They are granted a license by their states to provide a variety of services, including assessments and psychotherapy, after years of graduate school and supervised training. The finest available research is used by psychologists to develop a range of strategies that take into account each individual’s particular values, traits, objectives, and circumstances.
When compared to other health care professions, psychologists with doctorate degrees (either a PhD, PsyD, or EdD) have one of the highest levels of education, having spent, on average, seven years in school and training after receiving their bachelor degrees.

What Do Psychologists Do?

Psychologists in practice assist a broad range of individuals and are skilled in treating a wide range of issues. Some individuals may see a psychologist if they have had long-term sadness, rage, or anxiety. They may also need assistance due to a chronic illness that is negatively affecting their physical or mental wellbeing. Others may be dealing with immediate issues that they need assistance with, such as being overburdened by a new job or mourning the loss of a loved one.
Psychologists can help individuals deal with stress, overcome addictions, and manage chronic diseases. Tests and examinations may help diagnose a problem or reveal a person’s thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. These exams examine intelligence, cognitive strengths and limitations, occupational aptitude and preference, personality traits, and neuropsychological functioning.

How Do They Help?

Psychologists can help with many health concerns and use research-backed therapy to improve lives. Most seek treatment (often referred to as psychotherapy or talk therapy). The psychologist will work with the patient to pick the appropriate therapy for their condition, personality, and preferences.
Common forms of therapy include cognitive-behavioral, interpersonal, humanistic, and psychodynamic. Therapy is for individuals, couples, and families. Some psychologists are trained to employ hypnosis, which may treat pain, anxiety, and mood problems.
Some disorders respond well to therapy and medicine. For those who benefit from medicine, psychologists collaborate alongside PCPs, pediatricians, and psychiatrists. Five states, New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois, Iowa, and Idaho, enable licensed psychologists with further training to prescribe drugs for emotional and mental health issues including depression and anxiety.

How Do Psychologists Get Their Training?

After earning an undergraduate degree, a PhD degree in psychology takes at least 4-6 years of full-time study. Coursework encompasses ethics, statistics, individual differences, and the biological, cognitive-affective, and social basis of behavior, as well as instruction in psychological evaluation and treatment.
Graduate psychology students may engage in both teaching and research activities. Prior to graduation, students must complete a one-year full-time supervised internship, and before receiving their license, most states require that they practice under supervision for an additional year. A nationwide exam as well as supplementary tests unique to the state in which they are applying for licensure are required for psychologists.
Once granted a license to practice, psychologists must maintain their expertise by completing a number of hours of continuing education credits each year, as mandated by the licensing and regulatory board in their state.
Work Environment
Many practicing psychologists run their own independent practice or collaborate with a team of other psychologists or medical professionals. Many additional locations are also occupied by practicing psychologists. They may be found in classrooms, hospitals, clinics, jails, detention centers, veterans’ medical institutions, community health centers, mental health clinics, corporations, industries, nursing homes, and long-term care facilities.