Where does a Clinical Psychologist works?

 "Where does a Clinical Psychologist work?" This is a question most individuals who are aspiring to get into the field of Psychology or are already into it ask when it comes to what one can become or where to work concerning the various branches of Psychology.

Given the fact that humans are the most complicated beings to deal with, the study of psychology which deals with the mind and behaviour helps us to have a better comprehension of how to deal with and react in certain circumstances.

No matter the field of Psychology you wish to pursue, bear in mind that Psychology isn't only the future but the present, especially in this era. According to the U.S Bureau of Labour Statistics, Clinical psychology is one of the most in-demand areas of study with jobs growing quickly.

There is a demand for more and more psychologists. A career in this field is worth it. Let's dive into our area of interest which is to know where a clinical psychologist works but before that Who is a clinical psychologist?

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Who is a Clinical Psychologist?

A Clinical psychologist refers to someone who has to do with the assessment, diagnosis and treatment or management of individuals experiencing psychological distress and mental illness.

Clinical psychologists do not only have to deal with treatments that have to do with the brain, they equally provide an array of services and therapy sessions.

Though clinical psychologists are solely charged with addressing abnormal behavioural patterns and emotions, they as well have other functions which are as follows:

• Clinical psychologists are solely responsible for identifying mental, behavioural, or emotional abnormalities in clients
• They are in charge of the assessment of the abilities, attitudes, and behaviours of a client with the aid of psychological tests
• Diagnosing disorders
• Teaching classes and holding seminars
• Educating the family of their client
• Developing and implementing solutions for clients’ mental and emotional challenges
• Act as referrals for further treatment
• Guiding caregivers of clients through the recovery process.

The longing question of where clinical psychologists work is addressed in the next paragraph. Clinical psychologists are in charge of a specific population such as children and young people, adults of all ages, people with learning disabilities or people with neurological problems.

Clinical psychologists in most cases work together with a health care team of nurses, social workers, psychiatrists, and doctors to provide holistic care to their patients.

Well-trained personnel can work in hospitals, clinics, health centers, schools, and prisons though the majority of individuals prefer to establish their private practice.

Other clinical psychologists carry out research by developing hypotheses and gathering data. Some perform lab experiments or use naturalistic observation. Psychologists also commonly administer questionnaires, clinical studies, or surveys. As a clinical psychologist, you can likely work in some or all of the following settings.

Where does a Clinical Psychologist works? 

7 Different Places Clinical Psychologists work

1). Hospitals

In this milieu, clinical psychologists are in charge of diagnosing and evaluating individuals with mental and emotional disorders as well as administering programs for treatment.

Observes patients in various situations; selects, administers, and interprets intelligence, personality, or other psychological tests to diagnose disorders and formulate plans of treatment, and provides consultation to other mental health professionals about test results.

Clinical psychologist evaluates patient progress and modifies treatment programs accordingly; communicates with and counsel’s family members as appropriate.

Documents therapy following policies and procedures concerning medical records; implements and adheres to policies which ensure patient confidentiality.

2). Schools/Universities

Do you have a passion for teaching? I ask for passion because teaching entails patience and zeal for what you do. As a clinical psychologist, you can work in a school milieu. You help students comprehend basic and complex psychological concepts and practices.

In the case of a university, you can become a clinical psychology professor. Clinical psychologists in the school environment are in charge of leading research initiatives.

For instance, they can carry out studies on the influence of habits and thought patterns on an individual, family, and society. this research can give rise to discoveries that can help us to have an in-depth understanding.

3). Local clinics and Health Centers

A Clinical psychologist can work as a counsellor with people or groups at mental health or community organizations.

4). Private practices

As earlier mentioned, clinical psychologists have an array of settings to work in like hospitals with doctors, nurses or psychiatrists, clinics, health centers, schools, and prisons but a majority of them prefer to establish their practices allowing them to specialize in many ways.

What is the feeling you get being your boss? Being your boss means working by your rules, not being pressured by a superior, working by your schedule and a lot more.

You can provide therapeutic and mental health care to children, families and elderly people. It all depends on you and your aspirations.

5). Prisons/Correctional facilities

Another setting where clinical psychologists can work is in the prison or correctional centers to help inmates struggling with mental health issues and psychological distress during detention.

As published by the Bureau of Justice Statistics report in June 2017, prisoners and jail inmates struggle with mental health issues such as bipolar disorder, anxiety and schizophrenia. Often, they work closely with prison psychiatrists to both diagnose and treat mental disorders within their prison population.

Just like in the case of Priests listening to the confession of Christians, clinical psychologists working in prison are charged with the task of regularly listening to stories of untold violence, abuse, and drug addiction- and work to change these cycles within people’s lives.

6). Business organizations

Here, a clinical psychologist conducts screening tests, performance reviews, and training sessions to help an organization’s employees work effectively to achieve common company goals and increase overall production.

7). Court Rooms

Clinical psychologists can work in the court setting. They can act as expert witnesses in courtrooms. They are equally charged with the stabilization of those found incompetent to stand trial.

Concluding Remark

Have you been wondering where you can work as a clinical psychologist? Worry no more for this write-up answers your questions.

As a clinical psychologist, you can work in hospitals, local clinics, mental health centres or community centres, in court, in prison, in schools or universities, and in business organizations just to name a few.

The most interesting of all is the fact that you can be a boss of your own by operating your private practice. Who does not like the idea of working per their rules? No one right?

The truth is a career path in psychology not taking into consideration specific fields allow one to work in a variety of fields as long as it has to do with interacting and understanding human behaviour.

Now that you are aware of where to apply for a job as a clinical psychologist, what are you waiting for? Pursue a career in this and thank me later.

It is said that every beginning has an end. Thanks for staying with me till the end of this powerful mind enriching journey. Feel free to comment on any other setting you know of that isn't in the article.