7 Traveling Psychology Careers To Consider (With Benefits)

Psychologists are clinical professionals who evaluate, diagnose, treat and prevent mental health conditions. They’re responsible for consulting with patients to better understand their needs and provide recommendations for treatment. Psychology includes a range of specialties, and, like other medical professionals, some psychologists travel to work in a variety of areas. In this article, we list some examples of traveling psychology careers, provide some potential benefits of pursuing this type of career and discuss the salary and career outlook for psychologists.

7 traveling psychology careers

Traveling psychology careers allow psychologists to see and treat patients in a variety of different environments. For example, they may travel to remote areas that rarely have access to psychology services available. Traveling professionals may also find work in traditional medical and health care facilities that are experiencing employee shortages or looking for the expertise of a particular type of psychologist. They may assist with specific sections, provide evaluations or lead group therapy.

Common places for psychologists to find work include:

• Correctional facilities

• Educational facilities

• Government organizations

• Hospitals

• Private community clinics

• Private organizations

• Specialty mental health clinics

Here are some examples of traveling psychology careers to consider:

1. School psychologist

A school psychologist works in school settings. They typically specialize in working with a particular age group of children, such as children in elementary, middle or high school. They may work for multiple different schools within the same area or district and travel among them each week. School psychologists meet with children to help them with academic, emotional and social problems.

2. Environmental psychologist

An environmental psychologist analyzes how a person’s environment affects their behavior and emotions. They may also study the inverse, evaluating the effects of a person’s behavior and attitude on their environment. Environmental psychologists often work with policymakers and architecture professionals, particularly on urban planning projects, to determine the potential impact of new buildings or other environmental changes.

3. Forensic psychologist

A forensic psychologist assists with criminal investigations and the law. They may evaluate claims, investigate suspected abuse or evaluate and treat victims preparing to testify in court. Forensic psychologists may also work in correctional facilities. They may evaluate and diagnose their mental state to determine the possibility of committing re-offense or provide treatment for addiction or mental health issues.

4. Sports psychologist

A sports psychologist works with athletes to develop healthy communication styles, coping methods and thought patterns. They may monitor athlete behavior, identify habits and recommend corrective actions. Sports psychologists also often assist with conflict resolution to help support the team in achieving its goals. For example, they may mediate conflicts among coaches, managers and players.

5. Industrial-organizational psychologist

An industrial-organizational psychologist analyzes a particular organization and attempts to better understand its needs. They may advise organizations on a variety of topics, such as recruiting, restructuring, productivity and employee well-being. Industrial-organizational psychologists may also assist organizations with developing new policies. For example, they may assess the organization and recommend policies about anti-discrimination and diversity.

6. Traveling psychologist

A traveling psychologist performs many of the same duties as a traditional psychologist. However, they typically work with facilities on a short-term or contract basis. They may evaluate patients, establish goals for psychotherapy and develop and implement psychotherapeutic plans. Traveling psychologists may also be responsible for leading group therapy sessions.

7. Military psychologist

A military psychologist evaluates and treats all ranks and types of military professionals. However, they often specialize in helping those working abroad in war zones or on specific bases. Military psychologists help active duty and veteran professionals alike, and they work with all branches of the military. Common mental health conditions they treat include depression, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and schizophrenia.

Benefits of traveling psychology careers

Here are some potential benefits of pursuing a career in traveling psychology:

• Flexibility: Working as a traveling psychologist may provide you with the flexibility to work in a variety of places. This allows you to experience different places without making sacrifices for your career.

• Independence: Some traveling psychologists work as freelancers or independent contractors. This gives you complete control over your career, allowing you to make the decisions that work best for you.

• Networking opportunities: Being a traveling psychologist allows you to work in many different facilities, and your position may require you to travel all over the country. This provides you with the opportunity to build an excellent network of like-minded professionals.

• New challenges: Practicing as a traveling psychologist may connect you with new types of patients or patients with unique circumstances. This may provide an exciting challenge in your career and empower you to apply your skills in new ways.

Psychologist salary

The national average salary for a general psychologist is $94,468 per year. However, it’s important to remember that exact salaries may vary. For example, some specialties of psychologists may earn more than others, and pay may depend on your specific employer.

Working in a travel position often provides higher pay than the rates for traditional positions. For example, the national average national salary for a nurse is $82,175 per year, while the average salary for a travel nurse is $111,722 per year.

Psychologist career outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics anticipates employment of psychologists to grow 8% from 2020 to 2030. This rate is about the same as the average growth rate for all occupations. The BLS predicts this growth based on the need to replace workers, particularly those who may move to other careers or retire.

The BLS expects an increased demand for psychologists because more people may begin to seek the help of professionals for their mental health. It specifically predicts a 10% increase in employment of clinical, counseling and school psychologists because of a growing awareness of the relationship between learning and mental health. The BLS also attributes a 2% estimated increase in employment of industrial-organizational psychologists to a growing number of organizations seeking professional expertise for selecting and retaining employees, implementing training strategies, improving office morale and increasing productivity and efficiency in the workplace.

I hope you find this article helpful.