Individuals hoping to work in the field of psychology have many options for employment, from public institutions to private practice. Depending on the environment you choose, the type of psychological and mental health services that you practice may vary. You might choose to practice psychology as part of a government organization or program to enjoy the benefits and stability of federal employment or because you have an interest in working with a particular type of patient, like veterans or incarcerated individuals.
Recommended
In this article, we list eight different government jobs in psychology for you to consider and review the salary and primary duties for each one.
What are psychology government jobs?
Government jobs in psychology cover a large range of professional settings and clients. They might provide therapy or counseling services to specific groups of people like military personnel, veterans or homeless individuals. Other psychology government jobs may focus on advancing psychological understanding through research or assisting with behavioral analysis for crime reduction and public safety. These positions may be available at the county, state or federal level of government.
8 government jobs in psychology
Here are eight government jobs for psychologists, along with the primary duties and salary information for each role:
1. Correctional counselor
National average salary: $55,690 per year
Primary duties: Correctional counselors work with the U.S. Department of Justice’s Bureau of Prisons, or a state equivalent, to offer counseling services to incarcerated individuals. This intervention helps inmates better cope with the prison environment and prepares them to rejoin society upon release. In this way, correctional counselors contribute to patient rehabilitation. They may also provide counseling services to staff working at incarceration centers.
These psychologists often focus on issues like substance abuse, anger management, crisis management and social expectations. They can also treat patients suffering from chronic mental illnesses, including bipolar disorder, major depressive disorder, and schizophrenia. Additionally, correctional counselors can be instrumental in helping assess clients and subsequently recommending psychiatric treatment or rehabilitation for those in need.
2. Juvenile correctional counselor
National average salary: $55,690 per year
Primary duties: A juvenile correctional counselor works specifically with incarcerated youth to provide counseling and guidance. Some programs also require individuals in this occupation to assist with supervision or treatment planning. A juvenile correctional counselor may offer similar types of support and counseling as an adult correctional counselor, including depression, anger management and substance use, among others. They also work to help each client through the rehabilitation process to prepare them for their return to society.
Unlike adult correctional counselors, these professionals are working with clients at a very formative point in development. This can lead to different areas of focus, including family dynamics, parental control and the shift from adolescence into adulthood. Coordination with the correctional facility, larger care team and the minor’s legal parents or guardians is also an important aspect of the juvenile correctional counselor position.
3. County psychologist
National average salary: $65,348 per year
Primary duties: Psychologists employed at the county or state level generally work through local Department of Mental Health or Human Services offices and uphold the department’s mission to support vulnerable populations in that district. An in-depth understanding of clinical rehabilitation, addiction, developmental and abnormal psychology may be helpful. These professionals might provide or facilitate a range of therapy options, including one-on-one therapy, group therapy and family therapy. They may also work to administer or improve psychological testing procedures and instruments their department uses.
There are a number of specialties a county-level psychologist might have. For example, they may work specifically with the unhoused population, many of whom may also require psychiatric assistance with acute or mental illness, substance use or the criminal justice system. Alternatively, these psychologists might work as part of a team at a women’s center or via a telemental health program in order to better reach underserved populations.
4. FBI behavioral analyst
National average salary: $72,210 per year
Primary duties: A Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI) behavioral analyst, also known as an FBI profiler, is responsible for analyzing suspects and using their behavioral patterns to help solve crimes. Individuals in this role typically work for the Behavioral Analysis Unit (BAU), a branch within the FBI. BAU agents often work closely with law enforcement officials to help them understand and counteract criminals and terrorists. They may also do research to further understand why people commit crimes and discover what the FBI can do to help prevent them.
5. Military psychologist
National average salary: $82,180 per year
Primary duties: Military psychologists work in every branch of the military to assess and assist military personnel and provide therapy and counseling services. They are likely to encounter various mental and emotional issues associated with active combat, including stress, PTSD, depression and physical-disability-related emotional support. Military psychologists may also assess and screen soldiers returning to active duty.
6. Military research psychologist
National average salary: $82,180 per year
Primary duties: A military research psychologist is responsible for studying and understanding soldiers’ brain function in order to better protect it. Some do this physically by applying their research to new protective technologies and gear to keep soldiers’ brains protected in active combat. Others focus on military mental health rather than physical safety. These researchers may conduct studies on behavioral health on and off the battlefield in order to help improve both active duty neurological function and long-term mental health for military personnel.
7. CIA clinical psychologist
National average salary: $97,690 per year
Primary duties: Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) clinical psychologists help uphold the mission of defending the nation. They may consult on active CIA cases to help uncover behavioral patterns or explain psychological processes that contribute to preserving the safety of the United States. These professionals may work with a wide variety of individuals across national or international projects. Their duties may also include assessing, training and supporting other CIA officers.
8. Veteran counselor
National average salary: $107,550 per year
Primary duties: Veteran counselors work with the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) to provide therapy and counseling services to U.S. veterans upon returning from deployment. These trained psychologists may help their clients navigate anxiety, depression, substance abuse and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), all of which are common in returning military personnel. Veteran counselors often work as part of a larger team, including other mental health professionals, primary care teams and veteran service coordinators, to generate the best possible care for their clients.
I hope you find this article helpful.
Leave a Reply