Clinical psychologists play an important role that involves understanding and treating mental health conditions. This is a people-oriented career that can be highly rewarding, but it’s important to consider its disadvantages before deciding if it’s the right job for you. Learning about clinical psychology, its disadvantages and ways to overcome the challenges of the job can help you determine if this career aligns with your personal and professional goals. In this article, we explain what clinical psychologists do and cover some reasons not to become a clinical psychologist, with considerations for how to overcome the disadvantages of this career.
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What does a clinical psychologist do?
A clinical psychologist is a health care professional who consults with clients, evaluates them for mental health conditions and helps them reach their mental wellness goals. They use observation and formal evaluation tools to assess their clients’ emotional, behavioral and psychological health. These evaluations allow them to gain insight into their patients’ health and wellbeing so they can develop effective treatments that help patients achieve their wellness goals. Additionally, clinical psychologists can work with non-clinical patient cases to help individuals gain insight into their behaviors and motivations so they can overcome challenges in their lives.
The daily responsibilities of a clinical psychologist can vary depending on their setting of employment and area of clinical expertise. For example, a psychologist working in private practice may have different duties from one working in an in-patient facility. Some general responsibilities of clinical psychologist include:
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Conducting clinical evaluations using tests, observations or interviews
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Identifying and diagnosing psychological, behavioral and emotional disorders
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Working with clients to explain clinical diagnoses and understand their treatment goals
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Implementing treatment plans based on each patient’s needs and goals
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Making regular assessments to track patient progress
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Revising treatment plans as needed to better fit goals and progress
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Moderating group therapy sessions
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Assisting with research or conducting research projects
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Publishing research and presenting at professional conferences
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Teaching classes and training psychology interns
8 reasons not to be a clinical psychologist
Here are some reasons not to become a clinical psychologist, with considerations for how to overcome these challenges:
Potential for burnout
Being a clinical psychologist can be emotionally challenging. Psychologists often work with patients experiencing significant difficulties in their lives, so it’s important that clinical psychologists know how to establish and maintain healthy boundaries with patients. Setting boundaries allows clinical psychologists to separate their personal lives from their work lives. It helps them maintain objectivity during therapy sessions so they can provide unbiased insights for their clients. Boundaries also ensure that professionals uphold their personal needs for emotional safety and wellbeing. Setting boundaries involves establishing and enforcing straightforward expectations with patients and maintaining separation between your work and personal hours.
Clinical psychologists can also minimize the risk of burnout by practicing good self-care skills. This means recognizing physical, emotional and social needs so they can care for themselves during the workday and during personal time. Psychologists can practice self-care by developing social support networks, making time to enjoy their hobbies outside of work and prioritizing their physical health. Many psychologists also see their own therapists to help them process their experiences at work, gain insight into their own mental wellbeing and develop effective coping skills.
Can take time to build client caseloads
For clinical psychologists looking to start their own private practices, it can take time to find clients and build a sustainable caseload. Psychologists who own private practices incorporate good business skills into their professional lives in order to generate continuous income. These skills involve learning how to meet business regulations, finding and creating office space and using marketing strategies to attract and keep clients. It can take time to develop these skills, and recent graduates may be slow to gain clients because of their limited experience.
If you’re an emerging professional hoping to open a private practice, develop a plan for how to open a practice and ensure its success. Set realistic and specific goals for opening your practice, and find opportunities to develop your clinical and business skills before starting your clinic. For example, you may spend a few years early in your career gaining experience by working for a community clinic or other established facility. This allows you to refine your professional abilities and gain field experience. You might also consider taking business management classes to learn the basics of owning a practice.
Many regulations in some work environments
As health care providers, psychologists meet extensive legal and regulatory standards to ensure quality care. These regulations may be more intensive in some work settings than others. For example, working for a hospital, in-patient treatment facility, community care clinic or government-run agency may involve a different or more intensive set of regulations than owning a private practice. Regulations for these facilities can vary depending on state laws, patient type and the discretion of facility directors. While psychologists who own private practices also need to follow state and federal regulations, they may have more flexibility in running their clinics.
Regulations are important for protecting the health and safety of clients and practitioners. Understanding local and federal laws can help you acknowledge their purpose and meet them in your practice. If you plan to work for a facility, learning about the job requirements, company values and expectations of supervisors and directors can help you decide if the clinic’s values and expectations align with your own.
Extensive continuing education requirements
Psychologists, like most health care professionals, participate in continuing education opportunities to stay informed about current trends and best practices. Psychology researchers conduct studies and publish their findings to help practitioners learn more about psychological health conditions and their treatments. Since field research continuously grows, practitioners require access to recent research to expand their skill sets and treat patients. Accessing educational opportunities can take time and financial investment, which may be difficult for some practitioners.
If you’re considering a clinical psychology career, know the continuing education requirements and prepare to be a career-long learner. Here are some continuing education opportunities you might participate in as a psychologist:
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Professional conferences
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Certification programs
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Professional development training
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College degree programs
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Professional mentorship
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Research participation
Having an interest in continuing your education can help you feel motivated to keep learning throughout your career. Additionally, depending on your place of employment, your employer may pay for your continuing education and allow you to use a certain number of work hours toward your professional development. Working for a clinic that invests in your continued education may offset some expenses and time requirements.
Complicated processes for obtaining and maintaining licensure
Practicing psychologists earn full licensure before they’re qualified to work independently. Licensing requirements vary by state, but they typically require candidates to pass an exam, pay a fee and meet a certain number of hours of clinical practice. In addition to earning their initial licenses, psychologists renew their credentials regularly. Renewal requirements can also vary by state. The process for transferring your license to a new state if you plan on moving or working in another region may take time and money to complete.
Although the licensing process can be complicated, having licensure is important for protecting the rights and safety of both clients and practitioners. Licensing shows that practitioners meet a high standard of professionalism and have the needed qualifications and knowledge to perform their work. To help you prepare your licensing materials and meet your renewal requirements, research your state’s process. Contact the licensing board with questions so you can feel confident in fulfilling all requirements. You might also contact a professional mentor or a more established professional to help you with the licensing process.
Significant initial investment in education
Becoming a clinical psychologist requires many years of studying and training. Psychologists need at least a master’s degree to provide counseling services to their clients, and many choose to pursue a doctorate to advance their careers. Having a master’s degree in clinical psychology provides you with the skills and qualifications necessary to conduct mental health assessments, make formal diagnoses, develop treatment plans and implement good counseling practices. Before earning a master’s degree, students complete a bachelor’s, which takes four years on average. A master’s program typically requires an additional two years of study.
If you’re considering a career as a clinical psychologist, knowing the educational requirements and having a plan to meet them can help you start your career. Planning a timeline for completing your degrees can help you determine your career path and track your progress toward meeting your goals. Additionally, thinking about how to pay for your education allows you to meet the financial requirements. For example, you may need to take out a loan to pay for your education or apply for financial aid and scholarships.
May involve inconsistent work hours
Some psychologists work inconsistent hours, depending on their place of employment. While those who own private practices often have the flexibility to determine their own hours, others may work outside of standard office hours. For example, psychologists working for in-patient facilities may need to be available during nights, weekends and holidays to accommodate residential clients. Community clinics may also offer sessions in the evenings or on weekends for clients who can’t attend therapy during typical business hours.
Before committing to a career as a clinical psychologist, consider your work schedule preferences. While some professionals enjoy working non-standard hours, others prefer a more consistent schedule. Determining what kind of work schedule you prefer allows you to manage a healthy work-life balance and select the environment that’s best for you.
Earning potential can be variable
Clinical psychologists in some positions have the potential to earn more than others. The average salary for clinical psychologists is $96,342 per year. This salary average varies based on geographic location, setting of employment, level of education, years of experience and area of specialty. For example, a licensed marriage and family counselor with a master’s degree working for a community clinic may earn a lower average salary than someone with a doctorate who specializes in a particular disorder and owns a private practice.
Since the average salary for professionals in this career increases with experience and specialization, it can take several years to reach your full earning potential. Your earning potential may also be higher or lower depending on your primary specialty within psychology. Planning your career and financial goals can help you calculate your earning potential as a clinical psychologist. For example, you may have a higher salary if you pursue an area of clinical specialization, but you may also need to fulfill more educational requirements, which means it can take longer to reach your full earning potential.
I hope you find this article helpful.
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