Career Information About a Clinical Child Psychologist

Are you interested in learning more about career information about a clinical child psychologist? This article will give you all the details about the nature of the work and the different work environments of clinical child psychologists. It also will discuss the educational qualifications and other requirements, as well as practical information about salary and job outlook for this field. Read on to find out all you wanted to know about the career of a clinical child psychologist.

Nature of the Work

Clinical child psychologists work with emotionally or mentally distressed children in a variety of settings, but usually practice in counseling centers, private practices, hospitals, schools or clinics. In addition to providing individual services to the child, they may also practice family and group counseling as well. Administering diagnostic tests and assessments for children as well as creating behavior modification plans to help the child succeed and meet goals are also typical. In addition, clinical child psychologists meet with physicians and other specialists to create specialized treatment programs.

Work Environment

The work environment of a clinical child psychologist varies greatly depending on the specific type of employment. Hospitals, schools, private practices, clinics and counseling centers are just some of the settings where clinical child psychologists can be found, and each of these settings has a very different working environment and schedule. For example, clinical child psychologists who work in a hospital setting may work nights and weekends, while one working in a school setting may have set daytime hours. Those that own a private practice can essentially set their own hours, while those working for a clinic may choose to only work part time.

Qualifications

Although education and training can vary depending upon the state, most people wanting to become a clinical child psychologist will need a doctorate degree. A doctorate degree typically requires approximately five to seven years of graduate study, and usually requires a dissertation for completion. In addition to these typical education requirements, a clinical child psychologist also needs to have licensure. The specific requirements for licensure also vary from state to state, but usually consist of advanced education, internship, professional work experience and an examination.

Salary

The salary of a clinical child psychologist also varies greatly depending upon the specific employment and industry. According to the United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean hourly wage for clinical, counseling and school psychologists is $33.74, for a mean annual wage of $70,190. However, wages can range from $18.22 for the bottom 10th percentile, to $51.37 for the top 90th percentile.

Job Outlook

Faster than average employment growth is expected for clinical child psychologists. With growing awareness of child mental health issues and an overall increased demand for psychological services, clinical child psychologists will be needed more than ever. Job prospects are best for those with a doctorate degree, while those possessing only a master's degree will be met with much competition.

Resources

• United States Department of Labor's Bureau of Labor Statistics