How to Become a Psychologist

Psychologists are experts who study human behavior and the mind. They work primarily in health and educational facilities, treating people with emotional, mental and behavioral problems. You need a Ph.D. to advance in this field.

Difficulty: Challenging

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Psychology Magazines
• Career Counseling

1. Peruse the American Psychological Association (APA) Web site (apa.org) for in-depth information about entering this field, including APA-accredited schools.

2. Obtain your bachelor's and master's degrees, preferably in psychology. Unless you want to be limited to positions as a psychologist's assistant, you'll also need to spend five to seven years working toward a Ph.D.

3. Get academic counseling early on. Make certain you're on the right academic track to the type of work you eventually want to do.

4. Decide which degree best suits your plans. A Ph.D. in psychology, which requires a dissertation based on your original research, will permit you to work in teaching, counseling and research positions. The newer Psy.D., or doctor of psychology degree, provides intensive training in counseling and requires clinical experience and exams. It will, however, limit the scope of future career possibilities.

5. Be prepared for mandatory internships that will be heavily supervised.

6. Expect to undergo psychoanalysis as part of your degree work.

7. Contact your state's licensing board for its certification and licensing requirements. All states require psychologists to be licensed, but some may first require additional oral or essay exams.

8. Read professional psychology journals regularly to gain insight into the field.

Tips & Warnings

• Realize that many successful psychologists eventually have their own practices, requiring them to work during evenings and on weekends. Consider working in a government or corporate setting if you want fixed hours.
• Remember that psychiatrists are medical doctors (M.D.s), whereas psychologists have a doctor of philosophy degree (Ph.D.). Psychologists cannot prescribe medication.
• Ask yourself if you have the patience to be successful in this career. Patients may take a long time to show any progress.

[lesheanna145]

on 7/8/2009 IM A 14 YEAR OLD GIRL AND I THINK BECOMING A PSYCHOLOGIST IS MY FUTURE GOAL

[puppylove1]

on 2/21/2009 I just started in this field and I really enjoy it. Hope it all works out.

[psycho-social]

on 9/3/2008 i love psychology and the anatomy of the human mind. i have studied and have hands on experience 5+ years. but i can't afford college. what am i supposed to do?

[sonia123]

on 5/15/2008 Hmmm....I'm so interested in this field. Hope I will not just survive but become a successful psychologist as well. Thanks for the guide!

on 11/22/2005 Investigate graduate programs - they're not all equal. Be wary of programs that include your own psychoanalysis as a requirement - there is great potential for ethical violations, plus it is not a necessary feature of quality training.