Psychologists (Clinical, Counseling, and School) aim to reduce the distress and improve the psychological wellbeing of clients. They use psychological methods and research to make positive changes to their clients' lives and offer various forms of treatment. Clinical psychologists often work alongside other professionals in multidisciplinary teams in order to deal with complex patient problems.

They work with clients of all ages on a variety of different mental or physical health problems including: depression and anxiety; mental illness; adjustment to physical illness; neurological disorders; addictive behaviours; challenging behaviours; eating disorders; personal and family relationship problems; learning disabilities.

Tasks:

1. Assessing a client's needs, abilities or behaviour using a variety of methods, including psychometric tests, interviews and direct observation of behaviour;
2. Working as part of a multidisciplinary team alongside doctors, nurses, social workers, education professionals, health visitors, psychiatrists and occupational therapists;
3. Devising and monitoring appropriate treatment programmes, including therapy, counselling or advice, in collaboration with colleagues;
4. Offering therapy and treatments for difficulties relating to mental health problems such as anxiety, depression, addiction, social and interpersonal problems and challenging behaviour;
5. Developing and evaluating service provision for clients;
6. Providing consultation to other professions, encouraging a psychological approach in their work;
7. Counselling and supporting carers;
8. Carrying out applied research, adding to the evidence base of practice in a variety of healthcare settings.

Key skills for Psychologist:

• Good research skills
• Ability to relate to and empathise with a range of people
• Good teamworking skills
• Excellent communication skills
• Sensitive listening and questioning skills
• Ability to cope with emotionally demanding situations

Average Salary (2013):

United Kingdom: from £18,152 – 34,189 per year
United States of America: $87,171 per year
Australia: AU$70,607 per year

Qualifications and training required:

A bachelor's degree is the minimum requirement for work in the psychology field, and competition is keen for jobs at this level. An undergraduate psychology degree can also prepare students for graduate programs. A bachelor's degree program in psychology includes such course topics as research methods and decision-making and core requirements in areas like developmental, social and clinical psychology.

Master's programs are offered in general psychology and in concentration areas. These programs include advanced courses in research, statistics and psychological methods, often requiring the completion of a thesis or comprehensive exam as the capstone requirement.

Most states require people who run their own practice to have a Ph.D. or Psy.D. Doctoral candidates must complete research, residency or comprehensive exams, since requirements vary by program. Students often work as teaching or research assistants in exchange for a stipend.