What Does a Psychologist Do?

Psychologists are known for making a difference in the lives of others. A psychologist aims to analyze, predict and guide behavior and mental processes whether it be one-to-one or through an organization. It is an impactful field to take interest in and a great way to begin a career is through obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Psychology. However, once you reach that achievement you may ask yourself how to become a psychologist? What do you do with your degree?

The field of psychology is one that offers many areas of professional specialization within the health care sector. Thus, making the decision to work in psychology requires deep investigation and what you do is determined by which specialty you’ve chosen.

Roles of Psychology within the Health Care Sector

Psychology-related professionals play many important roles within the healthcare sector. According to the American Psychological Association, psychologists can help bridge the gap between the patient or client and the facility, company or organization, helping to ensure quality care and best practices are provided. Psychologists may work in areas beyond analyzing and treating, they may also have a role in primary care or other extended healthcare settings.

As a study published in the Journal of Family and Community Medicine notes, “advances in the biomedical and the behavioral sciences have paved the way for the integration of medical practice towards the biopsychosocial approach.” This means that heath, illness and mental status can be analyzed together, to provide a more holistic picture of what may be happening with a client or patient, resulting in more comprehensive care.

Why Psychology Is a Desirable Career Path

Psychology is a desirable career path for professionals who want to help others, whether in one-on-one sessions or from within a larger organization. When professionals can align their personal goals and skills with a career in caring for others, the choice to become a psychologist benefits not only the providers but their future patients and clients as well.

Skills Needed for a Career in Psychology

For those wondering how to become a psychologist, the first step is learning about the skills that are necessary for success across all areas of psychology. Psychology careers require being skilled at listening, building interpersonal relationships, solving problems and continuing to learn. Research skills and the ability to embrace diversity are also crucial to most careers within the psychology field.

• Listening and interpersonal communication. Work in the psychology field is based on building a level of trust with patients or clients in order to better understand their mental state and help them deal with their problems and move forward in their lives. In order to be effective, excellent listening and interpersonal communication skills are necessary.
• Problem-solving skills. Many psychology careers require professionals to think outside of the box when their client or organization presents a problem that is impeding care. As such, problem-solving skills are important for success as a psychology professional.
• Embracing cultural diversity. As with most jobs within the health care industry, embracing cultural diversity is a must for psychologists. Clients and patients come from all backgrounds, and professionals need to be prepared to embrace a range of cultural elements while providing care.
• Ambition and desire to continue learning. As new health care technologies are developed, it is crucial that health care professionals continue learning and keep up-to-date with current best practices to ensure their patients receive the best available care.
• Conducting independent research. Big research labs are not the only source of innovations. Psychology breakthroughs can come through a single psychologist uncovering insights while working with his or her own patients, or by conducting independent research. It is crucial that psychologists are attuned to new information in order to strive toward better mental health outcomes.

What Can You Do with a Degree in Psychology?

Jobs for psychologists include clinical psychologist, career counselor, substance abuse and mental health counselor, psychiatry technician, and industrial-organizational psychologist, and each has its own specific duties. Other common jobs include research technician and case manager.

Why Psychology Is a Desirable Career Path

Psychology-related professionals play many important roles within the healthcare sector. According to the American Psychological Association, psychologists can help bridge the gap between the patient or client and the facility, company or organization, helping to ensure quality care and best practices are provided. Psychologists receive training in fundamental skills, such as research, statistics, active listening and presentation skills, which are desirable in a wide range of fields, allowing them to also pursue jobs in areas that are not related to mental health.

As a study published in the Journal of Family and Community Medicine notes, “Advances in the biomedical and the behavioral sciences have paved the way for the integration of medical practice towards the biopsychosocial approach.” This means that heath, illness and mental status can be analyzed together, to provide a more holistic picture of what may be happening with a client or patient, resulting in more comprehensive care.

When professionals can align their personal goals and skills with a career in caring for others, the choice to become a psychologist benefits not only the providers but their future patients and clients, as well. Psychology is a desirable career path for professionals who want to help others, specifically with their overall health and well-being. Psychologists play vital roles in the assessment and treatment of patients. Those considering a psychology career need to ask themselves not only if psychology is right for them, but, if it is, which specialty might be the one to motivate them out of bed every morning.