4 answers
Thim
Student
Sydney Olympic Park, NSW
1
Question
Updated
1512 views
I am not sure what type of psychology I should pursue: general or clinical?
I am currently doing my bachelors in psychology and I don't know whether to pursue clinical or general psychology for post-graduate study. I am interested in working with clients in a clinical setting but I am not sure if I have the marks to pursue clinical over a general registration. My preference isn't resolute so I would be fine becoming a general psychologist as well. However, I am not sure I know enough details about both and how day to day life would be in either of those streams.
Login to comment
4 answers
Michelle M.
Actress
2255
Answers
Updated
Michelle’s Answer
Hello, Thim !
A general psychologist is one that works in private practice, either independently or with a group of other psychologists, and some also work for the government or universities. A clinical psychologist works in offices of other health practitioners, psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals, outpatient care centers, offices of physicians, residential care facilities, general medical and surgical hospitals, educational support services, individual and family services, and scientific research and development services and the government.
Since your professional options are greater as a Clinical Psychologist, I would definitely say to pursue clinical and not general. You shouldn't worry about how hard or easy one or the other is. You will gain your Bachelors and have a good foundation for the clinical Masters. You just may find that they are not much different aside from where you'd be allowed to work, Clinical having more opportunities. Double check my advice with your academic counselor because this is how it stands in the United States.
I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best !
A general psychologist is one that works in private practice, either independently or with a group of other psychologists, and some also work for the government or universities. A clinical psychologist works in offices of other health practitioners, psychiatric and substance abuse hospitals, outpatient care centers, offices of physicians, residential care facilities, general medical and surgical hospitals, educational support services, individual and family services, and scientific research and development services and the government.
Since your professional options are greater as a Clinical Psychologist, I would definitely say to pursue clinical and not general. You shouldn't worry about how hard or easy one or the other is. You will gain your Bachelors and have a good foundation for the clinical Masters. You just may find that they are not much different aside from where you'd be allowed to work, Clinical having more opportunities. Double check my advice with your academic counselor because this is how it stands in the United States.
I hope that this helps and I wish you all the best !
Dr H
Dr. H's Research
1334
Answers
Australia
Updated
Dr’s Answer
Hey Thim, you’ve got some top-tier advice already, so am gonna add a little extra spice to the mix. First off, Michelle M. hit the nail on the head—clinical psychology gives you more career options. More jobs, more settings, more chances to get paid for analyzing people's deepest thoughts (sounds like a win). If you’re up for the challenge, go for it. Chinyere Okafor came through with a clean breakdown: clinical = deep specialization, general = flexibility. If you're worried about grades, general psychology might be a smoother ride, but clinical is still possible with the right experience and persistence. Patrick Meyer made a great point—both paths let you work with clients, but one is more medical-focused, and the other leans into counseling, research, and broader applications.
Now, something you want to keep in mind as well is that:
Clinical programs can be LONG. Think 6-8 years of study, supervised hours, and exams that make your brain beg for mercy. But at the end? You’re highly specialized, respected, and (hopefully) making bank.
General psychology is broad, but that can be a superpower. You can work in corporate settings, HR, schools, marketing, even AI research (psychologists help build better chatbots, who knew?). If you love psychology but don’t want the intense clinical path, you still have plenty of ways to help people and get paid doing it.
Your interests may change! Right now, clinical sounds cool, but once you get some hands-on experience, you might love research, industrial psychology, or even forensic psychology (yes, like CSI but without the dramatic lighting).
So, I suggest to
Shadow a clinical and general psychologist. Nothing beats seeing the job in action.
Check your uni’s requirements. Maybe your grades are better than you think!
Get experience NOW. Volunteer, intern, or work in mental health support to build your resume before applying.
Plan for flexibility. If clinical doesn’t work out, general psychology can still lead you to amazing careers.
Remember Both paths let you help people, analyze behavior, and make an impact. The question is—do you want to go deep into mental health disorders, or do you want a broader set of career options? Either way, you’re set for an exciting future. All the بیت out there Thim, I believe in you keep the dedication and passion lit future hero.
Now, something you want to keep in mind as well is that:
Clinical programs can be LONG. Think 6-8 years of study, supervised hours, and exams that make your brain beg for mercy. But at the end? You’re highly specialized, respected, and (hopefully) making bank.
General psychology is broad, but that can be a superpower. You can work in corporate settings, HR, schools, marketing, even AI research (psychologists help build better chatbots, who knew?). If you love psychology but don’t want the intense clinical path, you still have plenty of ways to help people and get paid doing it.
Your interests may change! Right now, clinical sounds cool, but once you get some hands-on experience, you might love research, industrial psychology, or even forensic psychology (yes, like CSI but without the dramatic lighting).
So, I suggest to
Shadow a clinical and general psychologist. Nothing beats seeing the job in action.
Check your uni’s requirements. Maybe your grades are better than you think!
Get experience NOW. Volunteer, intern, or work in mental health support to build your resume before applying.
Plan for flexibility. If clinical doesn’t work out, general psychology can still lead you to amazing careers.
Remember Both paths let you help people, analyze behavior, and make an impact. The question is—do you want to go deep into mental health disorders, or do you want a broader set of career options? Either way, you’re set for an exciting future. All the بیت out there Thim, I believe in you keep the dedication and passion lit future hero.
Hi, Dr H! Thank you so much for your response. I will follow what you and the amazing commenters above have advised; I will aim to get more exposure to both clinical and general psychology, so when the time comes to decide, I can make an educated decision!
Thim
Now that's the spirit Thim and know that I believe you will do just amazing. Stay as cool and awesome as ever we will be here always for you buddy! Good luck.
Dr H
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
909
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hey Thim,
It's great that you're already thinking ahead about your path in psychology! Since you're interested in working with clients in a clinical setting, the main question is whether you want to specialize (Clinical Psychology) or have more flexibility (General Psychology).
Clinical Psychology
More specialized – Focuses on diagnosing & treating mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD).
More competitive – Usually requires higher grades and supervised training.
Day-to-day life – Involves assessments, therapy, and working with complex cases in hospitals, private practice, or mental health clinics.
Higher earning potential – Due to specialization, but also longer study time.
Best for you if: You’re passionate about deep clinical work and are okay with a more structured, longer academic path.
General Psychology
More flexible – You can work in counseling, HR, research, education, or even corporate settings.
Less competitive entry – If you’re concerned about grades, this might be a more accessible route.
Day-to-day life – Can include therapy, research, workplace psychology, or community mental health work.
Faster path – Can often enter the workforce sooner than clinical psych grads.
Best for you if: You want to keep your options open and still work with clients, but don’t want to be limited to clinical settings.
What Should You Do?
Since you’re open to both, consider:
1. Check postgraduate entry requirements – If your marks might not make the clinical cut, a general route with a counseling focus could still allow you to work with clients.
2. Get experience – Shadow professionals in both fields, volunteer at mental health organizations, or take internships to see what feels right.
3. Look at long-term goals – Clinical Psych has a longer, more structured pathway, but if you want more flexibility, General Psych with a counseling focus can still let you work with clients.
No matter which path you take, psychology is an amazing field with many ways to help people—you’ll find the right fit!
Best wishes!
It's great that you're already thinking ahead about your path in psychology! Since you're interested in working with clients in a clinical setting, the main question is whether you want to specialize (Clinical Psychology) or have more flexibility (General Psychology).
Clinical Psychology
More specialized – Focuses on diagnosing & treating mental health disorders (e.g., anxiety, depression, PTSD).
More competitive – Usually requires higher grades and supervised training.
Day-to-day life – Involves assessments, therapy, and working with complex cases in hospitals, private practice, or mental health clinics.
Higher earning potential – Due to specialization, but also longer study time.
Best for you if: You’re passionate about deep clinical work and are okay with a more structured, longer academic path.
General Psychology
More flexible – You can work in counseling, HR, research, education, or even corporate settings.
Less competitive entry – If you’re concerned about grades, this might be a more accessible route.
Day-to-day life – Can include therapy, research, workplace psychology, or community mental health work.
Faster path – Can often enter the workforce sooner than clinical psych grads.
Best for you if: You want to keep your options open and still work with clients, but don’t want to be limited to clinical settings.
What Should You Do?
Since you’re open to both, consider:
1. Check postgraduate entry requirements – If your marks might not make the clinical cut, a general route with a counseling focus could still allow you to work with clients.
2. Get experience – Shadow professionals in both fields, volunteer at mental health organizations, or take internships to see what feels right.
3. Look at long-term goals – Clinical Psych has a longer, more structured pathway, but if you want more flexibility, General Psych with a counseling focus can still let you work with clients.
No matter which path you take, psychology is an amazing field with many ways to help people—you’ll find the right fit!
Best wishes!
Thank you so much for your thorough response. It's been a great help!
Thim
You're welcome, I'm glad I could help!
Chinyere Okafor
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
915
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
It’s great that you’re considering your options thoughtfully as you work toward your degree in psychology. Choosing between general and clinical psychology can indeed feel overwhelming, but it’s important to remember that both paths offer fulfilling and impactful careers. If you’re interested in working with clients in a clinical setting, clinical psychology may be the more direct route. Clinical psychologists focus on diagnosing and treating mental health conditions, often working in hospitals, private practices, or other healthcare environments. However, clinical programs can be more competitive, requiring higher academic performance, so it’s worth assessing your grades and preparation. If you feel uncertain about meeting those requirements, it doesn’t mean that you can’t succeed in a general psychology pathway, which also provides opportunities to work with clients in counseling, assessments, and support roles.
On the other hand, general psychology offers broader flexibility, allowing you to work in various settings like schools, businesses, and community organizations. The day-to-day work of a general psychologist may not involve as much focus on diagnosing and treating severe mental health issues but still includes client-focused work such as behavioral interventions, counseling, and wellness promotion. This path could also offer greater opportunities in research, teaching, and consulting. Ultimately, your decision should be based on where your passions lie and what kind of work environment excites you the most. If you're unsure, seeking internships or shadowing opportunities in both areas can provide valuable insight and help guide your next steps. No matter which path you choose, both are meaningful careers that will allow you to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
On the other hand, general psychology offers broader flexibility, allowing you to work in various settings like schools, businesses, and community organizations. The day-to-day work of a general psychologist may not involve as much focus on diagnosing and treating severe mental health issues but still includes client-focused work such as behavioral interventions, counseling, and wellness promotion. This path could also offer greater opportunities in research, teaching, and consulting. Ultimately, your decision should be based on where your passions lie and what kind of work environment excites you the most. If you're unsure, seeking internships or shadowing opportunities in both areas can provide valuable insight and help guide your next steps. No matter which path you choose, both are meaningful careers that will allow you to make a positive impact in the lives of others.
This was super helpful, thank you!
Thim