2 answers
Saona
Student
Whitsett, North Carolina
1
Question
Updated
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How does it work balancing counseling and research in one’s career in the psychology field?
I am a senior in high school commutes to attending North Carolina State University in the fall and plan to major in psychology with the hopes of doing clinical counseling and research.
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2 answers
Patrick Meyer
Executive - Data Analytics and AI
1018
Answers
Naperville, Illinois
Updated
Patrick’s Answer
Saona, please understand that balancing counseling and research within a psychology career is both achievable and deeply rewarding, especially for those who are passionate about understanding human behavior on both an individual and systemic level. Many professionals in the field successfully integrate these two facets, though it requires intentional planning, a clear sense of your career goals, and often, advanced education.
In clinical psychology—particularly for those who pursue a Ph.D.—a dual focus on counseling and research is built into the training model. Known as the scientist-practitioner model, this approach prepares psychologists to not only provide evidence-based therapy to clients but also to conduct original research that advances the field. For example, a clinical psychologist may divide their week between seeing clients in a private practice or hospital setting and working in a university lab analyzing data on therapeutic interventions, mental health trends, or treatment outcomes. This model is common in academic medical centers, research universities, and organizations that value innovation in clinical practice.
Saona, even at the undergraduate level, you can start building this balance. As a future psychology major at North Carolina State University, you’ll have opportunities to get involved in both research and service-oriented roles early on. NC State has a strong Department of Psychology - https://psychology.chass.ncsu.edu/, offering research labs in areas such as clinical psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive science, and more. Joining a lab—often as a research assistant—is a key way to explore your interests, gain valuable skills, and build relationships with faculty mentors. At the same time, many students volunteer with local nonprofits, work as peer counselors, or pursue internships that allow them to observe or support clinical work.
As you advance into graduate studies—either through a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (which emphasizes research) or a Psy.D. (which is more practice-focused)—you’ll refine your balance even more. Some professionals lean more heavily into one area; for example, working as a full-time clinician while contributing to research projects part-time, or serving as a professor who teaches and publishes but maintains a small clinical caseload. Institutions like the American Psychological Association - https://www.apa.org and the National Institute of Mental Health - https://www.nimh.nih.gov provide resources and funding opportunities that support professionals in dual roles.
Ultimately, Saona, the key is to remain open, explore both sides of the field early, and build a path that reflects your unique strengths and passions. The fact that you’re already thinking about this balance as a high school senior speaks volumes about your drive and clarity. At NC State, take full advantage of faculty advising, research seminars, psychology clubs, and internships—they will help you define what your future in clinical counseling and research can truly look like.
In clinical psychology—particularly for those who pursue a Ph.D.—a dual focus on counseling and research is built into the training model. Known as the scientist-practitioner model, this approach prepares psychologists to not only provide evidence-based therapy to clients but also to conduct original research that advances the field. For example, a clinical psychologist may divide their week between seeing clients in a private practice or hospital setting and working in a university lab analyzing data on therapeutic interventions, mental health trends, or treatment outcomes. This model is common in academic medical centers, research universities, and organizations that value innovation in clinical practice.
Saona, even at the undergraduate level, you can start building this balance. As a future psychology major at North Carolina State University, you’ll have opportunities to get involved in both research and service-oriented roles early on. NC State has a strong Department of Psychology - https://psychology.chass.ncsu.edu/, offering research labs in areas such as clinical psychology, developmental psychology, cognitive science, and more. Joining a lab—often as a research assistant—is a key way to explore your interests, gain valuable skills, and build relationships with faculty mentors. At the same time, many students volunteer with local nonprofits, work as peer counselors, or pursue internships that allow them to observe or support clinical work.
As you advance into graduate studies—either through a Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology (which emphasizes research) or a Psy.D. (which is more practice-focused)—you’ll refine your balance even more. Some professionals lean more heavily into one area; for example, working as a full-time clinician while contributing to research projects part-time, or serving as a professor who teaches and publishes but maintains a small clinical caseload. Institutions like the American Psychological Association - https://www.apa.org and the National Institute of Mental Health - https://www.nimh.nih.gov provide resources and funding opportunities that support professionals in dual roles.
Ultimately, Saona, the key is to remain open, explore both sides of the field early, and build a path that reflects your unique strengths and passions. The fact that you’re already thinking about this balance as a high school senior speaks volumes about your drive and clarity. At NC State, take full advantage of faculty advising, research seminars, psychology clubs, and internships—they will help you define what your future in clinical counseling and research can truly look like.
Thank you so much for taking to time to provide me with such great information! It is much appreciated as I take the next step in my educational career and will be put to great use!
Saona
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
977
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hey Saona!
You're going in such an exciting direction! It's absolutely achievable to balance psychology research and counseling, and many professionals do so, but it requires careful planning, time management, and a clear vision for your future.
The balance in the psychology area frequently depends on the environment you choose to work in, particularly if you're interested in clinical counseling and research. For instance, it's typical to divide your time between conducting research and visiting patients if you work in an academic medical institution or university. In these positions, you might spend a portion of the week in treatment sessions and the remainder of the week planning studies, evaluating data, and compiling findings for publication. A Ph.D., which emphasizes both clinical training and research, is typically required for these positions.
Research may play a less important role in your career if you pick a more practice-focused path (like as a Psy. D. program), but you can still be involved in it, particularly in applied research, program assessment, or working with academic partners.
Joining research labs and volunteering or interning in mental health clinics early in college will give you a taste of both. This will let you see which balance is most comfortable for you. You'll have additional chances to customize your experiences to meet your unique objectives later on in graduate school.
The important thing to keep in mind is that you don't have to "pick one lane" forever. Throughout their careers, many psychologists vary the amount of counseling or research they conduct based on their interests, opportunities, and even lifestyle requirements. As adaptable and dynamic as you are, so too can your path!
Best wishes!
You're going in such an exciting direction! It's absolutely achievable to balance psychology research and counseling, and many professionals do so, but it requires careful planning, time management, and a clear vision for your future.
The balance in the psychology area frequently depends on the environment you choose to work in, particularly if you're interested in clinical counseling and research. For instance, it's typical to divide your time between conducting research and visiting patients if you work in an academic medical institution or university. In these positions, you might spend a portion of the week in treatment sessions and the remainder of the week planning studies, evaluating data, and compiling findings for publication. A Ph.D., which emphasizes both clinical training and research, is typically required for these positions.
Research may play a less important role in your career if you pick a more practice-focused path (like as a Psy. D. program), but you can still be involved in it, particularly in applied research, program assessment, or working with academic partners.
Joining research labs and volunteering or interning in mental health clinics early in college will give you a taste of both. This will let you see which balance is most comfortable for you. You'll have additional chances to customize your experiences to meet your unique objectives later on in graduate school.
The important thing to keep in mind is that you don't have to "pick one lane" forever. Throughout their careers, many psychologists vary the amount of counseling or research they conduct based on their interests, opportunities, and even lifestyle requirements. As adaptable and dynamic as you are, so too can your path!
Best wishes!
Thank you so much for taking the time to provide me with such great insights! This is super helpful information and I can’t wait to put it to good use!:)
Saona
You're welcome!
Chinyere Okafor