2 answers
Presley
Student
Bentonville, Arkansas
1
Question
Asked
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What steps can I take to make a real change in the field of psychology?
Do I start with volunteering? Are there resources for teens?
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2 answers
Chinyere Okafor
Educationist and Counseling Psychologist
1185
Answers
Port Harcourt, Rivers, Nigeria
Updated
Chinyere’s Answer
Hi Presley,
It takes exposure, service, and deliberate skill development to make a significant effect in psychology, not a job title. Volunteering is one of the strongest on-ramps because it gives you real-world insight into how people think, learn, cope, and heal. Whether it’s helping local youth programs, crisis-response chat lines, neighborhood mental-health groups, or after-school organizations, these roles help you cultivate empathy, communication skills, and cultural competency, all important muscles for any future psychologist.
There are services intended expressly for young people who wish to get involved early. Many mental-health groups provide youth ambassador programs, peer-support trainings, or advocacy roles where young people can learn about trauma-informed communication, active listening, and mental-health literacy. You can also explore psychology groups, online learning communities, introductory courses on platforms like Coursera, and local volunteering networks that match young people with community-impact projects.
The greatest lever is clarity via action: every little encounter will help you identify the topics that are most important to you, whether they be mental health advocacy, counseling, research, adolescent development, or social-emotional learning. Start where you are, maintain your curiosity, and view each step as a piece of data. Over time, you’ll gain the understanding, confidence, and direction needed to create the kind of change that actually changes the needle.
Best wishes!
It takes exposure, service, and deliberate skill development to make a significant effect in psychology, not a job title. Volunteering is one of the strongest on-ramps because it gives you real-world insight into how people think, learn, cope, and heal. Whether it’s helping local youth programs, crisis-response chat lines, neighborhood mental-health groups, or after-school organizations, these roles help you cultivate empathy, communication skills, and cultural competency, all important muscles for any future psychologist.
There are services intended expressly for young people who wish to get involved early. Many mental-health groups provide youth ambassador programs, peer-support trainings, or advocacy roles where young people can learn about trauma-informed communication, active listening, and mental-health literacy. You can also explore psychology groups, online learning communities, introductory courses on platforms like Coursera, and local volunteering networks that match young people with community-impact projects.
The greatest lever is clarity via action: every little encounter will help you identify the topics that are most important to you, whether they be mental health advocacy, counseling, research, adolescent development, or social-emotional learning. Start where you are, maintain your curiosity, and view each step as a piece of data. Over time, you’ll gain the understanding, confidence, and direction needed to create the kind of change that actually changes the needle.
Best wishes!
Diana Rodriguez Velasquez
Psychologist
54
Answers
Memphis, Tennessee
Updated
Diana’s Answer
Great question, Presley!
Making a real impact in the field of psychology doesn’t start with advanced degrees — it starts with intention and small, consistent actions. Here are some steps you can take right now as a student:
1. Start with volunteering (excellent first step!)
Volunteering exposes you to real people, real needs, and real stories. Whether it’s supporting mental-health organizations, youth programs, or community centers, you begin developing empathy, communication skills, and confidence — all essential for future psychologists.
2. Get involved in youth or teen-focused programs
Since you mentioned adolescents, you can look for:
-Peer-support clubs at school
-Tutoring or mentoring programs
-Youth crisis hotlines (some accept teen volunteers with training)
-Community organizations that work with emotional wellness
These experiences teach you how to build rapport and understand different backgrounds.
3. Learn the basics of psychology early
You don’t need to wait for college to start learning:
-Free online courses (Coursera, edX, Khan Academy)
-Books on developmental psychology, trauma, or emotional intelligence
-Podcasts from mental-health professionals
This gives you a strong foundation before starting your degree.
4. Practice communication and active listening
Psychology is deeply rooted in how we connect with others.
Join clubs, volunteer to lead projects, or help mediate peer conflicts. These skills will become your “superpower” later.
5. Find a mentor or follow professionals online
Many psychologists share insights about their career paths. Following them can help you understand the realities of the field and stay inspired.
Final thought:
You don’t need to do something huge to make an impact. Every conversation you show up for, every person you support, and every volunteer moment you give already creates meaningful change.
You’re already on the right path by asking this question. Keep going — the field needs compassionate people like you.
Making a real impact in the field of psychology doesn’t start with advanced degrees — it starts with intention and small, consistent actions. Here are some steps you can take right now as a student:
1. Start with volunteering (excellent first step!)
Volunteering exposes you to real people, real needs, and real stories. Whether it’s supporting mental-health organizations, youth programs, or community centers, you begin developing empathy, communication skills, and confidence — all essential for future psychologists.
2. Get involved in youth or teen-focused programs
Since you mentioned adolescents, you can look for:
-Peer-support clubs at school
-Tutoring or mentoring programs
-Youth crisis hotlines (some accept teen volunteers with training)
-Community organizations that work with emotional wellness
These experiences teach you how to build rapport and understand different backgrounds.
3. Learn the basics of psychology early
You don’t need to wait for college to start learning:
-Free online courses (Coursera, edX, Khan Academy)
-Books on developmental psychology, trauma, or emotional intelligence
-Podcasts from mental-health professionals
This gives you a strong foundation before starting your degree.
4. Practice communication and active listening
Psychology is deeply rooted in how we connect with others.
Join clubs, volunteer to lead projects, or help mediate peer conflicts. These skills will become your “superpower” later.
5. Find a mentor or follow professionals online
Many psychologists share insights about their career paths. Following them can help you understand the realities of the field and stay inspired.
Final thought:
You don’t need to do something huge to make an impact. Every conversation you show up for, every person you support, and every volunteer moment you give already creates meaningful change.
You’re already on the right path by asking this question. Keep going — the field needs compassionate people like you.