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What degrees do I need to become a psychologist?
I am a junior in high school and I really wanna pursue psychology to help others better understand their mental illnesses and make them know they aren't alone.
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Nancy’s Answer
Hi, Kristen,
To become a psychologist you need a bachelor’s degree and a doctoral degree. One doctoral option is the Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy. That degree can prepare you for research, being a professor, and/or a clinical psychologist. Another option is a Psy. D., or Doctor of Psychology, which will have less focus on research. These degrees take 5-6 years after a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree in psychology can prepare you to be a psychological examiner or a psychotherapist in some states. This degree typically takes 2-3 years after a bachelor’s degree.
Other ways to become a psychotherapist include getting a master’s degree in clinical social work, clinical counseling, or marriage and family therapy. They also take 2-3 years.
Regarding volunteer experiences, any sort of peer counseling in college or crisis phone line work would be good experience. These opportunities involve learning listening skills and mental health emergency procedures. You could also be a residence hall advisor because you would learn how to talk to students about problems and how to refer them for more help.
I am a clinical counselor and it helped me to become a peer counselor during college. I was a graduate resident advisor during graduate school, as well. Those experiences helped me get experience useful for careers in mental health care.
Check out psychology careers here: https://www.apa.org/education-career/guide/careers
Other similar careers: https://www.wgu.edu/blog/best-mental-health-careers-why-you-should-pursue-one2210.html
To become a psychologist you need a bachelor’s degree and a doctoral degree. One doctoral option is the Ph.D., or Doctor of Philosophy. That degree can prepare you for research, being a professor, and/or a clinical psychologist. Another option is a Psy. D., or Doctor of Psychology, which will have less focus on research. These degrees take 5-6 years after a bachelor’s degree. A master’s degree in psychology can prepare you to be a psychological examiner or a psychotherapist in some states. This degree typically takes 2-3 years after a bachelor’s degree.
Other ways to become a psychotherapist include getting a master’s degree in clinical social work, clinical counseling, or marriage and family therapy. They also take 2-3 years.
Regarding volunteer experiences, any sort of peer counseling in college or crisis phone line work would be good experience. These opportunities involve learning listening skills and mental health emergency procedures. You could also be a residence hall advisor because you would learn how to talk to students about problems and how to refer them for more help.
I am a clinical counselor and it helped me to become a peer counselor during college. I was a graduate resident advisor during graduate school, as well. Those experiences helped me get experience useful for careers in mental health care.
Nancy recommends the following next steps:
I appreciate your support, Nancy
Kristen
Julius Kalibbala
CEO at Daystar Grace Foundation, Counselor,Mentor and career guide. Sales and Marketing at Akatale on cloud (U) Ltd
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Julius’s Answer
Kristen, it's wonderful to see and learn to help people better themselves, because if people are better then the community will be better.
Becoming a psychologist takes between 6-8 years, you earn a doctorate degree in psychology (including your predoctorate internship year) and 1 year to complete your postgraduate. To obtain a psychology license in New York state, you should plan on a minimum of 6years from graduate degree to licensure.
Job opportunities will be best for psychologist with a doctoral degree in applied speciality such as neuropsychologist, school psychology or clinical psychology. Those psychologists with master's degree will also have good prospects as industrial organization psychologist.
Becoming a psychologist takes between 6-8 years, you earn a doctorate degree in psychology (including your predoctorate internship year) and 1 year to complete your postgraduate. To obtain a psychology license in New York state, you should plan on a minimum of 6years from graduate degree to licensure.
Job opportunities will be best for psychologist with a doctoral degree in applied speciality such as neuropsychologist, school psychology or clinical psychology. Those psychologists with master's degree will also have good prospects as industrial organization psychologist.