Psychology focuses on studying human behavior and understanding different responses in various environmental settings. Psychologists either treat patients individually or prefer working with clients as a group. These professionals also collaborate with members of other disciplines to enhance the productivity of the healthcare industry. This popular field has multiple branches to choose from and numerous career paths for prospective students. We’ll briefly consider a few of them.
Specialty Areas in Psychology
Most psychology jobs require students to hold a bachelor’s degree in this discipline. However, certain high-positions need you to possess a master’s degree. The choice of particular degree programs depends on your plans for your career. The coronavirus pandemic has increased the cases of mental disorders among Americans. That’s why the job outlook seems opportunistic for psychologists in this decade. Here are some fields where you can attain some progress with an excellent education:
- Clinical Psychology:
Mental disorders are more common than we can ever imagine. In 2019, some one-fifth of American adults suffered from psychological ailments. And these statistics have deteriorated after the COVID-19 onslaught. Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat these diseases with therapy and medication. No wonder this has become the most popular sub-branch of psychology. Different techniques of treatment have brought fresh versatility in this field. So, clinical psychology isn’t limited to patients lying on comfy couches talking to shrinks anymore. Nowadays, these professionals acquire a doctorate before practicing in hospitals or engaging in academic research.
- Counseling Psychology:
It would seem that counseling psychology offers the same services provided by clinical psychology. But the former specializes in assisting individuals with mental health issues. Counseling psychologists are better-equipped with practice and experience to treat such patients on such issues as stress, self-esteem, and others. Many people use the terms psychotherapy vs counseling interchangeably. It’s essential to understand the difference between these two services. Counseling refers to temporary measures to treat people with a mental health condition, while psychotherapy involves long-term treatment. Knowing this distinction will help you choose the right career path.
- Social psychology:
This field deals with the influence society has on our thoughts, feelings, and emotions. Social psychologists study the effects of social interactions and living in a community. Society captures our imagination and directs our actions even when we get alone via social norms and cultural customs. How does the presence of human beings change the way an individual thinks or reacts? A person’s social environment determines his/her attitude and performance. So, these professionals focus on prejudice, aggression, social perception, and verbal and nonverbal communication. Consequently, social psychology finds its applications in fields ranging from sales to social activism.
- Industrial Psychology:
Organizations can become more productive by understanding employee’s psychology and finding ways to bolster their efficiency. That’s where industrial psychologists come in by discovering solutions to organizational problems in a company. These professionals can help these companies enhance employee satisfaction and retention. No wonder industrial psychology is a lucrative career opportunity with a six-figure salary. They allow managers to identify the personality traits of their workers and promote only the most suitable people. Industrial psychologists have become a necessity as the commercial world becomes riddled with competition.
- Addiction Psychology:
These professionals work with people suffering from addictions related to drugs or alcohol. Substance abuse is becoming a rising problem among the young generation. Drug overdose alone resulted in over 300 thousand deaths in the United States. Similarly, over 14 million adults in our country are AUD patients and need help to overcome their alcoholism. Addiction psychologists also treat patients who are obsessed with sexual, pornographic, or gambling-related obsessions. They’re responsible for helping these individuals modify their behavior and maintain sobriety. This career will not cease to lose its demand anytime soon.
- Forensic Psychology:
Some describe forensic psychology as the crossroads of legal and psychological sciences. Modern television has forwarded the notion that forensic science is all about convincing criminals and psychopaths. However, forensic scientists perform the most sophisticated functions, such as giving consultation in criminal cases and counseling victims. They are also involved in insurance claims and custody lawsuits. While considering their immense professional responsibilities, forensic psychologist education requirements include a bachelor’s degree in this discipline. They also need verbal communication, case presentation, and legal know-how to excel in this career.
Conclusion
The discipline of psychology will observe average progress as a field according to BLS. The employment in this industry will grow 3% in this decade, with $80,000 being the median salary of psychologists in the USA. This diverse field constitutes a wide range of specialty areas. Choosing to specialize in a particular subfield can increase your chances to advance as a psychologist. As the world moves towards mass vaccination, humankind will observe an enhanced requirement for psychology specialists.