What Does it Take to Be a Counseling Psychologist?
Counseling Psychologist Job Description Assess and evaluate individuals’ problems through the use of case history, interview, and observation and provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment.
Daily Life Of a Counseling Psychologist
- Conduct research to develop or improve diagnostic or therapeutic counseling techniques.
- Select, administer, and interpret psychological tests to assess intelligence, aptitudes, abilities, or interests.
- Supervise interns, clinicians in training, and other counselors.
- Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
- Refer clients to specialists or to other institutions for noncounseling treatment of problems.
- Advise clients on how they could be helped by counseling.
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What Every Counseling Psychologist Should Know
These are the skills Counseling Psychologists say are the most useful in their careers:
Social Perceptiveness: Being aware of others’ reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Active Listening: Giving full attention to what other people are saying, taking time to understand the points being made, asking questions as appropriate, and not interrupting at inappropriate times.
Critical Thinking: Using logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions or approaches to problems.
Service Orientation: Actively looking for ways to help people.
Speaking: Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Active Learning: Understanding the implications of new information for both current and future problem-solving and decision-making.
Types of Counseling Psychologist
- Chemical Dependency Therapist
- Psychologist
- Psychotherapist-Counselor
- Staff Psychologist
- Behavioral Specialist
Counseling Psychologist Job Outlook
In the United States, there were 147,500 jobs for Counseling Psychologist in 2016. New jobs are being produced at a rate of 14.2% which is above the national average. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts 21,000 new jobs for Counseling Psychologist by 2026. There will be an estimated 12,100 positions for Counseling Psychologist per year.
The states with the most job growth for Counseling Psychologist are Colorado, Utah, and Arizona. Watch out if you plan on working in Rhode Island, Maine, or Illinois. These states have the worst job growth for this type of profession.
How Much Does a Counseling Psychologist Make?
Counseling Psychologists make between $44,040 and $129,310 a year.
Counseling Psychologists who work in California, Oregon, or Connecticut, make the highest salaries.
Below is a list of the median annual salaries for Counseling Psychologists in different U.S. states.
State | Annual Mean Salary |
---|---|
Alabama | $69,070 |
Alaska | $91,450 |
Arizona | $66,040 |
Arkansas | $69,000 |
California | $108,350 |
Colorado | $85,470 |
Connecticut | $90,870 |
Delaware | $78,850 |
District of Columbia | $95,500 |
Florida | $76,190 |
Georgia | $89,190 |
Hawaii | $94,550 |
Idaho | $64,270 |
Illinois | $75,180 |
Indiana | $73,350 |
Iowa | $85,260 |
Kansas | $65,320 |
Kentucky | $64,330 |
Louisiana | $86,630 |
Maine | $75,620 |
Maryland | $79,820 |
Massachusetts | $86,490 |
Michigan | $83,210 |
Minnesota | $85,860 |
Mississippi | $67,570 |
Missouri | $76,480 |
Montana | $63,720 |
Nebraska | $66,510 |
Nevada | $83,760 |
New Hampshire | $84,270 |
New Jersey | $98,470 |
New Mexico | $73,600 |
New York | $94,140 |
North Carolina | $77,470 |
North Dakota | $87,090 |
Ohio | $75,710 |
Oklahoma | $60,760 |
Oregon | $103,870 |
Pennsylvania | $83,610 |
Rhode Island | $83,030 |
South Carolina | $63,050 |
South Dakota | $73,900 |
Tennessee | $69,510 |
Texas | $73,650 |
Utah | $80,920 |
Vermont | $77,670 |
Virginia | $80,380 |
Washington | $73,840 |
West Virginia | $59,200 |
Wisconsin | $83,420 |
Wyoming | $78,360 |
What Tools do Counseling Psychologists Use?
Below is a list of the types of tools and technologies that Counseling Psychologists may use on a daily basis:
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Word
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Web browser software
- Spreadsheet software
- Google Docs
- Statistical software
- Google Sheets
- Athena Software Penelope Case Management
- ICANotes
- Testing software
- Blueberry Harbor Software Clinical Record Keeper
- Noldus Information Technology The Observer
- O*NET OnLine
- Anasazi Software Client Data System
- SpectraSoft AppointmentsPRO
- TheraManager
- DocuTrac QuicDoc
- Mdansby The PsychReport
Becoming a Counseling Psychologist
Education needed to be a Counseling Psychologist:
What work experience do I need to become a Counseling Psychologist?
Who Employs Counseling Psychologists?
Counseling Psychologists work in the following industries:
Related Careers
Those thinking about becoming a Counseling Psychologist might also be interested in the following careers:
References:
Image Credit: BruceBlaus via Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported
More about our data sources and methodologies.
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