Occupation Details
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.
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Interests
Investigative
Investigative occupations frequently involve working with ideas, and require an extensive amount of thinking. These occupations can involve searching for facts and figuring out problems mentally.
Artistic
Artistic occupations frequently involve working with forms, designs and patterns. They often require self-expression and the work can be done without following a clear set of rules.
Social
Social occupations frequently involve working with, communicating with, and teaching people. These occupations often involve helping or providing service to others.
Work Values
Achievement
Occupations that satisfy this work value are results oriented and allow employees to use their strongest abilities, giving them a feeling of accomplishment. Corresponding needs are Ability Utilization and Achievement.
Relationships
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to provide service to others and work with co-workers in a friendly non-competitive environment. Corresponding needs are Co-workers, Moral Values and Social Service.
Independence
Occupations that satisfy this work value allow employees to work on their own and make decisions. Corresponding needs are Creativity, Responsibility and Autonomy.
Salary & Job Outlook
Starting Salary
$67,460.00
New York StateMedian Salary
$108,450.00
New York StateExperienced Salary
$155,710.00
New York StateNational Average for Comparison
New York State Job Market Outlook
Jobs Right Now (2018)
20,640
professionals in NYFuture Job Growth (2030)
23,440
+280 jobs/yearNew Jobs Every Year
1,850
new opportunities yearlyGrowth Rate
0.1%
projected increasePreparation: Experience, Training, and Education
The list below outlines the prior educational experience required to perform in this occupation.
More School - Graduate or advanced degree
Experience Requirements
Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.
Education Requirements
Most of these occupations require graduate school. For example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a Ph.D., M.D., or J.D. (law degree).
Training Details
Employees may need some on-the-job training, but most of these occupations assume that the person will already have the required skills, knowledge, work-related experience, and/or training.
Transferrable Skills and Experience
These occupations often involve coordinating, training, supervising, or managing the activities of others to accomplish goals. Very advanced communication and organizational skills are required. Examples include pharmacists, lawyers, astronomers, biologists, clergy, physician assistants, and veterinarians.
School Programs
The following lists school programs which are applicable to this occupation.
Licensing & Certification
New York State requires workers in this occupation to hold a license or certification.
Licensed Psychoanalyst
Learn MorePsychologist
Learn MoreSkills
The list below includes the skills required by workers in this occupation; skills are what allow you to learn more quickly and improve your performance.
Reading Comprehension
Understanding written sentences and paragraphs in work-related documents.
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.
Speaking
Talking to others to convey information effectively.
Social Perceptiveness
Being aware of others' reactions and understanding why they react as they do.
Writing
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience.
Skill level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Knowledge
The list below includes knowledge items, the principles and facts required by this occupation.
Therapy and Counseling
Knowledge of principles, methods, and procedures for diagnosis, treatment, and rehabilitation of physical and mental dysfunctions, and for career counseling and guidance.
Psychology
Knowledge of human behavior and performance; individual differences in ability, personality, and interests; learning and motivation; psychological research methods; and the assessment and treatment of behavioral and affective disorders.
Customer and Personal Service
Knowledge of principles and processes for providing customer and personal services. This includes customer needs assessment, meeting quality standards for services, and evaluation of customer satisfaction.
English Language
Knowledge of the structure and content of the English language including the meaning and spelling of words, rules of composition, and grammar.
Sociology and Anthropology
Knowledge of group behavior and dynamics, societal trends and influences, human migrations, ethnicity, cultures, and their history and origins.
Education and Training
Knowledge of principles and methods for curriculum and training design, teaching and instruction for individuals and groups, and the measurement of training effects.
Knowledge level is measured on a seven point scale, where one means 'some competence required for this occupation' and seven means 'a high level of expertise required for this occupation'.
Work Environment
The list below includes the physical and social factors that influence the nature of work in this occupation.
Hover over or tap each factor to see its description.
Work Styles
Included in the list below are the personal work style characteristics that can affect how well a worker is likely to perform in this occupation.
Adaptability/Flexibility
Job requires being open to change (positive or negative) and to considerable variety in the workplace.
Concern for Others
Job requires being sensitive to others' needs and feelings and being understanding and helpful on the job.
Cooperation
Job requires being pleasant with others on the job and displaying a good-natured, cooperative attitude.
Dependability
Job requires being reliable, responsible, and dependable, and fulfilling obligations.
Initiative
Job requires a willingness to take on responsibilities and challenges.
Integrity
Job requires being honest and ethical.
Persistence
Job requires persistence in the face of obstacles.
Self-Control
Job requires maintaining composure, keeping emotions in check, controlling anger, and avoiding aggressive behavior, even in very difficult situations.
Social Orientation
Job requires preferring to work with others rather than alone, and being personally connected with others on the job.
Stress Tolerance
Job requires accepting criticism and dealing calmly and effectively with high-stress situations.
Tools & Technology
This list below describes the machines, equipment, tools, software, and information technology that workers in this occupation will use.
Tools
- Biofeedback equipment
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Personal computers
- Tablet computers
Technology
- Clinivate Clinitrak
- Comprehensive Affect Testing System CATS
- Fagerman Technologies MedLook
- Google Docs
- Google Sheets
- MICA Information Systems MICA-MED Practice Manager
- MPMsoft billing
- Medicine Rules PowerSEAT 360
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Word
- Neurobehavioral Systems Presentation
- Noldus Information Technology The Observer XT
- O*NET OnLine
- Sigmund Software Sigmund Enterprise Management
Duties
Duties are job behaviors describing activities that occur on multiple jobs. The generalized and detailed work activities described in the list below apply to this occupation.
- evaluate performance of employees or contract personnel
- coordinate social service activities with resource providers
- coordinate social service activities with resource providers
- direct and coordinate treatment program activities
- direct and coordinate activities of workers or staff
- compile information through interviews
- design systems in cooperation with colleagues
- design systems in cooperation with colleagues
- plan therapy treatment program
- plan therapy treatment program
- assist clients in understanding personal or interactive problems
- assist clients in understanding personal or interactive problems
- develop plans for programs or projects
- develop treatment plans
- develop treatment plans
- monitor client progress
- monitor client progress
- develop training programs
- participate in staff training programs
- develop course or training objectives
- follow confidentiality procedures
- use counseling techniques
- use counseling techniques
- use current social research
- use current social research
- use grief counseling techniques
- use interpersonal communication techniques
- use interviewing procedures
- use interviewing procedures
- use oral or written communication techniques
- use oral or written communication techniques
- follow patient observation procedures
- follow patient observation procedures
- use psychological treatment techniques
- use scientific research methodology
- use scientific research methodology
- use conflict resolution techniques
- use conflict resolution techniques
- use behavior modification techniques
- use behavior modification techniques
- use quantitative research methods
- use library or online Internet research techniques
- analyze psychological testing data
- analyze psychological testing data
- evaluate patient response to therapy
- evaluate patient response to therapy
- use psychological assessment tools
- use psychological assessment tools
- analyze existing evidence or facts
- analyze existing evidence or facts
- conduct research on work-related topics
- interpret psychological test results
- interpret psychological test results
- advise clients or customers
- refer clients to community services or resources
- refer clients to community services or resources
- record client's personal data
- assess therapy needs of patients
- assess therapy needs of patients
- obtain information from individuals
- obtain information from individuals
- obtain information from clients, customers, or patients
- work as a team member
- decide which psychological tests to administer to clients
- decide which psychological tests to administer to clients
- empathize with others during counseling or related services
- empathize with others during counseling or related services
- counsel individuals with personal problems
- counsel individuals with personal problems
- evaluate patient's skills or capacities
Tasks
The list below outlines specific tasks that a worker in this occupation is called upon to do regularly.
- Interact with clients to assist them in gaining insight, defining goals, and planning action to achieve effective personal, social, educational, or vocational development and adjustment.
- Conduct assessments of patients' risk for harm to self or others.
- Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.
- Write reports on clients and maintain required paperwork.
- Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.
- Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
- Develop and implement individual treatment plans, specifying type, frequency, intensity, and duration of therapy.
- Use a variety of treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, behavior modification, stress reduction therapy, psychodrama, or play therapy.
- Develop therapeutic and treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, or needs.
- Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, modifying plans or diagnoses as necessary.
- Consult with or provide consultation to other doctors, therapists, or clinicians regarding patient care.
- Obtain and study medical, psychological, social, and family histories by interviewing individuals, couples, or families and by reviewing records.
- Direct, coordinate, and evaluate activities of staff and interns engaged in patient assessment and treatment.
- Advise clients on how they could be helped by counseling.
- Maintain current knowledge of relevant research.
- Consult reference material, such as textbooks, manuals, or journals, to identify symptoms, make diagnoses, or develop approaches to treatment.
- Refer clients to other specialists, institutions, or support services as necessary.
- Prepare written evaluations of individuals' psychological competence for court hearings.
- Supervise and train interns, clinicians in training, and other counselors.
- Develop, direct, and participate in training programs for staff and students.
- Provide consulting services, including educational programs, outreach programs, or prevention talks to schools, social service agencies, businesses, or the general public.
- Consult with other professionals, agencies, or universities to discuss therapies, treatments, counseling resources or techniques, and to share occupational information.
- Observe individuals at play, in group interactions, or in other contexts to detect indications of mental deficiency, abnormal behavior, or maladjustment.
- Select, administer, score, and interpret psychological tests to obtain information on individuals' intelligence, achievements, interests, or personalities.
- Plan and develop accredited psychological service programs in psychiatric centers or hospitals, in collaboration with psychiatrists and other professional staff.
- Provide occupational, educational, or other information to individuals so that they can make educational or vocational plans.
- Provide psychological or administrative services and advice to private firms or community agencies regarding mental health programs or individual cases.
- Plan, supervise, and conduct psychological research and write papers describing research results.
- Conduct research to develop or improve diagnostic or therapeutic counseling techniques.
Learning Resources
More information on this occupation may be found in the links provided below.
Psychologists
Visit this link for additional information on this career from the Occupational Outlook Handbook; a publication produced and maintained by the United States Department of Labor.
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