Overview of Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology are fields of professional practice that involve applying psychological principles to the diagnosis, prevention, treatment and alleviation of psychological distress and dysfunction. Professionals in this field might focus on working with individuals, groups or entire communities. This type of psychology is often considered to be a specialty area, as it requires its practitioners to not only have knowledge of psychology, but also a deeper understanding of various challenges related to emotional and behavioral health. Through their work, Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychologists strive to help people better understand themselves and the influence of psychological factors on their behaviour.

Career Opportunities Associated with Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology professionals may work in a wide variety of settings, such as health care facilities, clinics, hospitals, private practice and educational systems. Professionals in this field can specialize in a range of areas, including clinical psychology, mental health counseling, substance abuse counseling, family therapy, school counseling, gerontological counseling and more. Professionals may also provide services such as assessments, diagnosis, consultative services, psychotherapy and education.

Internship or Co-op Opportunities Related to Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

Most graduate programs in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology offer internship and co-op opportunities that allow students to gain real-world experience while working in a supervised setting. These experiences might focus on working with individuals and/or families in a clinical setting, as well as educational and administrative roles. Internships or co-ops can be found in hospitals, universities, research facilities, schools and other organizations.

Specialized Tracks or Concentrations within Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

Specialized tracks within Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology can help to further develop knowledge and skills related to certain areas. Common concentrations include clinical child psychology, family psychology, geropsychology, neuropsychology, and health psychology. Other specialized tracks can focus on areas such as substance abuse counseling, trauma counseling, and crisis intervention.

How Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology Prepares Students for Graduate School or Further Education

A degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology can provide students with the educational preparation they need to pursue a graduate degree in psychology. By completing coursework that focuses on topics such as social psychology, cognitive psychology and development, students can gain a deeper understanding of human behavior a that will prepare them for graduate level studies. Additionally, Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology gives students an opportunity to gain real-world experience and hands-on training through internships, field placements or practicum experiences.

Impact of Artificial Intelligence on Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

Artificial intelligence (AI) can offer many benefits to Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology professionals. AI can help practitioners to analyze data more quickly and accurately, allowing them to make better decisions and provide more practical interventions. AI can also be used to assist in making diagnoses, provide guidance and provide personalized treatment plans. By using AI, practitioners can also gain insights into the success of treatments and how clients are responding to it.

The Career Outlook for Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology

The career outlook for Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology is looking bright. The Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts an 8% growth rate in the field from 2019 to 2029. This growth is largely due to an increasing demand for mental health services, as well as an aging population and advances in technology. Professionals in the field can take advantage of the growing job market in a variety of settings, such as clinics, schools, hospitals, private practice, and research and government organizations.

Here are the top reported starting salaries for graduates in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology:

CUNY Bernard M Baruch College, Salary: $47,197

Boston College, Salary: $41,046

Thomas Jefferson University, Salary: $40,935

Azusa Pacific University, Salary: $40,332

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Daytona Beach, Salary: $40,234

Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University-Prescott, Salary: $40,234

Purdue University Global, Salary: $38,533

Christian Brothers University, Salary: $38,140

Middle Tennessee State University, Salary: $37,088

SUNY Morrisville, Salary: $35,639

For privacy reasons, not all schools report the first year salaries for students who earned their bachelor’s degree in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology.