Also called: Psychologist, Therapist
Diagnoses and treats mental health conditions through talk therapy and psychological testing.
Sees 6-8 clients a day in 50-minute sessions: a teen with anxiety, a veteran with PTSD, a couple in crisis. Uses methods like CBT and gives tests to diagnose ADHD or learning disorders. Many run private practices.
BLS May 2024 (clinical and counseling psychologists); private practice can earn more.
Doctorate (PhD), about 11 years after high school. PhD or PsyD in clinical psychology (5-7 years), a 1-year internship, supervised hours, and licensure.
Ways in: 4-year college, Graduate school. Training cost: $60k – $150k.
Majors to look at: Psychology, Neuroscience.
Growing faster than average (about 6% over 10 years). Faster than average.
Low risk for 10 years. AI therapy apps and note-takers support care between sessions; diagnosis, therapy and the healing relationship remain human.
Classes: AP Psychology, AP Statistics, English.
Official data: O*NET occupation 19-3033.
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