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.
Common Job Titles
- Clinical Psychologist
- Counseling Psychologist
- Psychologist
- Psychotherapist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generatedKey competencies for this occupation at a glance
- KnowledgeEvaluate mental health diagnoses and treatment outcomes using psychological assessment instruments and clinical interviews in independent practice.Advanced
- MindsetIntegrate patient-centered therapeutic principles with evidence-based interventions when establishing and maintaining therapeutic relationships with diverse client populations.Advanced
- KnowledgeDesign behavior modification programs and therapeutic interventions tailored to individual client needs across personal, social, educational, and vocational domains.Advanced
- KnowledgeSynthesize therapeutic approaches from multiple psychological theories to provide individual and group counseling services addressing distress and maladjustment.Advanced
- KnowledgeAnalyze patient case histories, psychological test results, and behavioral patterns to formulate evidence-based treatment plans for individuals with mental and emotional disorders.Proficient
- MindsetAdvocate for client welfare and autonomy when resolving conflicts and negotiating treatment approaches with interdisciplinary medical teams.Proficient
- KnowledgeAssess cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning through administration and interpretation of standardized psychological tests and clinical observations.Proficient
- KnowledgeEvaluate client progress and treatment efficacy using electronic health record systems and ongoing clinical monitoring in compliance with regulatory standards.Proficient
- MindsetIntegrate cultural competence and ethical practice standards when providing consultation to medical personnel regarding optimal patient treatment strategies.Proficient
- KnowledgeDevelop training programs and educational interventions to teach coping strategies and psychological skills to individuals and groups.Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
72,190
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $50,470. 25th percentile: U.S. $67,470. 50th percentile: U.S. $95,830. 75th percentile: U.S. $131,510. 90th percentile: U.S. $170,150. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
- U.S.
| Metric | U.S. |
|---|---|
| 10% of workers earn the following or less | $50,470 |
| 10% of workers earn the following or more | $170,150 |
| Workers on average earn | $106,850 |
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
- Therapy and Counseling5.0/5
- Psychology5.0/5
- English Language4.1/5
- Education and Training3.9/5
- Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
In-Demand Technology
Frequently requested by employers in job postings
- Google Docs
- Google Sheets
- Microsoft Excel
- Microsoft Office software
- Microsoft Outlook
- Microsoft PowerPoint
- Microsoft Teams
- Microsoft Word
- Zoom
- eClinicalWorks EHR software
Technology Skills
- Addison Health Systems WritePad EHR
- Anasazi Software Client Data System
- Athena Software Penelope Case Management
- B Sharp Technologies B Care
- BRB Software HorizonMIS
- BlackHawk Canyon Publishers PracticianWorks
- Blueberry Harbor Software Clinical Record Keeper
- Bluewater Management Systems BMCASE
Tools & Equipment
- Biofeedback equipment
- Desktop computers
- Laptop computers
- Personal computers
- Tablet computers
- Universal serial bus USB flash drives