What's the Salary for Graduates of a Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology?
A Doctor of Psychology degree, or Psy.D., is a professional degree you might consider if you want to become a practicing psychologist. If you're interested in working with patients, you may find this degree fits your needs, rather than a research-based Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) in Psychology. Keep reading to learn what it takes to get this degree and how much you can make with a Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology. Schools offering Christian Counseling degrees can also be found in these popular choices.
Psy.D. in Counseling Psychology Degree Info
Before you place this earning potential in your asset column, you should know a few things about what it takes to get this degree. Doctoral programs in counseling psychology generally take about 4-5 years of full-time study, depending on whether you're entering with a bachelor's or a master's degree. You may be required to write and defend a dissertation or pass qualifying exams. You'll likely follow your coursework with a 1-2 year internship. After you've completed your education, you will have to pass state licensing exam before you can begin practice.
Your curriculum may be designed with a specific focus or as a general degree. Studies cover subjects like personality assessment testing, treatment planning, communication enhancement techniques for dysfunctional groups and cultural influences on mental health. Some schools may include community service as part of the curriculum.
Specializations
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), there are some specialization fields for counseling psychologists that may offer you a wider range of job opportunities (www.bls.gov). Counseling jobs may be increased during times when large numbers of war veterans return home from service. Understanding that personal stress can create productivity problems in the workplace has spurred more employers to institute employee mental health assistance programs. You may also find more openings in fields like marital and family counseling, addiction counseling and depression therapy.
Job Outlook and Salary Expectations
The BLS includes psychologists with both Psy.D. and Ph.D. degrees in their collective information. In general, the BLS predicted a 12% increase in employment opportunities for psychologists from 2008-2018. In a BLS report from May 2009, clinical, counseling and school psychologists showed median annual salaries of $66,040.
Some of the best employment opportunities in 2009 were found in elementary and secondary schools or working in group practices with other psychologists, says the BLS. The BLS also stated that New Mexico and Massachusetts had more psychologists than other states on a per capita basis, and that in 2009, the highest salaries for clinical, counseling and school psychologists were in the states of New Jersey and Colorado.
To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Or, learn more about the subject by reading the related articles below:
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