Psychologists evaluate and diagnose behavioral, emotional and cognitive disorders, advise clients, provide therapy and research, and apply theory related to behavioral and mental processes. Do you want to know more? Watch this WorkBC Career Trek video and discover what it's like to work in this type of career. Most psychologists work directly with people unless they are primarily engaged in the analysis of research data. These professionals can work individually with individual clients or with couples, groups, families or organizations.
They often work as a team with other health professionals and often receive specific training to work in a variety of settings. Psychologists may experience stress from working with people with mental health problems or from working in a combination of complex settings. Some may also experience pressure related to research or publication deadlines. Overtime work may be required in some specialties.
The specialty and workplace of a psychologist determine the working conditions. Psychologists who work in private practice or in clinical, school or counseling psychology specialties tend to work in offices and set their own schedule. They also tend to work at night to accommodate customers. Those who work in institutions, such as correctional centers, rehabilitation centers, hospitals and other health centers, often work during the day.
However, they may also be required to work in the evenings and weekends as needed. Psychologists employed by academic institutions generally work regular hours, dividing their time between teaching, research and administrative responsibilities. Many psychologists work in a combination of settings or balance working with a health center and a private practice on a part-time basis. Psychologists may be required to travel to attend conferences or conduct research.
A doctorate in psychology is required to register as a psychologist in B, C. Pre- and post-doctoral internships can provide specialized experience and training. For more information on programs offered specifically for this career, visit EducationPlannerBC. Every job requires a certain set of skills.
Knowing these skills is the first step to finding a good career. Here you will find the 35 most relevant job skills. Some are more important than others to achieve success in a given career. These skills may come naturally to you, or you may need to acquire them through education, training, and experience.
More than half of the vacancies in this group will come from retirements. However, many new positions will also emerge due to increased demand for psychological services to meet public and mental health care needs. There will be opportunities in rehabilitation centers, schools, social services and health programs that combat drug dependence, family violence, crime and other mental health problems. Opportunities in private practice will also remain strong.
The increase in counselling and testing of children, and the increasing number of insurance companies offering full or partial coverage for psychological treatment, have promoted the growth of private practice. More companies need organizational consulting psychologists. Employee assistance programs that offer support to employees affected by stress and help with personal problems will also support the demand for counseling psychologists. Self-employment, combined with part-time employment in public institutions and education, will continue to be popular employment options, particularly for recent graduates.
PhD students interested in a research career will be more competitive with extensive training in quantitative research methods and computer skills. Opportunities remain strong for those with an applied emphasis, such as clinical psychology, counseling, health and education. Opportunities are available in schools and in industrial and organizational psychology. Others may find work in universities, governments, or private companies involved in research and data collection and analysis.
There may also be opportunities for those with a bachelor's degree to assist psychologists and other mental health professionals in clinical settings or in data collection and analysis. Others may work in related fields, such as market research. Industry sources report that North B, C. In addition, graduates who focus on neuropsychology and forensic psychology are in great demand.
A trend towards greater technology in the workplace means that these professionals must be comfortable with technological processes, such as digital record keeping and video conferencing. Psychologists who are certified for that occupation by a regulator elsewhere in Canada can apply for the same certification from the regulator in B. The College of Psychologists of British Columbia (CPBC) is the regulatory body for the psychology profession in B. With experience, psychologists can enter private practice or establish private research or consulting firms.
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