Employment Opportunities

What can you do with a Psy.D. Degree?

In general, career opportunities and employment settings have not varied greatly from those of the previous decade, although the prototype solo clinical practice is less common today than it was a decade or more ago. According to data from the Doctorate Employment Survey, the leading full-time employment settings for those with new doctorates in psychology in 2009 were universities/4-year colleges (25.9%) and hospitals/other human services (25%). Other human service settings included university/college counseling centers, outpatient clinics, and primary care offices or community health centers. About 16% of new doctorates worked in government/VA medical center settings, 10% in business/nonprofit settings, 8% in schools/other educational settings, 6% in medical schools/other academic settings, and slightly less than 6% in independent practice.

Clinical psychologists assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. These range from short-term crises, such as difficulties resulting from adolescent conflicts, to more severe, chronic conditions, such as schizophrenia. Some clinical psychologists treat specific problems exclusively, such as phobias or clinical depression. Others focus on specific populations—for instance, youths; families or couples; ethnic minority groups; gay, lesbian, bisexual, and transgender individuals; or older people. They also consult with physicians on physical problems that have underlying psychological causes.

APA has a number of resources to learn more about Psychology

PsycCareers

APA’s online career resource, provides up-to-date career information and job listings for psychologists. PsycCareers offers in-depth career services and tips on professional development, interviews, and job searching. There are jobs listed for every career stage, including fellowship, internship, early career, and experienced levels, as well as in a wide range of psychology disciplines. Both full-time and part-time opportunities in practice, at world-renowned institutions, and with industry leaders are available on the site. (www.psyccareers.com/search)