Psychology can be applied to many different areas and capacities, so it’s important to consider the best options when pursuing this career path. There are different kinds of psychologists, and some work directly with clients while others work more indirectly. It’s helpful to know what types of careers or jobs you might be interested in before entering the field; you can make sure you’re getting the education and experience you need to get there.
Clinical Psychologist
Both private and public hospitals need psychologists. In a hospital setting, a psychologist works with patients to provide psychotherapy (psychological treatment), administer psychological tests, and assess emotional problems to diagnose mental illness or recommend therapy.
Many clinical psychologists obtain their training in medical programs, including internships at mental health facilities. You will need a Master’s degree in clinical psychology at a minimum, and many facilities may require a Doctoral degree and additional post-doc training or a Post-Doctoral Fellowship.
Forensic Psychologist
In law enforcement, it helps to read the mind of a criminal to understand the motive and method of the criminal. A forensic psychologist plays an important role in examining criminals and testifying about their mental state in court. They also help police profile criminals, create psychological tests for suspects, and assist with investigations into crimes like rape or murder. If pursuing a forensic psychologist career path, typically you may be required to obtain degrees in both forensic or criminal psychology as well as criminal justice.
Community Health Psychologist
Community health psychologists take part in behavioral interventions to stabilize after a traumatic event, for example, a natural disaster that claims numerous lives. The community health psychologist will work with a group of people at risk for developing a mental disorder, teaching them stress management and communication skills, so they don’t experience additional trauma. The types of licensing needed for this career path typically include LPC or LCPC.
Substance Abuse Center Psychologist
Substance abuse centers usually have a psychologist working with them as a counselor. The psychologist tries to uncover the underlying issues of substance abuse, to help the client cope without the help of drugs or alcohol. They also offer a treatment course to help in physical recovery.
For this job, a psychologist must undergo training in helping addicts recover from drug and alcohol abuse. There are various degree types and certifications that are available, though a bachelor’s degree will be a minimum requirement, and often a Master’s degree as well.
School Psychologist
Students often struggle with mental issues arising from home or school. For example, a student teased for being overweight might develop anorexia. In this setting, a psychologist can work to solve these problems and prevent them from getting worse.
This is a very rewarding job, but one that requires special training and licensing. School psychologists usually have at least a master’s degree in education specializing in counseling or clinical psychology; their state board of education must also license them.
Private Practice
Numerous people are dealing with mental problems from problems with career, money, relationships, grief, and other life problems. A private practice psychologist can help them overcome their issues by providing individual counseling or group therapy sessions.
The range of clientele is varied, from high-powered CEOs to soccer moms. A private practice psychologist only needs licensing from the state to operate. Of course, it helps if you have developed a name for yourself first, perhaps in a hospital setting.
Juvenile Detention Center Psychologist
The psychologist may work with delinquent youths in groups to teach them social skills in a juvenile detention center. They will also work with families and children to create more positive behaviors. These psychologists can focus on a specific age group or a psychological disorder. For example, juveniles who are incarcerated because of violent offenses.
To work in this setting, you need experience in developmental psychology to help uncover mental issues in these juveniles, help them cope, and install positive behavior. In addition to psychological training and degrees, it is typically useful to have additional training in criminal justice or social work for these settings.
Where Can You Find Psychologist Jobs in Illinois?
If you are in Illinois and seeking a job in the mental health field, the best way to find your next career is by using a platform that focuses on the mental health field. 4 Cerebrum Careers is a career site dedicated to mental health jobs in Illinois. There are listings from all categories and fields of psychology for different healthcare settings in public and private spheres. By searching the 4 Cerebrum Careers site’s “Categories” section, you can find job postings that fit your career path best.
Mental health is a wide field, and well-skilled psychologists in Illinois are always needed. Register today and post your resume on 4 Cerebrum Careers to take your first step to a dream career in mental health.