Role responsibilities and steps to becoming a child psychologist

Role responsibilities and steps to becoming a child psychologist

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  Role Responsibilities andSteps to Becoming a Child Psychologist Child psychologists provide mental health services to toddlers, children and adolescents in need. They conduct scientific studies, observe and talk with patients, research behavioral and emotional patterns, make diagnoses and plan for treatment. Throughout the meetings and observations, psychologists try to understand what the patient is feeling and look for patterns in their behavior. Many child psychologists also write articles and research papers to help other medical professionals. Below is a step-by-step guide on pursuing a child psychologist career path. Step 1: Earn an Undergraduate Child Psychology Degree Your child psychologist schooling begins with a completion of a bachelor's degree program in psychology. This allows you to prepare for a doctoral program and build a foundation of skills that you will use the rest of your career. Many undergraduate programs in this field offer a child psychologist major, touching on subjects of child development, behavioral psychology and enhancement, and neuropsychology. Step 2: Earn a Graduate Degree A master's or doctoral degree in child psychology is typically required to work in the field. To work in your own practice, you will usually be required by licensing regulations to hold a doctorate. In graduate degree programs, a focus is usually put on advanced coursework in psychological theories and research. Programs may require a special project or thesis, which involves heavy research and study in child psychology. Step 3: Complete Two Years of a Supervised Internship Many graduate programs, specifically doctorate programs, require a supervised internship as part of your child psychologist training. A supervising child psychologist will determine your knowledge and work quality before approving the completion of your internship. Practical experience, such as through an internship, is often required for licensing or board certification. Step 4: Obtain a State License All states require a license to practice psychology. The general requirements for licensing usually include holding a specific degree, having practical experience in the field and completing a written exam. Many states use the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology exam, administered through the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. Step 5: Become Board-Certified The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) offers you the chance to become a board- certified psychologist. To become board-certified, you need to meet education and experience requirements and complete an examination. Part of the application process to become board-certified
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  involves submitting practicesamples, which will be reviewed by the ABPP. Once you have been accepted as a candidate for board certification based on the information presented to the board during the application process, you can sit for the exam. What Are Some Related Alternative Careers? If a child psychologist isn't what you wish to become, there are other related career options you can choose from. A mental health counselor helps patients of all ages work on their mental and emotional disorders. This career option requires a master's degree. Another option is physician or surgeon. These both require a doctoral degree. After examining patients, they diagnose the problem and treat the injury or illness either through prescribing medication or performing surgery. To continue researching, browse degree options below for course curriculum, prerequisites and financial aid information. Original Source Related: How to become a child psychologist?