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This question is about what a psychologist does.
How hard is it to become a psychologist?
It is difficult to become a psychologist. If you are a high school graduate who aspires to be a psychologist, you must first obtain your undergraduate degree, followed by another five years in a doctoral program. After you receive your doctorate, you will have to undergo at least one more year of post-doctoral training.
In most states, practicing psychologists must be licensed. Licensing requirements vary by state, but you are typically required to earn a doctorate, complete an internship, and practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist for one to two years. You must also pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology.
Many psychologists also choose to become certified to show that they uphold the highest standards of care. The American Board of Professional Psychology issues certifications in 15 psychology specialties.
In general, it takes a total of ten years to become a psychologist. There are also several different areas of psychology in which you can specialize, including:
Behavioral
Clinical
Cognitive
Developmental
Evolutionary
Forensic
Health
Neuropsychology
Occupational
Most graduate programs will require you to choose a specialization. Many will have particular focal points within the degree program, and you will need to formulate a concrete idea of which particular branch of psychology you want to study.
In addition to it being a time-consuming path to becoming a psychologist, it can also be mentally difficult. It is a common misconception that psychology is only about the patient's mental capacity, but there is more to it than that. Psychologists are not medical doctors and cannot prescribe medications.
Psychologists commonly treat their patients using other methods, such as psychotherapy. They typically work in partnership with psychiatrists to complement their patient's treatment. This means knowing different medications and how they work, as well as tools such as cognitive behavioral therapy or humanistic therapy, is essential.
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