Clinical Psychology Online Degree Programs

If you are contemplating getting a clinical psychology online degree, you might be wondering what the difference is between clinical and counseling psychology.

Clinical psychology is a branch of psychology that is concerned with assessment and treatment of mental illness, abnormal behavior and psychiatric problems. Counseling psychology focuses on providing therapeutic treatments to clients who experience a range of psychological symptoms. Counseling psychology is a field that integrates the science of psychology with the treatment of complex human problems. Clinical psychologists study the causes, prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of clients with psychological disorders. They treat disorders like schizophrenia and bipolar disorder. Others work with clients to help them deal with personal issues, such as divorce, financial issues, or the death of a loved one. They are trained to use different approaches aimed at helping their clients. The most commonly offered degrees area the masters and doctorate programs. The American Psychological Association (APA) provides clinical psychology practitioners with balanced views and treatments based on empirical data from within the field. The APA is the organization that provides guidelines for practice as well as curriculum requirements at the different levels of study in the clinical psychology program.

Clinical Psychology Degree Online Programs

Capella University - Online

• PsyD - Clinical Psychology
• MS - Clinical Psychology

The Chicago School of Professional Psychology

• M.A. in Clinical Psychology, Counseling Specialization

Walden University

• Ph.D. in Human Services - Clinical Social Work
• Ph.D. in Psychology - Clinical Psychology

• MS in Addiction Counseling
• MA in HS - Marriage and Family
• MA in Marriage and Family Therapy

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Clinical Psychology Education and Training

There are two main fields of study in a clinical psychology online degree program – the master in psychology and the doctorate degree in psychology. The main differences between the masters in psychology and the Doctor of Philosophy in psychology (PhD) programs is the length of time, clinical experiences, and research you will engage in.

There are also two options for students who want to earn a doctorate in Clinical Psychology. These are the PhD in psychology, which involves more quantitative research, and the Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree (Psy.D), which requires less quantitative research and more clinical work. The course work for the Doctor of Clinical Psychology degree takes a minimum of four years beyond the bachelor degree. Psychology courses may include the following:

• Cognitive Psychology
• Social Psychology
• Psychology of Learning
• Abnormal Psychology
• Physiological Psychology
• Psychological Testing and Measurement
• Sensation and Perception
  

It is important to ensure that the clinical psychology program you are considering is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). After completing the program of study, students must also complete supervised training for a period of time, and also take their state's licensing board as required. Students enrolled in a clinical psychology focus on prevention, intervention and treatment.

Possible clinical psychology online degrees specializations are:

• Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Geropsychology
• Clinical Health Psychology
• School Psychology
• Marriage and Family Counseling
• Pediatric Psychology
• Adolescent Psychology
• Psychoanalysis

Clinical Psychology Careers

Clinical psychologists constitute the largest specialty of psychology. They are concerned with the assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of mental disorders. Clinical psychologists work in a variety of settings that include schools, hospitals and mental health facilities. Other clinical psychologists work in private practice, community agencies, public and private schools, colleges and universities, hospitals, drug and alcohol rehabilitation facilities, state agencies, and non-profit agencies.

Clinical psychologists conduct clinical interviews, develop treatment plans, and provide psychotherapy. They also collaborate with physicians on medication and related interventions. Their main task is to work with their clients to identify persona issues, emotional issues, and behavior patterns that may be affecting their state of mind.

Those wishing to practice as clinical psychologists must be sensitive, intuitive, creative, empathetic, patient and compassionate. Areas of specialization in clinical psychology online degree programs are: neuropsychology, health psychology, child psychology, adolescent psychology, and geropsychology.

Estimated Income and Projected Career Growth

According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), educational institutions employ about 29% of psychologists in positions other than teaching, including testing, counseling, administration and research. About 21% work in healthcare, i.e. mental health practitioners, hospitals, physicians' offices, outpatient mental health, and substance abuse centers.

About 34% are self-employed, mainly as private practitioners. Other sectors of employment are state and local government and non-profit organizations. Employment of psychologists is expected to grow 12% between 2008 and 2018.

The BLS reports that the median annual wages income for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists was $64,140 in 2008 with a middle 50% range of $48,700 and $82,800. The lowest 10% earn less than $37,900, and the highest 10% earned over $106,840. Clinical psychology online degree programs and campus programs will prepare you for a career in psychology in an area of specialization that you wish to pursue.