Job title of Clinical Psychologist
Job title
Clinical Psychologist
General overview
Clinical psychology is the study and observation of clients with the intention of promoting
positive change in the face of mental illness (Compas & Gotlib, 2002). Clinical psychologists work
with populations experiencing a variety of mental illnesses, and are particularly concerned with the
assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these mental disorders (O*Net Online, 2012). The
goal of clinical psychologists is to understand clients, and prevent and relieve psychologically based
experiences of distress (Baharvand, 2012). Most commonly, they work in hospitals or private
practices, and treat individuals whose lives have been interrupted by the presence of a mental illness
or traumatic events (About: Education, n.d.). Clinical psychologists also work directly with clients
and other health care specialists to develop and run treatment programs (O*Net Online, 2012).
Many compare the career of clinical psychologist with that of a counselling psychologist.
However, while counselling psychologists work with healthier populations, and conduct more
cognitive assessments, clinical psychologists focus more on psychoanalytic approaches (Norcross,
2000). In comparison with the role of a psychiatrist, clinical psychologists are not considered medical
doctors, and therefore may not prescribe medication to patients.
Job duties and responsibilities
Clinical psychologists are client-oriented, and interact with clients on a weekly basis to assist them
through mental health challenges. As such, they must establish constructive and supportive
relationships with clients, while also maintaining personal and professional boundaries (Baharvand,
2012). Clinicians are responsible for identifying psychological, emotional, or behavioural issues to
diagnose disorders using information they gain from interviews with clients (American Psychological
Association, 2014).
While all clinical psychologists are interested in mental health, there are a wide variety of sub-
specialties within the field (American Psychological Association, 2014). Some of these areas include
child mental health, emotional disturbances, substance abuse, and geriatrics (American Psychological
Association, 2014). Clinical psychologists often have specific areas of expertise, including
specialization in certain kinds of disorders specifically (depression or eating disorders), or
specialization with certain patient populations specifically (young offenders or victims of abuse)
(About: Education, n.d.). As a whole, clinical psychologists are responsible for consulting and
assessing patients and treatment methods, and evaluating the overall effectiveness of treatments
(O*Net Online, 2012).
Typical Workday
Clinical psychologists are supports for individuals and groups in the face of personal
challenges, typically involving distress and mental illness (Baharvand, 2012). They are a resource to
assist patients through life challenges and achieve personal and social well-being. As such, the typical
day of a clinical psychologist consists of meeting with clients, and looking to treat the root causes of
each individual’s mental illness (Albright, n.d.). In order to do so, clinicians interact with clients once
a week to help them achieve personal goals and overcome personal challenges (O*Net Online, 2012).
In addition client appointments, clinical psychologists meet daily with fellow clinicians within
their workplace to discuss new cases and incoming clients (Brightside, n.d.). The average workday
runs from 9 am to 5 pm, with clinicians in a hospital setting also often working on a rotating 24/7 on-
call system for mental health crises and emergencies (Brightside, n.d.).
To respond to the disorders and challenges, clinical psychologists must constantly refer to a
breadth of treatment methods, such as psychotherapy or cognitive behaviour therapy, in treating
individual clients (Baharvand, 2012). As such, with permission of the client and client’s family, after
meeting with clients, clinicians will communicate in conjunction with other professionals, including
doctors and social workers, regarding clients’ well-being (Brightside, n.d.)
Educational requirements and other qualifications
The minimum education required for the position of a clinical psychologist is a doctoral
degree. Students who are seeking to pursue doctoral graduate degree are recommended to first possess
an undergraduate degree in psychology. For clinical psychologists, there are two major training
models for expected doctoral degrees: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology, and the Doctor
of Psychology (PsyD). The PhD focuses on the academic components of psychology, with emphasis
upon research and publication. This program typically takes an average of seven years to complete. In
comparison, the PsyD focuses on a more practical, hands-on approach to Psychology. This program
typically takes one year fewer to complete than the PhD; however, the Canadian Psychological
Association (CPA) does not consistently accredit PsyD programs. The CPA accreditation
demonstrates that graduates have exhibited the necessary skills and requirements of training to
practice psychology (Canadian Psychological Association, n.d.).
In addition to a doctoral degree, students seeking to become a clinical psychologist must also
complete an average of 600 hours of clinical experiences, including practicums and internships, prior
to achieving their licensure as a clinical psychologist (Dalhousie University, 2013).
Related skills, interests, and qualities
Clinical psychologists must possess strong communication skills, including strength in both
verbal and non-verbal communication (Baharvand, 2012). As their role involves interacting with
patients on a daily basis, they must possess strength in speaking with others, while also displaying
strength in problem solving, and identifying non-verbal communication presented by others (O*Net
Online, 2012). Through taking time to understand the concerns and experiences of patients, and
allowing them to effectively describe their thoughts and emotions, clinicians are able to clearly
diagnose patients and comprehend underlying mental illnesses (Baharvand, 2012).
Similarly, clinical psychologists must possess a high degree of emotional intelligence,
including the facets of social awareness, self-awareness, self-management, and relationship
management (Bradberry & Greaves, 2009). Clinical psychologists may often face a risk of burnout
due to the demanding nature of the conversations they are holding with mentally ill patients (About:
Education, n.d.); as such, emotional intelligence is an important component of ensuring that clinicians
remain rationally detached from clients, while also effectively managing relationships and reducing
their own stress (Bradberry & Greaves, 2009). Through awareness and understanding of the reactions
of oneself and others, clinical psychologists are able to pick up on what is, and is not, being said
(Bradberry & Greaves, 2009).
Relevance of psychology undergraduate degree
Clinical psychologists address a breadth of mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders, and
work to integrate what they learn throughout their undergraduate and graduate degrees with the
treatment of such disorders. Throughout the psychology undergraduate degree, students learn about
assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of complicated human problems, while
examining a variety of methods in a historical context. Most evidently, classes during an
undergraduate psychology degree complement the work that clinical psychologists complete. An
example of this is through the Abnormal Psychology undergraduate class, where students learn the
breadth of personality disorders and symptoms, their typical causal factors, and effective treatment
methods. Exposure to this information provides students with theoretical knowledge to support the
clinical practice they will receive during their doctoral degree, and the underlying disorders that are
being experienced by clients in their practice.
In addition to this, clinical psychologists are expected to react to a variety of people, contexts, and
concerns. As such, a thorough knowledge of a variety of domains is necessary for those looking to
identify the causes of behaviour and mental states in patients (O*Net Online, 2012). Throughout an
undergraduate degree in psychology, students are required to take a breadth of courses in a variety of
psychology domains, including health and personality. These domains allow clinicians to have
knowledge of correlational factors, and relate to the theory and context that may describe each patient
individually and uniquely. Moreover, all of the areas of psychology can be applied differently
depending on what areas of clinical psychology clinicians specialize in – e.g. addiction, personality
disorders, etc. (Baharvand, 2012). As a result, clinical psychologists pull upon the basis of knowledge
gained in their undergraduate degree in psychology to support the treatment of mental, physical,
behavioural disorders.
Salary potential
The average salary for a Canadian psychologist is $70,610 annually; however, the average
starting salary is typically $45,500 annually (Payscale, n.d.). Experienced clinical psychologists with
ten years in the field can almost double their starting salary (Payscale, n.d.). In addition to this,
clinicians engaging in private practice will most often create their own hourly rate for patients
(Payscale, n.d.). A report compiled by Canadian Business (2014) describes that clinical psychologists
in private practice could make up to $200,000 a year. However, the average top pay for a clinician in
North America is approximately $170,000 (CNN Money, 2012).
Job outlook
Mental illness is a growing concern in today’s society (Canadian Mental Health Association,
2012). As such, the demand for clinical psychologists in response to the rising rates of mental illness
is increasing. Therefore, the career of a clinical psychologist is ranked high for future growth and job
security (O*Net Online, 2012). Although the application to graduate studies in clinical psychology is
extremely competitive (with typically five in 200 receiving admission) (UBC, 2014), in a CNN
Money Report (2012) report, clinical psychology was ranked #55 on a list of the "Best Jobs in North
America". This report indicates that there are currently over 150,000 jobs for individuals with a
degree in clinical psychology, with a projected growth of 22% over the next ten years (Canadian
Business, 2014; CNN Money, 2012). This report also outlines that the job prospect for clinical
psychologists is expected to remain strong until at least 2020 (Canadian Business, 2014).
Quality of life ratings completed by clinicians provides the career of clinical psychologist top
marks in terms of personal satisfaction and benefit to society (CNN Money, 2012). Although
clinicians interact with patients experiencing a wide range of life-threatening psychological
conditions, they typically gain a sense of fulfillment in improving the lives of others, and providing
support and relief during clients’ times of difficulty (CNN Money, 2012).
To apply
Interested applicants with the suitable level of education and certification may apply to
positions through contacting organizations directly, and through exploring online job search websites.
Many positions are often posted via the websites for the Canadian Mental Health Association
(CMHA) and the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa.
To know more
To learn more about a career in clinical psychology, please visit www.cpa.ca/students/career.
For more information about a typical day in the life of a clinical psychologist, visit
http://www.shmoop.com/careers/psychologist/typical-day.html.
References
About: Education. (n.d.). Careers in clinical psychology. Retrieved from
http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologycareerprofiles/p/clinicalpsych.htm.
Albright, E. (n.d.) What’s a typical day like for a clinical psychologist? Online-Education.net.
Retrieved from http://www.online-education.net/guidance-counselor/psychologist/whats-in-a-
clinical-psychologists-daily-schedule.html.
American Psychological Association. (2014). Clinical psychology solves complex human problems.
Retrieved from http://apa.org/action/science/clinical/index.aspx.
Baharvand, V. (2012). Assessing characteristics of clinical psychologist for effective counselling. Life
Science Journal, 9, 487-490.
Bradberry, T. & Greaves, J. (2009). Emotional Intelligence 2.0. San Diego, CA: TalentSmart.
Brightside. (n.d.). My job explained: Clinical psychologist. Retrieved from
http://www.brightknowledge.org/knowledge-bank/social-sciences/careers-in-social-
sciences/my-job-explained-clinical-psychologist.
Canadian Business. (2014, April 17). Canada’s best jobs 2014: Psychologist. Retrieved from
http://www.canadianbusiness.com/lists-and-rankings/best-jobs/2014-psychologist/.
Canadian Mental Health Association. (2012, February 3). Access to services. Retrieved from
http://www.cmha.ca/public_policy/access-to-services-2/#.VHX9XoeA0wY.
Canadian Psychological Association. (n.d.). What is accreditation? Retrieved from
http://www.cpa.ca/accreditation/whatis/.
Career Cruising. (n.d.). Psychologist at a glance. Retrieved from
https://www2.careercruising.com/careers/profile-at-a-glance/357.
CNN Money. (2012). Clinical psychologist: Best jobs in America. Retrieved from
http://money.cnn.com/pf/best-jobs/2012/snapshots/55.html.
Compas, B., & Gotlib, I. (2002). Introduction to clinical psychology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
Higher Education.
Dalhousie University. (2013). Clinical psychology PhD program guidelines for the practicum student
and practicum supervisor. Retrieved from
http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/faculty/psychology_neuroscience/Graduate%20Program/Practicum%20Guidelines.pdf.
Norcross, J.C. (2000). Clinical versus counselling psychology: What’s the diff? Eye on Psi Chi, 5, 20-
22.
O*Net Online. (2012). Clinical psychologist. Retrieved from
http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3031.02.
Payscale. (n.d.). Clinical psychologist salary: Canada. Retrieved from
http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Clinical_Psychologist/Salary.
UBC. (2014). Student admissions, outcomes, and other data. Retrieved from
http://psych.ubc.ca/graduate/research-areas/clinical/student-admissions-and-data/.
Clinical Psychologist
General overview
Clinical psychology is the study and observation of clients with the intention of promoting
positive change in the face of mental illness (Compas & Gotlib, 2002). Clinical psychologists work
with populations experiencing a variety of mental illnesses, and are particularly concerned with the
assessment, diagnosis, treatment, and prevention of these mental disorders (O*Net Online, 2012). The
goal of clinical psychologists is to understand clients, and prevent and relieve psychologically based
experiences of distress (Baharvand, 2012). Most commonly, they work in hospitals or private
practices, and treat individuals whose lives have been interrupted by the presence of a mental illness
or traumatic events (About: Education, n.d.). Clinical psychologists also work directly with clients
and other health care specialists to develop and run treatment programs (O*Net Online, 2012).
Many compare the career of clinical psychologist with that of a counselling psychologist.
However, while counselling psychologists work with healthier populations, and conduct more
cognitive assessments, clinical psychologists focus more on psychoanalytic approaches (Norcross,
2000). In comparison with the role of a psychiatrist, clinical psychologists are not considered medical
doctors, and therefore may not prescribe medication to patients.
Job duties and responsibilities
Clinical psychologists are client-oriented, and interact with clients on a weekly basis to assist them
through mental health challenges. As such, they must establish constructive and supportive
relationships with clients, while also maintaining personal and professional boundaries (Baharvand,
2012). Clinicians are responsible for identifying psychological, emotional, or behavioural issues to
diagnose disorders using information they gain from interviews with clients (American Psychological
Association, 2014).
While all clinical psychologists are interested in mental health, there are a wide variety of sub-
specialties within the field (American Psychological Association, 2014). Some of these areas include
child mental health, emotional disturbances, substance abuse, and geriatrics (American Psychological
Association, 2014). Clinical psychologists often have specific areas of expertise, including
specialization in certain kinds of disorders specifically (depression or eating disorders), or
specialization with certain patient populations specifically (young offenders or victims of abuse)
(About: Education, n.d.). As a whole, clinical psychologists are responsible for consulting and
assessing patients and treatment methods, and evaluating the overall effectiveness of treatments
(O*Net Online, 2012).
Typical Workday
Clinical psychologists are supports for individuals and groups in the face of personal
challenges, typically involving distress and mental illness (Baharvand, 2012). They are a resource to
assist patients through life challenges and achieve personal and social well-being. As such, the typical
day of a clinical psychologist consists of meeting with clients, and looking to treat the root causes of
each individual’s mental illness (Albright, n.d.). In order to do so, clinicians interact with clients once
a week to help them achieve personal goals and overcome personal challenges (O*Net Online, 2012).
In addition client appointments, clinical psychologists meet daily with fellow clinicians within
their workplace to discuss new cases and incoming clients (Brightside, n.d.). The average workday
runs from 9 am to 5 pm, with clinicians in a hospital setting also often working on a rotating 24/7 on-
call system for mental health crises and emergencies (Brightside, n.d.).
To respond to the disorders and challenges, clinical psychologists must constantly refer to a
breadth of treatment methods, such as psychotherapy or cognitive behaviour therapy, in treating
individual clients (Baharvand, 2012). As such, with permission of the client and client’s family, after
meeting with clients, clinicians will communicate in conjunction with other professionals, including
doctors and social workers, regarding clients’ well-being (Brightside, n.d.)
Educational requirements and other qualifications
The minimum education required for the position of a clinical psychologist is a doctoral
degree. Students who are seeking to pursue doctoral graduate degree are recommended to first possess
an undergraduate degree in psychology. For clinical psychologists, there are two major training
models for expected doctoral degrees: the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology, and the Doctor
of Psychology (PsyD). The PhD focuses on the academic components of psychology, with emphasis
upon research and publication. This program typically takes an average of seven years to complete. In
comparison, the PsyD focuses on a more practical, hands-on approach to Psychology. This program
typically takes one year fewer to complete than the PhD; however, the Canadian Psychological
Association (CPA) does not consistently accredit PsyD programs. The CPA accreditation
demonstrates that graduates have exhibited the necessary skills and requirements of training to
practice psychology (Canadian Psychological Association, n.d.).
In addition to a doctoral degree, students seeking to become a clinical psychologist must also
complete an average of 600 hours of clinical experiences, including practicums and internships, prior
to achieving their licensure as a clinical psychologist (Dalhousie University, 2013).
Related skills, interests, and qualities
Clinical psychologists must possess strong communication skills, including strength in both
verbal and non-verbal communication (Baharvand, 2012). As their role involves interacting with
patients on a daily basis, they must possess strength in speaking with others, while also displaying
strength in problem solving, and identifying non-verbal communication presented by others (O*Net
Online, 2012). Through taking time to understand the concerns and experiences of patients, and
allowing them to effectively describe their thoughts and emotions, clinicians are able to clearly
diagnose patients and comprehend underlying mental illnesses (Baharvand, 2012).
Similarly, clinical psychologists must possess a high degree of emotional intelligence,
including the facets of social awareness, self-awareness, self-management, and relationship
management (Bradberry & Greaves, 2009). Clinical psychologists may often face a risk of burnout
due to the demanding nature of the conversations they are holding with mentally ill patients (About:
Education, n.d.); as such, emotional intelligence is an important component of ensuring that clinicians
remain rationally detached from clients, while also effectively managing relationships and reducing
their own stress (Bradberry & Greaves, 2009). Through awareness and understanding of the reactions
of oneself and others, clinical psychologists are able to pick up on what is, and is not, being said
(Bradberry & Greaves, 2009).
Relevance of psychology undergraduate degree
Clinical psychologists address a breadth of mental, emotional, and behavioural disorders, and
work to integrate what they learn throughout their undergraduate and graduate degrees with the
treatment of such disorders. Throughout the psychology undergraduate degree, students learn about
assessment, diagnosis and treatment of a wide variety of complicated human problems, while
examining a variety of methods in a historical context. Most evidently, classes during an
undergraduate psychology degree complement the work that clinical psychologists complete. An
example of this is through the Abnormal Psychology undergraduate class, where students learn the
breadth of personality disorders and symptoms, their typical causal factors, and effective treatment
methods. Exposure to this information provides students with theoretical knowledge to support the
clinical practice they will receive during their doctoral degree, and the underlying disorders that are
being experienced by clients in their practice.
In addition to this, clinical psychologists are expected to react to a variety of people, contexts, and
concerns. As such, a thorough knowledge of a variety of domains is necessary for those looking to
identify the causes of behaviour and mental states in patients (O*Net Online, 2012). Throughout an
undergraduate degree in psychology, students are required to take a breadth of courses in a variety of
psychology domains, including health and personality. These domains allow clinicians to have
knowledge of correlational factors, and relate to the theory and context that may describe each patient
individually and uniquely. Moreover, all of the areas of psychology can be applied differently
depending on what areas of clinical psychology clinicians specialize in – e.g. addiction, personality
disorders, etc. (Baharvand, 2012). As a result, clinical psychologists pull upon the basis of knowledge
gained in their undergraduate degree in psychology to support the treatment of mental, physical,
behavioural disorders.
Salary potential
The average salary for a Canadian psychologist is $70,610 annually; however, the average
starting salary is typically $45,500 annually (Payscale, n.d.). Experienced clinical psychologists with
ten years in the field can almost double their starting salary (Payscale, n.d.). In addition to this,
clinicians engaging in private practice will most often create their own hourly rate for patients
(Payscale, n.d.). A report compiled by Canadian Business (2014) describes that clinical psychologists
in private practice could make up to $200,000 a year. However, the average top pay for a clinician in
North America is approximately $170,000 (CNN Money, 2012).
Job outlook
Mental illness is a growing concern in today’s society (Canadian Mental Health Association,
2012). As such, the demand for clinical psychologists in response to the rising rates of mental illness
is increasing. Therefore, the career of a clinical psychologist is ranked high for future growth and job
security (O*Net Online, 2012). Although the application to graduate studies in clinical psychology is
extremely competitive (with typically five in 200 receiving admission) (UBC, 2014), in a CNN
Money Report (2012) report, clinical psychology was ranked #55 on a list of the "Best Jobs in North
America". This report indicates that there are currently over 150,000 jobs for individuals with a
degree in clinical psychology, with a projected growth of 22% over the next ten years (Canadian
Business, 2014; CNN Money, 2012). This report also outlines that the job prospect for clinical
psychologists is expected to remain strong until at least 2020 (Canadian Business, 2014).
Quality of life ratings completed by clinicians provides the career of clinical psychologist top
marks in terms of personal satisfaction and benefit to society (CNN Money, 2012). Although
clinicians interact with patients experiencing a wide range of life-threatening psychological
conditions, they typically gain a sense of fulfillment in improving the lives of others, and providing
support and relief during clients’ times of difficulty (CNN Money, 2012).
To apply
Interested applicants with the suitable level of education and certification may apply to
positions through contacting organizations directly, and through exploring online job search websites.
Many positions are often posted via the websites for the Canadian Mental Health Association
(CMHA) and the Royal Ottawa Mental Health Centre, Ottawa.
To know more
To learn more about a career in clinical psychology, please visit www.cpa.ca/students/career.
For more information about a typical day in the life of a clinical psychologist, visit
http://www.shmoop.com/careers/psychologist/typical-day.html.
References
About: Education. (n.d.). Careers in clinical psychology. Retrieved from
http://psychology.about.com/od/psychologycareerprofiles/p/clinicalpsych.htm.
Albright, E. (n.d.) What’s a typical day like for a clinical psychologist? Online-Education.net.
Retrieved from http://www.online-education.net/guidance-counselor/psychologist/whats-in-a-
clinical-psychologists-daily-schedule.html.
American Psychological Association. (2014). Clinical psychology solves complex human problems.
Retrieved from http://apa.org/action/science/clinical/index.aspx.
Baharvand, V. (2012). Assessing characteristics of clinical psychologist for effective counselling. Life
Science Journal, 9, 487-490.
Bradberry, T. & Greaves, J. (2009). Emotional Intelligence 2.0. San Diego, CA: TalentSmart.
Brightside. (n.d.). My job explained: Clinical psychologist. Retrieved from
http://www.brightknowledge.org/knowledge-bank/social-sciences/careers-in-social-
sciences/my-job-explained-clinical-psychologist.
Canadian Business. (2014, April 17). Canada’s best jobs 2014: Psychologist. Retrieved from
http://www.canadianbusiness.com/lists-and-rankings/best-jobs/2014-psychologist/.
Canadian Mental Health Association. (2012, February 3). Access to services. Retrieved from
http://www.cmha.ca/public_policy/access-to-services-2/#.VHX9XoeA0wY.
Canadian Psychological Association. (n.d.). What is accreditation? Retrieved from
http://www.cpa.ca/accreditation/whatis/.
Career Cruising. (n.d.). Psychologist at a glance. Retrieved from
https://www2.careercruising.com/careers/profile-at-a-glance/357.
CNN Money. (2012). Clinical psychologist: Best jobs in America. Retrieved from
http://money.cnn.com/pf/best-jobs/2012/snapshots/55.html.
Compas, B., & Gotlib, I. (2002). Introduction to clinical psychology. New York, NY: McGraw-Hill
Higher Education.
Dalhousie University. (2013). Clinical psychology PhD program guidelines for the practicum student
and practicum supervisor. Retrieved from
http://www.dal.ca/content/dam/dalhousie/pdf/faculty/psychology_neuroscience/Graduate%20Program/Practicum%20Guidelines.pdf.
Norcross, J.C. (2000). Clinical versus counselling psychology: What’s the diff? Eye on Psi Chi, 5, 20-
22.
O*Net Online. (2012). Clinical psychologist. Retrieved from
http://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/19-3031.02.
Payscale. (n.d.). Clinical psychologist salary: Canada. Retrieved from
http://www.payscale.com/research/CA/Job=Clinical_Psychologist/Salary.
UBC. (2014). Student admissions, outcomes, and other data. Retrieved from
http://psych.ubc.ca/graduate/research-areas/clinical/student-admissions-and-data/.