Six Helping Professions In Psychology

The idea of a job that does some good in the world can appeal to many people. From making lives better to helping the environment, many of us may be eager to find ways to be part of something that is larger than ourselves. Turning to careers in psychology is perhaps one of the best ways to begin doing work that helps others. Forensic psychology, marriage and family therapy, social psychology, clinical psychology, school counseling, and psychiatry may all be valid options. It can be helpful to speak to a licensed therapist yourself as you navigate a new career path and determine which option may be best for you.

What are the careers in psychology? Why pursue it?

The idea of a helping profession can cover a wide range of careers. Psychology, a broad and varied field of science that studies behavior, thought, and emotion, may offer a natural opportunity to focus on understanding and connecting with others. It is generally designed to help us understand how our brains work, why we feel what we feel, and how we can effectively and healthily express those thoughts and feelings. If you’re interested in a career that helps people, considering psychology as a field of study or specialization may be a smart move.

How does therapy utilize psychology to help people?

Outside of social work, what are some other helping professions in psychology?

When someone thinks of a career in psychology, they may think of a therapist or counselor. However, the job field of psychology can encompass much more than that. Psychology can be a far-reaching field. You could become a social psychologist or pursue a forensic psychology career. What about becoming an experimental psychologist or a substance use counselor? All these options and more can be available to those entering the field of psychology.

If you are struggling with substance use, contact the SAMHSA National Helpline at (800) 662-4357 to receive support and resources. Support is available 24/7.

Many of the professions explored below require an undergraduate degree in Psychology, with some of them followed up with at least a Master’s degree in either Psychology or in the stated profession. You can typically find jobs with a bachelor's degree in psychology, a master's degree, or a doctorate (Ph.D. or PsyD). The exact schooling and licensing tend to vary from job to job, but getting a doctorate degree can be a prerequisite for many clinical positions. 

What professional psychology looks like

Whatever choice you make, a job in the field of psychology will likely involve people. After all, psychology normally studies people, their behavior, and their thoughts. Delving into the psyche of humans can be done in a variety of ways. While there may be similarities between many psychology careers, the practical side of how each job works is usually different. 

When choosing a career, you may want to talk to a professional in that field so you can get a better understanding of what your own future might look like. Sometimes, you can even shadow people at their jobs to get a hands-on understanding of what they do. 

Gain insights through mentoring

You might also look for opportunities for mentorship. Mentorship can serve as a great way to gain insight into the field you are studying. Having a mentor may also help you get your foot in the door with future employers and give you experience some of your peers may not have.

Six helping professions in psychology

Psychology can be seen as a diverse and growing field that presents hundreds of unique career opportunities. There are some options, though, that tend to be more popular than others, thanks to their job responsibilities and availability. 

Let’s take a closer look at some of the most common careers in psychology.

1. Forensic psychology

A forensic psychology career typically puts you in the middle of the judicial system. Forensic psychologists usually apply psychology and its principles to legal matters. This application can happen in various ways, from profiling criminals to aiding with jury selection and providing services to families that are involved in court cases. There can be many ways for the high-demand forensic psychology career to play out.

2. Marriage and family counseling

Many people seek counseling for their marriage or family. Licensed counselors may aid in processing family changes, such as divorce, as well as managing grief, communicating effectively, and more. Marriage and family counseling can also help couples, guiding them as they navigate disagreements, life changes, and interpersonal dynamics.

3. Social psychology

Social psychology can bridge the gap between psychology and sociology. Social psychologists usually study the ways that the presence of others can affect people's thoughts, feelings, and behaviors. From studying cultural norms to examining various group dynamics, social psychology careers are often exciting and varied in their study of human behavior.

4. Clinical psychology

Usually, careers in clinical psychology are what we tend to think of when we talk about a career in psychology. Clinical psychologists normally assess and treat emotional, behavioral, and mental health disorders. This assessment and treatment process may involve either short- or long-term care of clients. In addition, clinical psychologists can specialize in helping specific groups of people, such as young adults, LGBTQIA+ individuals, couples, etc., or they may specialize in specific areas, such as mood disorders or phobias.

5. Teaching and counseling in school settings 

For those who enjoy working in a school setting, a career as a school counselor can be a great way to aid both students and other adults. School counselors typically work with students who are experiencing trouble in school or at home. They may also work with the student's parents to address any concerns.

6. Professional psychiatry or psychiatric nursing

While medical school is typically a requirement for this option, working as a psychiatrist can be incredibly rewarding. Psychiatrists typically prescribe and manage medications for patients while focusing on the prevention, diagnosis, treatment, and study of mental health disorders. When someone with a mental health disorder needs medication to manage their symptoms, they may turn to a psychiatrist for both the clinical diagnosis and prolonged treatment.

Can psychology help me?

Just because you’re interested in pursuing psychology yourself doesn’t mean you can’t benefit from working with a licensed mental health professional. In general, mental health disorders are on the rise as our understanding of different conditions increases. In fact, one in five Americans may experience a mental illness in any given year.

Even if you aren’t experiencing the symptoms of a mental health disorder, a change in career may be navigated more swiftly when you have someone to help you understand the behaviors, emotions, and thoughts you’re experiencing. One of the best resources for seeking professional insight may be therapy, whether you prefer to attend sessions in person or online.

Online therapy can help you save time and money 

Online therapy can empower you to attend a therapy session from the location where you feel most comfortable rather than going into an office, which can help you save time and money. It can also be more convenient to fit into your schedule, as online therapy sessions can often be scheduled outside of typical office hours.

Effectiveness of online therapy and counseling

Research suggests that online therapy can be an effective treatment option for a variety of mental health disorders. One study discovered that online therapy could successfully treat symptoms of anxiety and depression for many participants, suggesting that web-based treatment options can be just as helpful as traditional options.