Clinical and counseling psychologists
SOC Code: 19-3033Also known as:
Applied Behavior Science Specialist (ABSS), Assessment Coordinator, Behavior Analyst, Behavior Specialist, Behavior Therapist
Median Annual Salary
$95,830
+11.2% growth (2024-2034)
5K
Openings/Year
76K
Current Jobs
What Clinical and counseling psychologists Do
Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.
💰 Salary
$95,830
Median annual wage (2024)
📈 Job Growth
+11.2%
Much faster than average
🎓 Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Typical entry-level requirement
🚀 Annual Openings
5K
Projected average per year
📚 On-the-Job Training
Internship/residency
Expected training period
Employment Projections (2024-2034)
Current Employment (2024)
76,300
Projected Employment (2034)
84,800
Related Careers
Marriage and family therapists
$63,780 •
+12.6% growth
Healthcare social workers
$68,090 •
+7.7% growth
Mental health and substance abuse social workers
$60,060 •
+9.7% growth
Psychiatrists
N/A •
+6.1% growth
Top Skills Required
Reading Comprehension
Social Perceptiveness
Active Listening
Writing
Critical Thinking
Daily Tasks & Responsibilities
- Conduct assessments of patients' risk for harm to self or others.
- Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
- Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.
- Write reports on clients and maintain required paperwork.
- Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.
- Interact with clients to assist them in gaining insight, defining goals, and planning action to achieve effective personal, social, educational, or vocational development and adjustment.
- Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.
- Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, modifying plans or diagnoses as necessary.
- Use a variety of treatment methods, such as psychotherapy, hypnosis, behavior modification, stress reduction therapy, psychodrama, or play therapy.
- Develop therapeutic and treatment plans based on clients' interests, abilities, or needs.
Technology & Tools
📚 Entry-Level Education
Doctoral or professional degree
Most common requirement
🎯 Recommended Education
Post-Doctoral Training
O*NET recommended level
Degree Programs for Clinical and counseling psychologists
These degree programs can prepare you for a career as a clinical and counseling psychologists:
Psychology, General
147,078 degrees awarded •
1,575 colleges offer this program
Counseling Psychology
11,691 degrees awarded •
276 colleges offer this program
Applied Behavior Analysis
6,914 degrees awarded •
137 colleges offer this program
Clinical Psychology
6,059 degrees awarded •
202 colleges offer this program
Developmental and Child Psychology
1,820 degrees awarded •
59 colleges offer this program
Health/Medical Psychology
447 degrees awarded •
23 colleges offer this program
Clinical Child Psychology
106 degrees awarded •
9 colleges offer this program
Family Psychology
101 degrees awarded •
5 colleges offer this program
Best Colleges for Becoming a Clinical and counseling psychologists
Ranked by Repit grade, then by degrees in related programs. These are the top-rated colleges that prepare students to become clinical and counseling psychologists.
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Frequently Asked Questions
How much do clinical and counseling psychologists make?
The median annual salary for clinical and counseling psychologists is $95,830.
What education do clinical and counseling psychologists need?
Most clinical and counseling psychologists positions require a doctoral or professional degree.
Common degree programs include Psychology, General, Counseling Psychology, Applied Behavior Analysis.
Is becoming clinical and counseling psychologists a good career choice?
Clinical and counseling psychologists is projected to see +11.2% job growth from 2024 to 2034,
which is much faster than average for all occupations. With approximately 4,800 job openings expected annually,
there are good opportunities for those entering the field.
What are the best colleges for clinical and counseling psychologists?
Top colleges for aspiring clinical and counseling psychologists include
University of California-Los Angeles, University of Florida, University of Georgia, University of California-San Diego, The University of Texas at Austin.
These schools are ranked based on their Repit grade and the number of graduates in related programs.
What other job titles are similar to clinical and counseling psychologists?
Clinical and counseling psychologists may also be known as: Applied Behavior Science Specialist (ABSS), Assessment Coordinator, Behavior Analyst, Behavior Specialist, Behavior Therapist, Behavioral Analyst, Behavioral Health Specialist, Behavioral Psychologist, Behavioral Specialist, Behavioral Therapist, Case Manager, Chemical Dependency Therapist, Child and Adolescent Therapist, Child Custody Evaluator, Clinical Counselor, Clinical Psychologist, Counseling Psychologist, Counseling Service Psychologist, Counseling Specialist, Counselor.
These titles often refer to similar roles with varying responsibilities or specializations.