Child Psychology Child Clinical Psychology Research Paper

In order to decrease the risk of burnout, it is important to find ways to deal with stress. Learning to generate a division between ones work life and personal life is a significant first step. Practicing good stress management methods can also be very helpful (Pros and Cons of Being a Clinical Psychologist, 2012).

Even though one establishes normal work hours during the day, as a psychologist they may find that they are required to deal with client issues at unforeseen times. Some clients may not be able to meet during normal business hours due to their own busy work schedules, so one might have to shuffle their own plans around to make time for these people. In other cases, one might be called during off-hours or weekends to meet with clients who need help or are facing crisis circumstances. Because of this, flexibility is a significant skill for any psychologist to develop (Psychology Career, 2012).

Psychologists are frequently self-employed and operate their own private practices. While this can be an ideal situation for people who like to work for themselves, it also means that a significant chunk of time, money and resources must be dedicated toward building associations with medical professionals and other mental health providers so that they will refer potential clients to ones practice. Hosting free support group sessions and advertising in the local media are other promotional alternatives. Some professionals like this aspect of running their business, but some may feel that it takes away precious time that could be devoted to therapy work (Psychology Career Advantages & Disadvantages, 2012).

Work Conditions

Clinical psychologists work in a variety of settings, most often private practice or public mental health. One will also find them in clinical counselling centers at universities and colleges, helping students with milder problems of adjusting to college life. These psychologists all work in office settings, sometimes in conjunction with other mental health professionals such as psychiatrists and social workers. Starting psychologists in clinical work and research generally make somewhere between $45,000 -- $55,000 in the United States, depending upon geographical locale and position. After the first year or two, depending upon the state, one will become eligible for licensure and their salary will go up. Postdoctoral research opportunities are not required and pay little, but give people additional direct experience and training in specialized clinical areas they may have not received while in graduate school (Clinical Child Psychologist: Career Information and Requirements, 2012).

"After 5-10 years in the field, many psychologists enjoy incomes ranging from $65,000 to $90,000. Few psychologists enjoy significantly higher incomes, especially since the infiltration of managed care in the United States in the 1990s. However, some specialty areas such as neuropsychology and forensic psychology enjoy higher salaries, often into the six digits. After 10 to 20 years, a typical clinical psychologist with a thriving practice can make between $90,000 and $150,000" (Clinical Child Psychologist: Career Information and Requirements, 2012).

References

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