How to become a clinical and counseling psychologist

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.

Steps to get there

Most employers expect most of these occupations require graduate school. for example, they may require a master's degree, and some require a ph.d., m.d., or j.d. (law degree)..Extensive skill, knowledge, and experience are needed for these occupations. Many require more than five years of experience. For example, surgeons must complete four years of college and an additional five to seven years of specialized medical training to be able to do their job.

What clinical and counseling psychologists do

• Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.
• 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.
• 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.

Skills that matter most

• Reading Comprehension
• Active Listening
• Writing
• Critical Thinking
• Speaking
• Active Learning
• Monitoring
• Learning Strategies

Is clinical and counseling psychologist a good career?

On the numbers, this job pays above the typical job. Median pay is 97% above the all-occupation median. Whether it fits you depends on the work itself, the schooling you are willing to do and where you want to live.

Where it pays most

• Oregon $134,350
• New Jersey $127,090
• Alaska $124,270
• Arizona $119,010
• Hawaii $117,860

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists salary by state and city

Sources: O*NET® 31.0 (CC BY 4.0, USDOL/ETA) and BLS Employment Projections 2025–35. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025.