Child psychologists that are self-employed and have a private practice will engage clients in individual therapy. This site is for informational purposes and is not a substitute for professional help. Oftentimes, graduate programs will include an internship requirement in which students spend upwards of 1,000 hours in a supervised placement. In this setting, the child psychologist works with clients on whatever their presenting issue might be to bring about positive change. In order to become licensed and certified as a child psychologist, you'll need to gain hands-on training by participating in an internship. The final step in becoming a child psychologist is to complete a Ph.D. or Psy.D. Family work might include all members of the family working simultaneously with the psychologist, or it might involve parents attending therapy together and children attending therapy in separate sessions. The outlook for this profession is very positive; not solely based on earnings. Some child psychologists also work with the judicial system to serve as advocates and expert witnesses. What Skills Does a Therapist Need? U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics: Psychologists, Careers in Psychology: How to Become a Child Psychologist, American Board of Professional Psychology: Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology, American Board of Professional Psychology: Eligibility for Specialty Certification in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. Pediatric Psychologist: Job Description, Education & Salary, Child Abuse Counselor: Career Info and Education Requirements, Division 53—Society of Clinical Child & Adolescent Psychology, American Board of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. On a personal level, you should be trustworthy and kind. First, you'll be required to earn a bachelor's degree in the field of your choice, though many aspiring child psychologists choose to major in psychology, social work or a related field. The American Board of Professional Psychology requires a one-year full-time internship or a two-year part-time internship for certification. In this context, child psychologists use toys, including dolls, blocks, puppets, and art supplies, to help children identify and express their feelings. Typically, private practice affords the psychologist the greatest income potential. Likewise, child psychologists work with children to overcome more serious issues, such as severe mental disorders, personality disorders, or abuse. Whether it’s instituting an intervention strategy to help a child improve his or her achievement at school or engaging in play therapy to help an abused child overcome the trauma they have experienced, the services of child psychologists are needed in order to give children the best shot at a long, happy, and prosperous life as is possible. The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) estimates that employment for psychologists will grow at a rate of 12% through the rest of this decade or just 1% above the average for all occupations. Licensure requirements vary, but usually include possessing a doctorate in psychology, completion of an internship, one to two years of supervised professional experience and passing a licensing examination. Additionally, child psychologists must be trained in clinical practice so they can deliver effective services to child clients and their families. Becoming a child psychologist requires a minimum of a master’s degree, with a major in child development or clinical psychology studies. What’s more, the work that child psychologists do with child clients sets the stage for clients to live a well-adjusted and happy adult life. Certification is offered by the American Board of Professional Psychology, and requirements are similar to licensing requirements. holder. Child psychologists are necessary because they have the training, skills, and aptitudes to help children and adolescents effectively deal with social, emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues in order to lead a happy life. Child psychologists that specialize in play therapy also use the play space as a way to educate children regarding how to behave appropriately, more effectively manage their emotions, and express their feelings in a more clear and appropriate manner. The Requirements to Be a Relationship Counselor. Common courses include assessment and diagnosis, individual and group therapy techniques, educational psychology, psychopathology, and quantitative analysis. While completing a doctoral program in psychology, you can concentrate your studies specifically in child psychology. What will fuel this moderate growth is an expected increase in demand for psychological services in schools, community mental health settings, social service agencies, hospitals, and the like. For individuals interested in working as a child psychologist, graduate programs in child psychology, developmental psychology, or school psychology are the most appropriate. Many master’s level workers find employment in local or state governments, such as working for human or social service agencies. Child psychologists might be relied upon to devise a course of treatments and interventions to help the child cope with his or her mental illness or disability in a more appropriate manner. The study and practice of child psychology is closely related to both developmental psychology and clinical psychology. Some graduate schools also require students to interview for a spot in the program. Qualities of a Child Psychologist Enthusiasm. In order to become licensed or certified, your degree must be from an accredited school and your internship must be completed through an accredited institution. Social service agencies, such as the Department of Family Services, Child Protection Services, group homes, and orphanages also often employ child psychologists. Problem-solving skills will help you deal with difficult patients and develop effective treatment plans for each child in your care. As a child therapist or counselor, you will need to develop the skill of thinking in an intellectually reversible manner--you will need to assess the child from the outside-in as well as from inside-out. The job duties performed by a child psychologist depend heavily on their level of education and employment setting. Analytical skills will make analyzing and identifying your patient's issues and needs easier. Many child psychologists become specialists in using play therapy as an effective treatment modality for child clients. degree. To become a child psychologist, one will need approximately a decade of schooling. Social and Communication Skills. These programs usually last two years, if students attend full-time. Hospitals, inpatient and outpatient mental health centers, and community clinics are increasingly looking for qualified child psychologists to join their teams. Many non-profit organizations, such as those that specialize in working with homeless youth, employ child psychologists as well. What Is the Work Environment for a Child Psychologist? Master’s level workers in this field would work under the supervision of a Ph.D. or Psy.D. If you're interested in becoming a child psychologist, prepare to devote close to … Like graduate school, doctoral studies focus heavily on preparing students to work with clients. The employment outlook for child psychologists is expected to be slightly above average for the next seven to eight years. While earning a degree and completing an internship will get you started in the field, it takes a special kind of person to truly succeed as a child psychologist. Problem-solving – Because their clients are so young, and likely do not have the life experience to … Likewise, because their clients are minors and are heavily influenced by their home life, child psychologists are also often responsible for working with families. Admissions requirements vary from institution to institution, but usually students must meet GPA requirements and have an appropriately high score on the Graduate Record Exam (GRE). Typically, to be admitted to an undergraduate program, students must have a high school diploma or equivalency, satisfactory scores on either the ACT or SAT, and a GPA that meets or exceeds the minimum requirement. Research. These placements, like those in graduate school, are intended to provide students with extensive practical experience working with child clients. Jobs in this sector may be for private research companies, pharmaceutical companies, government agencies, or non-profit organizations. Facilitating and overseeing group therapy is also a common duty for child psychologists. Job Outlook The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics has given school, clinical, counseling, and industrial-organizational psychology the "bright outlook" designation because of those occupations' excellent job outlook . Coursework includes general education requirements, such as math, science, and English. Child Life Specialist Career and Salary Information. What Qualities Make a Good Developmental Psychologist? The need for more of these psychologists is set to increase based on the discovery of the importance of approaching child problems as a team by the professionals and adults involved. Critical Thinking.