Psychologist Job Description and Duties

Updated on: April 29, 2021

The stress of everyday life, relationships, and work can affect even the most emotionally stable of us quite negatively.

In recent times, more and more people are now visiting clinical psychologists to have themselves assessed and treated for behavioral, mental, and emotional disorders.

Psychologist Position Overview

Contrary to what people popularly believe, psychologists do not only treat mentally unwell people only. But they also assist people with depression and stress in coming to terms with their states of mind and helping them cope with life.

Most of us have thought of or been to a clinical psychologist at least once in our lives, and we all know that it can be quite beneficial.

Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat people with chronic depression and other mental health diseases by indulging in interviews, diagnostic tests, and observing them over a period.

Clinical psychologists work in clinics, hospitals, and rehabilitation facilities; some run their practices, which provides them with the leeway to work on a flexible schedule.

Working as a clinical psychologist, you will be performing some or all of the following duties:

Psychologist Duties, Common Tasks, and Responsibilities

• Interview patients calmly and confidently to determine their state of mind.

• Listen to what patients have to say with absolute calmness.

• Ensure that patients do not feel threatened or judged during the interview.

• Ask patients questions regarding their medical and family histories.

• Counsel patients suffering from anxiety or depression by providing support and exercising tact.

• Develop and implement individualized treatment plans to ward off depression, stress, or handle substance abuse.

• Attempt to analyze why patients’ are in the situation and what can be done to alleviate their misery.

• Confer with patients’ families to understand situations and personalities

• Refer patients to support services and specialists when needed.

• Perform psychological tests to determine patients’ mental health conditions.

• Analyze and interpret test results to determine and label mental problems.

• Assist patients in understanding how they can adjust to life by teaching them to cope.

 

Clinical Psychologist Job Requirements

To work as a clinical psychologist, you must possess a master’s degree in psychology – some facilities may even require a Ph.D. in psychology. You will need to meet the certification or licensing requirements of the state that you would like to practice in.

Additionally, you will need to possess a broad range of knowledge about mental health problems and be emotionally stable.

People who can interact with patients using exceptional communication skills can become excellent clinical psychologists.