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.
SOC: 19-3033.00
Common Job Titles
Clinical Psychologist
Counseling Psychologist
Psychologist
Psychotherapist
What You'll Need to Succeed
AI-generated
Key competencies for this occupation at a glance
KnowledgeEvaluate mental health diagnoses and treatment outcomes using psychological assessment instruments and clinical interviews in independent practice.
Advanced
MindsetIntegrate patient-centered therapeutic principles with evidence-based interventions when establishing and maintaining therapeutic relationships with diverse client populations.
Advanced
KnowledgeDesign behavior modification programs and therapeutic interventions tailored to individual client needs across personal, social, educational, and vocational domains.
Advanced
KnowledgeSynthesize therapeutic approaches from multiple psychological theories to provide individual and group counseling services addressing distress and maladjustment.
Advanced
KnowledgeAnalyze patient case histories, psychological test results, and behavioral patterns to formulate evidence-based treatment plans for individuals with mental and emotional disorders.
Proficient
MindsetAdvocate for client welfare and autonomy when resolving conflicts and negotiating treatment approaches with interdisciplinary medical teams.
Proficient
KnowledgeAssess cognitive, emotional, and behavioral functioning through administration and interpretation of standardized psychological tests and clinical observations.
Proficient
KnowledgeEvaluate client progress and treatment efficacy using electronic health record systems and ongoing clinical monitoring in compliance with regulatory standards.
Proficient
MindsetIntegrate cultural competence and ethical practice standards when providing consultation to medical personnel regarding optimal patient treatment strategies.
Proficient
KnowledgeDevelop training programs and educational interventions to teach coping strategies and psychological skills to individuals and groups.
Proficient
Wage Data According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics
Annual wage data for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (2024)
Estimated Total Employment (U.S.)
72,190
Wage Distribution by Percentile
Line chart of annual wages by percentile. U.S. is the solid line. 10th percentile: U.S. $50,470. 25th percentile: U.S. $67,470. 50th percentile: U.S. $95,830. 75th percentile: U.S. $131,510. 90th percentile: U.S. $170,150. Use the left and right arrow keys to move between percentiles.
U.S.
Metric
U.S.
10% of workers earn the following or less
$50,470
10% of workers earn the following or more
$170,150
Workers on average earn
$106,850
+ indicates wage is at or above the BLS reporting cap ($239,200/year)
Skills & Requirements
Key competencies for this occupation, ranked by importance
Therapy and Counseling5.0/5
Psychology5.0/5
English Language4.1/5
Education and Training3.9/5
Customer and Personal Service3.7/5
Skills & Requirements: Knowledge
Tools & Technology
Equipment and software commonly used in this occupation
