Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Clinical and counseling psychologists assess and treat mental health conditions through interviews, observation, and psychological testing. They work in private practices, hospitals, clinics, universities, and community mental health centers. Using case history and psychological theory, they help individuals understand and manage emotional distress and behavioral problems.
Four short assessments and your background, scored against clinical and counseling psychologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
A day in the work
A typical week involves conducting individual or group therapy sessions, administering and interpreting psychological tests, reviewing patient records, and documenting case notes. Psychologists may spend time developing treatment plans, consulting with other healthcare providers, and completing administrative tasks. Work settings vary—a psychologist might see clients in a private office one day and consult at a hospital the next.
Who this work suits
Holland code SIC. Social work is helping, teaching and working closely with people. Aptly’s interest assessment scores you on the same six scales.
You likely enjoy working directly with people to understand complex problems and find solutions, fitting the social interest. Your investigative nature draws you to analyzing behavior, conducting assessments, and researching psychological theories. You're comfortable with extended education and building expertise over years of practice.
What it takes
Preparation: Extensive preparation (graduate degree and/or many years of experience). Most people in this occupation hold doct.
Skills that matter most
Knowledge areas
Who is hiring
Openings right now
- Staff Psychologist - Clinical Resource Hub · Veterans Health Administration · Anywhere in the U.S. (remote job) · Remote · $63795–$118204
- Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Chesapeake, Virginia · $108019–$140426
- Clinical Psychologist (Mental Health Consultant) · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Luke AFB, Arizona · $111338–$144741
- Clinical Psychologist · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Fort Belvoir, Virginia · $121785–$158322
- Clinical Psychologist (Behavioral Health) · Military Treatment Facilities under DHA · Fort Jackson, South Carolina · $106437–$138370
- Supervisory Clinical Psychologist · Indian Health Service · Shiprock, New Mexico · $145052–$188573
- Clinical Psychologist - Behavioral Health Interdisciplinary Program (BHIP) · Veterans Health Administration · Joplin, Missouri · $85485–$158393
- Clinical Psychologist · Veterans Health Administration · Reno, Nevada · $142752–$185580
Openings are read from employers’ own career pages and public job boards and change daily. Search all openings (free account) to filter by distance, pay and how well you qualify.
Pay by state
| State | 25th pct | Median | 75th pct | Employed |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Oregon | $98,190 | $134,350 | $151,240 | 540 |
| New Jersey | $64,780 | $127,090 | $166,490 | 2,700 |
| New Mexico | $87,460 | $124,800 | $131,470 | — |
| Alaska | $86,360 | $124,270 | $165,460 | 40 |
| Arizona | $69,610 | $119,010 | $141,880 | 730 |
| Hawaii | $99,180 | $117,860 | $138,510 | 250 |
| North Dakota | $83,840 | $116,130 | $127,360 | 170 |
| California | $77,050 | $116,000 | $162,360 | 12,840 |
| Washington | $99,540 | $115,240 | $145,790 | 1,270 |
| Massachusetts | $84,610 | $115,180 | $159,570 | 2,860 |
| New York | $86,220 | $114,400 | $135,200 | 8,420 |
| Wisconsin | $88,150 | $113,360 | $141,440 | 1,150 |
All 50 states, D.C. and Puerto Rico
Certifications people in this field hold
- Approved Consultant in Clinical Hypnosis — American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
- Certification of Clinical Hypnosis — American Society of Clinical Hypnosis
- Nationally Certified School Psychologist (NCSP) — National Association of School Psychologists
- Board Certified Specialist in Clinical Psychology — American Board of Professional Psychology
- Board Certified Specialist in Counseling Psychology — American Board of Professional Psychology
- Board Certified Specialist in Clinical Health Psychology — American Board of Professional Psychology
Training
Aptly members see WIOA-approved programs, colleges and certificates near them, with completion and earnings data, on every Path plan.
Job titles in this occupation
Related occupations
Four short assessments and your background, scored against clinical and counseling psychologists and 13,000 other careers — with the reasons. Free.
O*NET-SOC 19-3033.00 · O*NET OnLine. Pay: BLS OEWS May 2025, annual, U.S. Employment counts are national.