psychologists

Psychologists are professionals who study mental processes, behavior, and how people adapt to their environments. They apply scientific methods to observe, describe, and explain cognition, emotion, and actions, and they use this knowledge to help individuals, groups, and organizations function more effectively. Practicing psychologists may provide assessment, diagnosis, psychotherapy, behavioral interventions, and consultation, and they also conduct research to advance understanding and to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and programs.

Education and licensure: Most practicing psychologists hold a doctoral degree—either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)—earned after completing an undergraduate program. Doctoral training typically includes advanced coursework, supervised practicum, research, and the completion of a dissertation or capstone project. Licensure or certification is required to provide clinical services in many places and generally requires a period of supervised practice, a state or national examination, and ongoing continuing education.

Areas of work: Psychologists specialize in subfields such as clinical, counseling, school, educational, developmental, social, cognitive, neuropsychology, health psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology. They may conduct psychological testing and assessments, provide individual or group therapy, develop behavior modification plans, perform program evaluation, or advise organizations on personnel and productivity issues.

Practice settings and ethics: Psychologists work in hospitals, clinics, private practices, schools, universities, research institutes, government agencies, and corporations. They adhere to ethical guidelines that govern confidentiality, informed consent, competency, and the non-harmful treatment of clients. The field emphasizes evidence-based practice and the application of rigorous scientific methods.