Last Updated on June 4, 2022
A degree in psychology can open the door to a rewarding career. An undergraduate degree in psychology is a great foundation for a career in counseling and human services. New psychology graduates often find employment in entry level positions providing counseling and direct support to people with mental health and developmental disabilities. Career opportunities with an undergraduate degree in psychology can be limited in salary and can involve working with aggressive clients in psychiatric hospitals and detention centers. As you gain experience, there are opportunities to advance to more clinical positions.
A graduate degree in psychology provides a better opportunity for career advancement. A graduate degree in psychology can further prepare students for more leadership positions in the workplace. Supervisory positions often require a graduate degree in addition to work experience.
A
graduate degree with additional certification can open the door to even more
opportunities for growth. Psychology graduates usually pursue the Licensed
Professional Counselor (LPC) or become Licensed Clinical Psychologists. A licensed
clinician can advance into director positions as well as move on to private
practice. Depending on the state, additional course work and 2,000 to 4,000
clinical hours must be completed along with a state examination to become
licensed.
Undergraduate
Jobs
1. Case Manager- Case managers provide overall service coordination for clients in need. There are many job opportunities for case managers. They can work in mental health, developmental services, early intervention, and foster care. Case managers also work in hospitals and assist with discharge planning.
Estimated Salary: $40,000-$65,000
2.
Social Worker- Social
workers are similar to case managers in that they are responsible for service
coordination. Social workers also work in areas of Child Protective Services
(CPS) and Adult Protective Services (APS). These positions investigate claims
of abuse and neglect and assist with referrals and long –term support.
3.
Intake Clinician- Intake
clinicians often work psychiatric hospitals and provide the initial screening
for patients entering the hospital. They also work in public and private
agencies providing screening so that clients receive the most appropriate
services.
Estimated Salary: $40,000-$50,000
4.
Residential Counselor- Residential
counselors provide direct support to children with emotional disabilities and
adults with mental health and developmental disabilities.
Estimated Salary: $25,000-$30,000/ $12.00- $15.00 per hour
5.
In-Home Counselors/Mentors- In home
counselors provide counseling services and support in the home and the
community. Mentors typically work with children and teens with emotional and/or
developmental disabilities. Mentors provide support with community integration
and the development of social skills.
Estimated Salary: $12.00- $15.00 per hour
In-Home
Counselors/Mental Health Support Counselors- work with children and
adults who have both mental health and developmental disabilities. In-Home
counselors provide more therapeutic services and work on developing independent
living and coping skills.
Estimated Salary: $18.00- $25.00 per hour
6.
Mental Health Technician- Mental health
technicians work in psychiatric hospitals and provide support to people with
mental illness. This is usually an entry level position that can be mentally
and physically draining. They often have to work with patients that are in a
mental health crisis due to non-compliance with medication and/or substance abuse.
They also provide support for those who are hospitalized for suicidal and
homicidal threats.
Estimated Salary: $10.00- $15.00 per hour
Graduate
Jobs
1. Professor- In most states a Master’s degree in Psychology is all that is required to teach at the community college level. However, a Doctorate degree is usually needed to teach at most four-year colleges and universities.
Estimated Salary: $60,000-$75,000 (or more depending on the college/university)
2.
Social Work Supervisor/ Case Manager Supervisor/Unit Supervisor- Most supervisors in private and public social services
agencies require a graduate degree and significant experience in the human
services/psychology/counseling field.
Estimated Salary: $50,000-$75,000
Graduate and Certification/Licensed Jobs
1. Licensed Professional Counselor- Licensed professional counselors (LPC) provide outpatient counseling and assessment in both public and private agencies. Licensed professional counselors can also start their own private practice.
Estimated Salary: $40,000-$75,000 (or more in private practice)
2.
Substance Abuse Counselor- Certified
Substance Abuse Counselors (CSAC) provide substance abuse and addiction
counseling in public agencies and private practice.
Estimated Salary: $40,000-$60,000 (or more in private practice)
3. Licensed Clinical Psychologist- Clinical
Psychologist usually earns a Ph.D in Psychology or a Psy.D in Clinical
Psychology. Clinical psychologists are often responsible for assessment and
providing counseling services. Clinical psychologists also provide services in
private practice and service as clinical directors in public and private
practice.
Estimated Salary: $75,000-$100,000 (or more in private practice)
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