Here we summarize the 10 reasons to study clinical psychology. This specialization is one of the most popular in the field and can provide psychology professionals with new job, academic, and general career growth opportunities.
1. Scientific knowledge of human behavior and mind
Clinical psychology is a fascinating discipline. The image of the psychologist and the patient on the couch has contributed to giving it a nuance of mystery and sacredness. Clinical psychology has been the area of psychology that has contributed most to its development as a science. Clinical psychology contributes to the understanding of human behavior and mental processes and will allow you, based on scientific evidence, to understand how and why people act, think, and feel.
2. Clinical psychology is a problem-solving oriented specialization
Yes, there will be many problems, but for some, that is challenging and fascinating. Clinical psychology is a challenging branch of psychology that demands resilience, emotional intelligence, and a lot of empathy. For hours you will be treating people with emotional problems, which can be stressful; sometimes clinical practice can clash with what was learned in university.
At the same time, clinical psychology is a specialization that will allow you to develop problem-solving skills at a high level.
Each patient is different and unique, and surely the way to approach their problems will also be different. The career is neither monotonous nor routine, and you will frequently find yourself at crossroads where you will have to take into account the patient’s diagnosis and needs.
People who like to analyze problems and return to them to solve them are ideal for pursuing a master’s degree in clinical psychology. You will develop analytical, predictive, communicative, comprehension, accompaniment, and empathy skills to support the well-being of your patients.
3. You will help people with their emotional health and well-being
It is one of the main reasons to study clinical psychology, a service-oriented profession. This discipline works closely with patients in the search for palliative care and help for their emotional problems, conflicts, and mental difficulties.
Your professional skills and talents can help in devastating situations such as suicidal behaviors, addictions, or grief processing. You will be able to help people overcome their difficulties and regain their lives or transform them for the better. That possibility of making a difference in someone’s life is very satisfying. Just imagine the achievements your patients will have and how you will feel when you help them in their healing process – Amazing!
4. Clinical psychology is a valuable specialization with a secure and diverse career path
Among the six reasons to study clinical psychology is that it is a career valued by society with a broad and secure professional path. It is a stimulating and inspiring career that allows working with diverse groups of people: children, adolescents, women, the LGBTIQ+ community, migrants, etc.
Clinical psychologists can work in clinics, hospitals, and schools, but also manage their own practice or integrate multidisciplinary teams for medical interventions. This career will continue to grow in the coming years, and the application of technology to this discipline will undoubtedly generate new opportunities for professionals.
5. Clinical psychologists earn good salaries
In the United States, a psychologist earns an average of $82,000 annually, according to data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.
In Colombia, clinical psychologists have an average monthly salary of $1,700,000 Colombian pesos (428 USD), according to the job board co.talent, and in Mexico, according to Glassdoor, a psychologist has an average base salary of $11,455 Mexican pesos per month (559 USD).
While salaries for the position of psychologist vary according to region, experience, and specialty, clinical psychology is undoubtedly one of the most remunerated specializations in the health field.
6. It is a profession with a high human factor
Clinical psychology shares a common aspect with all health-related careers: the high human component of the discipline. In addition to being an intrinsically interesting job, it is a profession that is 100% about people.
The specialist will have unparalleled access to people’s deepest fears, thoughts, and emotions. This sounds a bit daunting, but it will also give the psychologist a more human and empathetic dimension and provide them with human tools such as active listening and the ability to guide them to solve their problems. We’re not saying clinical psychology will make you a better human being, but it will help you understand life from a more human and compassionate perspective.
7. Diverse levels of research and professional independence
Psychology was born as a science from university laboratories and scientific experimentation, and its development has continued in this way. It is a career that prioritizes and centers its findings and advances on scientific experimentation, and in this area, the clinical psychology professional will have much to apply theory and contrast with practice. Similarly, an experienced and curious psychologist will focus on new ways of carrying out interventions, evaluating new methods of care, and developing new clinical dynamics.
At the same time, this possibility of developing studies and contributing to the development of the profession will also provide the opportunity to pursue an academic or clinical career as an independent researcher.
8. As a clinical psychologist, you can make a difference in an individual’s life
It is a profession that allows, not once or twice, but on multiple occasions, to make a difference in a person’s life and impact their emotional health and positive mental evolution. You could help a person overcome a loss, go through grief, overcome and break free from a vicious cycle, suicidal thoughts, addictions; as well as help a person improve their self-improvement, feel more secure, and gain confidence and self-esteem, and with that, improve their well-being and living conditions.
In extreme cases, you will undoubtedly make a difference in many of your patients, and there will be no greater reward than seeing them take control of their lives and helping them to be happier and more fulfilled.
9. The field of study, specialization, and professional development in clinical psychology is broad
You will learn about multiple topics related to human beings in a deep and specialized way, which will make you an expert in a specific subject. Psychology also has very diverse applications and is generally combined with other disciplines. Just look at some of the study, research, and work options a psychologist has after graduating:
- Criminology, criminal investigation, forensic sciences.
- Sociology, social work, anthropology, and philosophy
- Biology, zoology, environmental sciences.
- Education, counseling, childhood studies, and development.
- Human Resources, advertising, marketing.
- Film and media studies, digital and media information, computer science.
- Sports, neurosciences, neuromanagement, neuropsychology.
- Coaching, professional and scientific writing, consulting, journalism.
10. The world needs clinical psychologists
Although we mention it last, it is perhaps the most important. The world needs clinical psychologists prepared to address the mental health care needs of people worldwide.
The World Health Organization (WHO) has warned of the prevalence and increase in rates of emotional problems (post-traumatic stress, depression, anxiety); at the same time, it alerts about the shortage of clinical psychologists and mental health personnel to meet society’s demands.
In 2020, a report from the Spanish Ombudsman’s Office spoke of 6 psychologists per 100,000 inhabitants. A figure below the European average, where it is estimated that 18 psychologists per 100,000 inhabitants provide the service.
The WHO also points out that worldwide, 450 million people are affected by a mental health problem that severely limits their lives. Of these, between 30-50% will not receive adequate or timely treatment.
These data confirm the relevance of clinical psychology as a professional choice.
Specialize in clinical psychology and grow professionally
As you can see, there are many reasons to delve into this field of study. Pursuing a master’s degree, a graduate diploma, or a specialization in clinical psychology can be a great step to continue your education and boost your professional career.