Stress, anxiety and other emotional problems affect many people during their personal and professional lives. While emotional turmoil may seem inevitable at times, clinical psychologists strive to help individuals address such issues as they arise.
Clinical psychology can lead to a rewarding career that focuses on the health and well-being of patients of all ages and may be an appealing option for students interested in mental health, therapy or the provision of direct patient care. Florida Institute of Technology’s online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Applied Psychology – Clinical Psychology program prepares students for their future careers with skills, knowledge and clinical experience.
Job Outlook for Clinical Psychologists
The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects employment growth of 7% from 2023-33 for the category of professionals that includes clinical psychologists. This rate of growth, which significantly outpaces the national average for all occupations, reflects an increased interest in the potential of psychologists to assess and treat common disorders, including depression, stress and addiction.
Many clinical psychologists are in private practice and set their own work schedules, which may include after-hours and weekend appointments. Other clinical psychologists are employed by hospitals, nursing homes and other healthcare facilities.
Job Duties for Clinical Psychologists
Clinical psychologists are employed to help people understand and heal mental, emotional or behavioral disorders. In many cases, a clinical psychologist’s role involves speaking with clients to help them understand the perceived cause of an ailment. Some clinical psychologists may favor the use of diagnostic tests, while others may favor analysis of a particular point in a patient’s life. Clinical psychologists may also specialize in working with specific groups of people, such as children, the elderly, couples or military veterans.
After diagnosing a patient, the next step is to develop and recommend a suitable course of treatment. In most states, clinical psychologists are not authorized to prescribe medication. If a clinician decides that a prescription is warranted, patients may be referred to practicing psychiatrists for further diagnosis. In other cases, clinical psychologists may design a process of behavior modifications or exercises to help patients deal with issues.
What Is a Clinical Psychologist Salary?
The median annual wage for the category of professionals that includes clinical psychologists was $109,894 as of June 2025, ZipRecruiter reports. The top 10% of clinical psychologists earn $143,000 a year.
Employment prospects and potential salary ranges typically vary based on an individual’s work history and educational qualifications, as well as factors such as local market conditions and employer type. Entry-level positions for clinical psychologists tend to feature salaries on the lower end of the spectrum.
Education and Training for Clinical Psychologists
Prospective students can take a step toward a clinical psychology career by enrolling in an undergraduate program such as the BA in Applied Psychology – Clinical Psychology online from Florida Tech. Such programs should prepare students to:
- Understand various methods of assessing and treating behavioral disorders
- Identify the biological components of motivation, learning, emotion and memory
Upon completing a bachelor’s degree, students will likely need to work toward a doctoral degree to practice as a clinical psychologist. BLS notes two options for doctoral-level studies: a PhD in psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree.
Beyond formal educational qualifications, clinical psychologists typically require a license to practice professionally. While requirements vary among states, most licensing programs require a doctoral degree in psychology, an internship, several years of professional experience and a passing grade on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Is a Career in Clinical Psychology Right for You?
The field of clinical psychology can accommodate individuals with a strong interest in research as well as those who wish to spend most of their time in clinical practice. Fundamentally, it is a profession focused on direct patient care.
Clinical psychologists must be able to listen and make recommendations, and an effective clinician is likely to be empathetic and patient. If you enjoy the prospect of working closely with people on sensitive issues and helping them process and deal with short- and long-term problems in their lives, a career as a clinical psychologist may be an excellent choice. Begin your journey in this field by enrolling in the BA in Applied Psychology – Clinical Psychology online program from Florida Tech.
Learn more about Florida Tech’s online BA in Applied Psychology – Clinical Psychology program.
