Professional School of Psychology Online Resource

 

What is a "Professional Psychologist"?

Professional Psychologists have doctoral degrees (Psy.D., Ph.D., or Ed.D.) obtained in psychology. The degree is usually in the area of clinical, counseling, or school psychology. Traditionally, Professional Psychologists have provided personality and intelligence testing, diagnostic services, individual, family, marital, and group therapy, and other forms of treatment. Psychologists can also be helpful in personal actualization - helping people to reach their full La Salle University potential. Thus, such areas as executive coaching and sports psychology are focused on the further enhancement of already well-developed skills. This is a major emphasis of the "positive" psychology movement. Psychologists' roles also include consultation, management, supervision, and education. Psychologists in many states are working to attain prescription privileges. Professional Psychologists are typically licensed to provide the above services in one or more states.

Psychological training and practice differ from those of other fields and professions in their empirical and scholarly foundations. According to the American Psychological Association, psychology is the study of the mind and behavior. The discipline embraces all aspects of the human experience - from the functions of the brain to the actions of nations, from child development to care for the aged. Psychology concerns every conceivable setting from scientific research centers to mental health care services and professional schools of psychology. "The understanding of behavior" is the enterprise of psychologists.

 

The title "psychologist" is different from that of "counselor," therapist," or "psychotherapist." The latter three terms usually refer to someone who has a Bachelor's or Master’s degree in social work, nursing, counseling, counselor education, or any number of other fields. If licensed, they are most often licensed as a social worker, a mental health counselor, a registered nurse practitioner, or a marriage and family therapist. Sometimes, however, professional psychologists refer to themselves as "counselor" or "psychotherapist." It is always a good idea to ask about any potential mental health professional's credentials.

Are you, or someone you know, having problems that you don't understand?

Find out more about types of psychological problems that people have and the help that is available for them by clicking here. This section offers information from the American Psychological Association (APA) and the National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) about new developments in psychology as well as the symptoms and treatment of mental illness. Included are brochures and information sheets, reports, press releases, fact sheets, and other educational materials.

Would you like help from a professional psychologist in reaching your full potential?

Psychologists can also help people enhance their skills and performance. Links about this will be added soon.

Graduate School and Careers in Psychology Online Resources

Entry into a graduate program in a professional school of psychology can be rather complex and confusing. There are numerous ways to gain entry. Equally, however, there are numerous hurdles. The main thing is not to be put off. Take it one step at a time. Read over this information and write down any questions you may have for the faculty of your choice. Members of your chosen faculty will be happy to help.

Areas of Graduate Study for Professional School of Psychology

There are many kinds of graduate programs in a professional school of psychology, the most common being: experimental, developmental, social, biopsychology, cognitive, clinical, counseling, school, and organizational psychology (also known as industrial-organizational psychology, or simply "IO"). These last four (clinical, counseling, school, and IO) are considered by the American Psychological Association (APA) to be the four distinct areas of applied psychology.

Other specialized graduate programs are devoted to sports psychology, psychology and law, or behavioral medicine. What you'll find is that psychology departments at large universities usually include many of the most common programs, however, most universities will only have a few of them.

The best source of information for the various programs of study is the book "Graduate Study in Psychology", published by the American Psychological Association. It lists, by state, most of the graduate psychology programs in this country. It includes information about admission criteria, how many students are accepted each year, numbers of faculty members, and where to get more information and an application.

You can order "Graduate Study in Psychology" directly from: American Psychological Association, Order Department, P.O. Box 2710, Hyattsville, MD, 20784 (800) 374 2721.

Click here for further reading and a comprehensive overview of Professional School of Psychology Entrance Criteria.