The human mind is an amazing mechanism. How it works has challenged great thinkers for centuries, and it is the core concern of psychologists.

Psychologists study mental processes and human behavior. According to the American Psychological Association (APA), psychologists are concerned with two kinds of relationships: one between brain function and behavior, and the other between the environment and behavior. Within this framework, psychologists conduct research, diagnose and treat patients, and teach.

Don’t confuse psychologists with psychiatrists: the latter are medical doctors who have specialized in diagnosing and treating psychological disorders. Psychologists can also choose among a wide variety of special fields:

• Clinical psychologists treat mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders.
  
• Counseling psychologists help people make changes or adjust to difficult changes in their lives.
  
• Developmental psychologists study human development.
  
• Educational psychologists focus on the teaching and learning process.
  
• Engineering psychologists study the dynamics between people and machines.
  
• Forensic psychologists use their skills in courtroom testimony and other legal applications.
  
• Health psychologists deal with illness and health issues.
  
• Industrial/organizational psychologists focus on the workplace and ways in which employees can be both more productive and gain job satisfaction.
  
• Neuropsychologists study connections between the brain and human behavior, in some cases assessing and treating people with brain injuries.
  
• Quantitative and measurement psychologists focus on ways to acquire and assess psychological data.
  
• Rehabilitation psychologists help victims of illnesses and accidents or people with developmental disabilities adapt to their situations.
  
• School psychologists work directly with students in school settings.
  
• Social psychologists focus on relationships and their effect on behavior.
  
• Sports psychologists help athletes reduce stress and focus on achieving their goals.

With so many specialties, there is no one path to success. The usual starting point is to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology. Most jobs in the field, however, require a master’s or doctoral degree. This means that potential psychologists must be good students who enjoy school and are persistent at academic pursuits. Excellent communication skills, empathy for others, and strong analytical abilities are also needed.

The job market for psychologists is competitive, but the U.S. Department of Labor forecasts that job growth in the near future will be faster than the average for all occupations. Prospects will be brightest for those holding doctorates from leading universities. Healthcare organizations, schools, and private corporations are also expected to have increasing numbers of openings for those with various backgrounds. About half of all psychologists work in private practice. Currently, most psychologists who are not self-employed work in educational institutions or health services.

With such a range of career possibilities, it’s not surprising that salaries vary widely. The median income of salaried pyschologists is nearly $55,000, according to the U.S. Department of Labor. Psychologists in top-level positions or private practice may earn more than $125,000 yearly.

For more information, contact the American Psychological Association, 750 First Street, NE, Washington, D.C. 20002-4242, www.apa.org.

Article courtesy of www.careersandcolleges.com