How to become a child phycologist

Salary, Education Requirements And Job Growth – Forbes Advisor

Updated: Aug 2, 2022, 1:24pm

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Children’s mental health affects how they think, act, feel and relate to others, and poor mental health can have devastating effects on them. Even toddlers and young children can suffer from mental health issues.

If you enjoy working with children and you’re wondering how to become a child psychologist, read on to find out what you need to know to enter this career field. If you want to make a difference in children’s lives, becoming a child psychologist may be a good career option.

Child Psychologist Job Outlook

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) does not report data on child psychologists specifically, but it does track data on psychologists overall. The BLS projects jobs for psychologists to increase by 8% between 2020 and 2030.

Children of all ages need mental healthcare. According to a study by the Centers for Disease Control, 1 in 6 children between the ages of 2 and 8 have been diagnosed with a mental, behavioral or developmental disorder. And 8.9% of adolescents and teens aged 12 to 17 have attempted suicide. These statistics indicate a critical need for child psychologists to help children of all ages manage their emotional, behavioral and mental health issues.

What Does a Child Psychologist Do?

Child psychologists provide psychological services to children and adolescents to help promote their mental health and well-being. These professionals use specialized knowledge and strategies to address the psychological needs of children who are struggling with behavioral, emotional or other mental health challenges.

Below are a few ways child psychologists support children’s well-being:

• They use testing and evaluation procedures to assess children’s psychological, intellectual and cognitive issues.
• They address psychological, emotional, developmental, cognitive and behavioral issues that children may be experiencing.
• They treat children who struggle with trauma and loss, anxiety, stress, depression, attention-deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD), cognitive deficits, behavioral problems, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), suicidal ideation, addiction, eating disorders and other conditions.
• They provide interventions, such as psychotherapy and behavior modification.
• They may work to develop preventative programs for bullying, teen pregnancy, childhood obesity, substance abuse and other issues.

Child Psychologist Salary

Child psychologists earn an average annual base salary of around $65,000. Child psychologists with 20 or more years of experience earn an average annual salary of around $96,000.

Steps to Becoming a Child Psychologist

If you want to become a child psychologist, plan to spend six to eight years completing the education required for licensure. You must complete a bachelor’s degree, a doctorate, an internship and a postdoctoral fellowship before you can move forward with testing for licensing and certification.

As you plan your career path, learn your state’s specific requirements, as each state sets its own licensing requirements.

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

To become a child psychologist, you must earn a bachelor’s degree in child psychology, psychology or a related field. Majoring in one of these subjects helps you learn the basics of psychology and prepare to begin your doctoral program. Bachelor’s degree coursework varies among majors.

If you choose a bachelor’s degree in child psychology, coursework may include child development, adolescent development, educational psychology and disorders of childhood and adolescence.

A bachelor’s degree in psychology involves more general coursework. Courses may include introduction to psychology, introduction to anatomy and physiology, statistics and scientific investigation. If you choose this path, consider taking classes that focus on children’s mental health issues, if they are available.

Complete a Psy.D. or Ph.D. Program

A master’s degree would enable you to work as a mental health counselor, but you need a doctorate to become a child psychologist. To become a child psychologist, you could theoretically move directly into a doctoral program after earning your bachelor’s. However, if your undergraduate degree is in a field unrelated to psychology, you may need to earn a master’s in child psychology or psychology first.

You can pursue a Psy.D. or a Ph.D. for your doctoral degree. Either of these degrees provides a deep understanding of the principles of child psychology and prepares you to work as a child psychologist. However, there are differences between the two degree types.

Ph.D.

A Ph.D. is more research-focused than a Psy.D. It’s common for those who earn this degree to work in teaching, research or clinical practice. Choose a Ph.D. if you want to learn more about the principles of research as they relate to your field.

The coursework required for a Ph.D. may include advanced research methods, statistics, abnormal psychology, developmental psychology, personality psychology and experimental methods.

Psy.D.

Choose a Psy.D. if you want to concentrate less on research and more on direct work with children in clinical settings. You can complete this degree program more quickly than a Ph.D. program because a Psy.D. has fewer requirements.

Coursework required for a Psy.D. may include child development, adolescent development, social psychology, cognitive foundations of behavior, psychological theories and research methods.

Gain Pre-Professional Experience

Doctoral programs for psychology typically require internships. The Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers provides information on finding internships and helps candidates match with internship opportunities.

You must complete a postdoctoral fellowship to become a child psychologist. A fellowship involves working for a specific number of hours under supervision, typically lasting one or two years. A fellowship allows you to gain real-world experience working with children in a clinical setting.

Apply for State Licensure

After earning your doctorate, you must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)—the national licensing exam—to become a licensed child psychologist. The Association of State and Provincial Psychology Board (ASPPB) oversees the EPPP.

Specific licensing requirements vary by state, so check your state’s guidelines to ensure you’re meeting the requirements. The ASPPB maintains an online directory of licensing boards in the U.S. and Canada.

Obtain Board Certification

Becoming board-certified signifies that you have proven expertise in your chosen specialty. The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) handles certification for licensed psychologists in 15 specialty areas.

The American Board of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology (ABCCAP) is a member board of ABPP and handles board certification for the clinical child and adolescent psychology credential. You must pass the ABCCAP exam to become certified.

Frequently Asked Questions About Child Psychologists

What skills are needed to be a child psychologist?

Child psychologists need to have excellent analytical, observation, problem-solving and research skills. They also need to be compassionate and understanding since they may work with children who have serious mental disorders or those who may be victims of abuse.

How long does it take to become a child psychologist?

It should take you six to eight years to complete your education requirements. All in all, it takes eight to 10 years to complete your fellowship, take your exams and go through the licensing and certification processes.

What is the difference between pediatric psychology and child psychology?

Pediatric psychologists typically work in medical facilities such as pediatric hospitals, treating children with life-threatening illnesses. Child psychologists may work in other settings, including outpatient clinics, hospitals, government agencies and private practices.

Is a child psychologist a doctor?

No, a child psychologist is not a medical doctor. In most states, psychologists cannot perform medical procedures or write prescriptions.

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A person's childhood is often a very simple yet complicated time. It is also a very influential time in a person's life, and most people's childhoods will have a big impact on the type of adult they turn out to be later in life.

Childhood psychology is a specialized branch of traditional psychology that focuses on children, mainly their development and behavior. It is one of the most commonly studied types of psychology today. This type of psychology typically covers every child, from birth to adolescence. Some areas covered under childhood psychology include milestones, behavior problems, social skills, mental and emotional well being and development.

Centuries ago, childhood psychology wasn't even thought of. It is commonly believed that children during Medieval times, for instance, were viewed as nothing more than small versions of adults. They were dressed the same and often treated the same as the typical adult.

Shortly thereafter, original sin was the most common belief. This school of thought stated that children were born basically as purely evil beings. The purpose of a child's upbringing was to rid him of sin.

John Locke, a philosopher, helped changed this outlook toward the end of the 17th century. It was lock who developed the tabula rasa, or "blank tablet", theory regarding children. This theory stated that upon birth, a child's mind was nothing more than a blank tablet. All of a person's knowledge and behavior tendencies were then created by what was fed into his mind as a child.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau was a philosopher in the 18th century, most famous for his "innate goodness" theory. This theory suggested that when a child was born, he was not evil or blank, but inherently good. Rousseau also suggested that it was the evils encountered in society that made children misbehave or grow up to be less than stellar adults.

Today, the debate about whether children are born good, bad, or indifferent is still something of a minor debate for some. What we do realize, however, is that childhood is a very influential time in a person's life. Events that happen in a person's childhood - even small, seemingly insignificant events - usually have a direct impact on how that person feels and acts as an adult.

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Some Influential Child Psychologists Throughout History

• Sigmund Freud- Developed the theory of the five developmental stages of humans, four of which occur during childhood.
• Anna Freud-  Made significant contributions to the area of psychoanalytic child psychology.
• Jean Piaget-  Developed a theory of cognitive development that placed an emphasis on a child's education.
• John Bowlby-  Originated "attachment theory", which makes it easier to understand long term relationships between humans.

Below is the complete educational path for the Psychologists:

Learn more about child psychology degrees.

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In general, a childhood psychologist might work with children and their primary caregivers in order to research, assess, and possibly treat developmental issues. Depending on his preferred area of study, a child psychologist will often work with all sorts of children.

Not every child that a child psychologist works with is considered to be abnormal. A child psychologist might work with so-called "normal" children for several reasons. He may perform a psychological examination, for instance, or just be a sounding board for a slightly troubled child.

A child psychologist might also work with children who are considered to have slight mental, emotional, or social problems. This can include things like anxiety or shyness.

Child psychologists might also work with children who have severe mental, emotional, or social problems as well. Violent children, autistic children, and those who have been abused, for instance, will often benefit from the help of a child psychologist.

No matter what type of patient that a child psychologist chooses to work with, he must always deal with them carefully and handle them with "kid gloves", so to speak. As mentioned above, childhood is a very influential time in a person's life. A child psychologist should be compassionate, understanding, and patient when dealing with children.

A child psychologist will often use a variety of treatment method, many of which are similar to the treatment methods used with adults. Therapy, such as cognitive behavioral therapy, for instance, is often a popular form of treatment. This type of treatment often involves helping a child learn to solve his problems in a healthy and productive manner.

However - children being children - usually have different needs than adults, and a child psychologists treatment methods should accommodate these needs. For example, may children are easily bored, making traditional treatment options somewhat difficult. To overcome this obstacle, a child psychologist must make interactions with his patients fun and entertaining whenever possible. Many child psychologists will provide fun activities for their young patients, such as coloring books and toys. Many of these activities are used during play therapy.

There is a high demand for licensed child psychologists, and these professionals will often have very little trouble finding employment.

Many organizations that regularly deal with children typically hire child psychologists. This can include schools, orphanages, and child welfare offices. Health oriented organizations might also hire child psychologists. This can include hospitals and mental health clinics.

In addition to working for others, a person interested in a child psychologist career can also usually choose to open his own practice, which allows him more time to focus on each patient.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), clinical, counseling, and school psychologists earned a median salary of $78,200 as of May 2019.

Some of the top earners in this field worked in child daycare services, earning an average salary of $120,130. Other top-paying fields for child psychologists (according to average salary) include:

• Offices of healthcare practitioners: $100,300
• Physicians’ offices: $95,960
• Outpatient care centers: $99,870

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Employment Outlook & Career Guidance for Child Psychologists

Child psychologists are often associated with working in the educational system to assist children with emotional, social and academic issues. However, the career field allows graduates and professionals to seek employment within a wide range of job settings that deal with infants, toddlers, and teenagers. There are plenty of positions and opportunities to develop a child psychology career that incorporate the knowledge, prevention, diagnosis and treatment of developmental, cognitive, social, and emotional issues of today's youths. Learn more about careers in child psychology.

What Type of Positions Can a Child Psychologist Hold?

Mostly known for holding positions in schools, child psychologists encounter employment options spanning a variety of clinical and wide-ranging academic settings.

Specific career paths that a child psychologist may take include:

• Working with children suffering from psychological disorders (such as anxiety, mood and personality disorders), as an abnormal child psychologist.

• Opening a private practice serving a specific age group, such as the adolescent psychologist who typically deals with clients between the ages of 12 and 18.

• Pursuing a career related to childhood development, and focus on the mental growth of children.

• Using a clinical degree to work in an outpatient clinic, and treating children suffering from psychological difficulties or health problems.

• Focusing on influencing policy development at the federal level by sharing knowledge and ideas for solutions related to social problems that affect children.

Assuming a position within a private school to create programs that promote the success of students, as well as to provide individual counseling.

"Working in the schools has its benefits including competitive starting salaries, good health and retirement benefits, and having weekends and holidays off."

– Dr. Thomas Massarelli, Director of the School and Community Psychology Program at Seton Hall University

Any organization or service that deals with children and adolescents may hire the services of a child psychologist; career opportunities are also found in the following settings:

• Legal Setting: Within the legal system, child psychologists assess young victims of a crime; work with youthful offenders at juvenile detention center; perform court-appointed assessments; help young witnesses to a crime prepare for testifying in court; get involved during and after the proceedings of a custody dispute; and also help explain to authorities why a young perpetrator may have committed a crime.

• Mental Health Care Setting: Mental health organizations that provide counseling to children need child psychologists to work with youths, as well as with families to help ease issues that affect a child, such as abuse, neglect, social skills development, divorce, mental illness, school issues, and addiction.

• Hospital Setting: A children's hospital (or any other hospital that has children as patients) turn to child psychologists to help youths cope with an illness, or when a family member is sick. Child psychologists also work with patients with traumatic brain injury, neuromotor disorders, and developmental disabilities.

• Research Setting: Child psychologists may conduct research which leads to gaining a better understanding on how children develop, and cope with a range of issues and problems. Research topics include cognitive development, learning disabilities, school dropout prevention, learning theory, and the effects of drug and alcohol abuse on children.

"[Child psychologists] can opt for a research position, a teaching position, or a combined position in universities."

– Laura E. Brumariu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Adelphi University, Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies

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Ways for Child Psychologists to Increase Desirability as a Job Candidate

According to Massarelli, the most important way a child psychologist can increase his or her desirability as a job applicant is to reach out to professional organizations through journals and magazines, such as the APA Monitor or the NASP Communiqué. Employment leads are also found when a child psychologist becomes involved with state and local organizations.

"It is important that a curriculum vita is prepared by the applicant indicating his/her education, professional activities and references."

– Dr. Thomas Massarelli

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Attributes That Employers Often Look for When Hiring a Child Psychologist

• A familiarity with different treatment techniques, such as play, art or music therapy.

• Good interpersonal skills and the innate knack for making children feel at ease.

• A good sense of humor that conveys approachability.

• Compassion, understanding, and patience towards children.

• The ability to relate to young patients without "talking down" to them.

• An active listener who is open to working with a child to arrive at possible solutions to problems.

"Most important is to be passionate about what one is doing and choosing a specialty that one loves. That will help [a child psychologist] excel in that particular area, and be desirable as a job applicant."

– Laura E. Brumariu, Ph.D.

Ways for a Child Psychologist to Increase His/Her Salary

An employed child psychologist who continues to pursue extensive training and education increases his or her chances of earning a promotion or qualifying for a higher position. Child psychologists with a doctorate degree earn more money than a counselor with a master's degree; Massarelli says the higher the degree usually means the more money one makes.

Massarelli also suggests another way a child psychologist can increase his or her salary is by being the best in a particular area of psychology – especially where there is a demand for that service. Those who specialize in the treatment of certain disorders or conditions tend to make more money than a general practitioner who addresses a wider range of disorders.

"Word of mouth is an excellent way one can market oneself and increase one's salary over time. "

– Dr. Thomas Massarelli

Private practice child psychologists additionally face the potential of making more money than those with a fixed pay scale who are employed in the school system or with another organization. A private practice allows psychologists to choose how many clients are seen, and set their own fees for their counseling and/or therapy services.

However, a factor to consider is job stability. The amount of money earned can change on a weekly basis, and the possibility of losing clients for unforeseen reasons can occur – all of which can lead to an overall decreased salary in some cases.

Networking Opportunities and Organizations for Child Psychologists

"Emailing individuals is by far the most common way to communicate with colleagues; however, through LinkedIn and other Internet media sites, professionals from all over the country and outside the country can communicate with each other."

– Dr. Thomas Massarelli

Social media and online interaction provides a wealth of networking opportunities for child psychologists. According to Massarelli, another helpful resource is ListServ, an email discussion group that facilitates communication between professionals in various fields, including psychology.

Attending a conference connects child psychologists with others in the field, and provides an entryway for collaboration and the exchange of ideas to take place. Brumariu notes that working on papers together, consulting, speaking with others, and participating in intellectual exchanges regarding topics of interests, are all worthy ways to network with other professionals.

Joining a professional organization also provides networking opportunities for child psychologists.

A few to note include:

• American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychology
• National Association of School Psychologists (NASP)
• American Psychological Association (APA)
• American Counseling Association (ACA)

Child Psychology Continuing Education (CE) Sources

In addition to state-approved CE programs for psychologists, the APA provides continuing education programs for child psychologists. Opportunities to develop on a professional level include earning continuing education credits in topics such as Bipolar Disorder in Children and Adolescents; Violence Against Women and Children; and Social Anxiety in Adolescents and Young Adults.

Featured Child Psychology Expert Interview: Dr. Rachelle Robinson

Profession child psychologist. | University SYNERGY

There are many areas related to psychology on the labor market. A number of professions are directly related to the provision of psychological counseling, some include the skills of psychological influence and testing, combined with other types of duties, such as marketing. Graduates who want to combine the desire to help people with pedagogical and correctional activities will suit the profession of a child psychologist.

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Job responsibilities of a child psychologist

The main task of a professional is to assess the psycho-emotional state of a child in a children's team, correct socialization and adaptation, use testing and questionnaire methods to identify adverse environmental factors.

List of duties:

• Preservation of the mental and social well-being of children;
• Determination of the level of psycho-emotional load and mental development according to age norms; nine0014
• Counseling teachers, pupils of preschool educational institutions or students of schools individually or jointly with parents;
• Conducting psychodiagnostics;
• Expert evaluation and issuance of an opinion on the readiness of the child to attend educational institutions and his reaction to the academic load;
• Filling out customer cards and maintaining general documentation;
• Planning and implementation of pedagogical programs aimed at maintaining and developing talents; nine0014
• Support for gifted children;
• Determination of the degree of social and physiological deviations;
• Conducting psycho-pedagogical correction;
• Formation of a culture of education.

The psychologist is in constant interaction with the management of the educational institution, teachers, students and pupils and their parents.

Key skills of a specialist

To perform job duties, profile training and development of basic competencies are required:

1. Knowledge of the regulatory framework for the implementation of activities, including laws on education and protection of the rights of children at the international, all-Russian and territorial levels.
2. Application of methods for diagnosing and correcting psychological deviations.
3. The use of theoretical and practical foundations of pedagogy, defectology, psychosomatics, pathopsychology, psychohygiene, neuropsychology, sexology.
4. Methodological development of educational programs. nine0014
5. Participation in the establishment of the correct mode of education and rest for babies, schoolchildren and adolescents.
6. Ability to provide first aid in emergency situations.

To find a trusting contact with the wards, the psychologist must be:

• Attentive;
• Objective;
• Stress resistant;
• Motivated;
• Complicit in other people's problems;
• Calm; nine0014
• Communicative.

The work requires the ability to competently and clearly express one's thoughts, general erudition and a desire to help.

How to become a child psychologist

The proportion of obtaining a profession requires specialized higher education in undergraduate programs. Two areas of study are available to applicants:

1. Social psychology is a training program aimed at graduating specialists who understand the patterns of socialization and adaptation in society and various organized groups. Students study the influence of family and society on the process of formation and development of personality. nine0014
2. Practical psychology - an educational program with an emphasis on the practical component of the psychologist's activity. Students master modern methods of psycho-correction, diagnostics, testing and counseling.

Admission is available to graduates of colleges or 11th grade who have successfully passed the exam and passed the competitive selection. Applicants are offered two formats of study to choose from: full-time or part-time.

Occupation in demand

Specialists are in demand on the labor market. There is a shortage of graduates, so there is little competition for employment.

Places of work:

• Public and private kindergartens, schools, colleges;
• Leisure centers and organizations of additional education for children and adolescents;
• Sports and music schools;
• Specialized centers for psychological counseling;
• Multidisciplinary children's medical institutions. nine0014

Professionals have the right to practice privately, work with clients individually or organize group sessions.

Counseling and correction methods used:

• Play sessions;
• Sand art therapy;
• Organization of interaction with animals;
• The use of therapeutic stories;
• Group trainings;
• Seminars and marathons for parents. nine0014

Specialists can arrange remote assistance using video chats, video conferences, webinars or messengers.

The profession of a child psychologist makes it possible to realize the desire to help the smallest patients, to receive moral satisfaction from the visible results of correction, the development of a harmonious personality and the success of children in socialization and adaptation.

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Moscow, Leningradskiy pr., 80G, metro station Sokol

Opening hours:

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Marianna Golovina

Expert in the topic "Higher Education"

Studied: Moscow Financial and Industrial University "Synergy", Department of Internet Marketing responsible

"Synergy" for:

organizing methodological experiments, introducing methodological achievements and new learning technologies into the educational process. nine0003

How to become a child psychologist who really helps children?

If you feel your calling in helping children, then child psychologist is the profession that will allow you to realize your potential. But in order to be a highly qualified specialist who really works effectively, it is not enough just to get a diploma.

Working with children is one of the noblest occupations. It brings a sense of satisfaction, because the meaning of the work is obvious - children deserve only the best, and helping them is really important for the whole society. And children give incredible emotions. nine0003

The work of a child psychologist is very diverse. It not only helps to cope with anxiety, fears and other psychological problems, but also corrects mental characteristics to help children get rid of learning difficulties. How to become a child psychologist who really helps, and not just gives empty advice?

You must love children and sincerely desire to help them

First and foremost, you must love children. If you can’t stand the whims of children, laughter or crying, you need to choose a different direction in psychology. Children have a subtle sense of falsehood, and if you sit with a mask of calm on your face while your insides are bursting with irritation and anger, they will understand it right away. And nothing will come of it. nine0003

Get a solid base

Of course, you need to get the right qualifications. And not just a crust about education, but a solid theoretical and practical base. The profession of a psychologist generally does not tolerate a formal approach. The price of a mistake is too high - the broken fates of people. And when it comes to children, this is raised to a power, because the child's psyche is too fragile to somehow justify its mistake.

Unexplored psychological problems in childhood have a strong influence on adult life. Self-doubt, addiction to alcohol and drugs, difficulties with socialization, prolonged depression - these are just the beginning of the list. Therefore, mental health must be taken care of without waiting for growing up. nine0003

The profession of a child psychologist today can be obtained in a traditional full-time format or in an online institute. The second option is ideal for those who value their time - there is no need to waste time on the road, you can study at a convenient time and anywhere. At the same time, the quality of education is no worse than in an ordinary state university.

The first online SMART Institute of Psychology in Russia not only provides a good theoretical base, but also relies on a practice-oriented approach to learning. Students learn to apply knowledge in practice, master practical cases, and by the time they graduate, they already have a large baggage of working and effective tools. nine0003

It is convenient to study at SMART - lectures can be watched at any time in a comfortable environment, all materials are always at your fingertips. Students hand in their homework, receive advice from teachers and curators, and participate in the analysis of real cases. All teachers are practical psychologists with extensive experience working with children.

Be ready to learn constantly

Psychology is a profession that requires constant self-education. He needs to regularly update his knowledge, master new techniques and technologies. To do this, you can take training in various refresher courses, learn new techniques from more experienced colleagues. For example, today neuropsychology is popular, which helps to effectively cope with various children's problems. nine0003

The fact is that 95% of problems with behavior, memory and perseverance in children are associated with the physiological development of the brain. A child psychologist without additional education cannot work with this problem, but if a specialist has studied child neuropsychology, then the scope of his capabilities increases. Such knowledge allows a good understanding of the causes of developmental delay and helps to balance strengths and weaknesses. For example, if you have the necessary qualifications, a child psychologist helps to solve problems with poor memory, fatigue, lack of control and concentration, and many others. nine0003

At the First Online Institute of Psychology in Russia SMART, the training program for child psychologists includes the modules "Neuropsychology" and "Neurolinguistics". This allows you to acquire relevant knowledge and work effectively with children.

Decide what category of children you will work with

A child psychologist can work with different categories of children. If you're more into preschoolers, then your line of work could be in early childhood development and school preparation. If it is more interesting with schoolchildren, then you can go to work in an educational institution and solve personal problems and learning difficulties. You can also help teenagers who are very different in terms of the range of problems and behavior from children of other ages. nine0003

But the most valuable work you can think of for a psychologist is helping children with disabilities. They need special care, and the profile of work here is very wide. When the first results appear, pride in oneself and joy for the child overwhelm and give an unforgettable experience.

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