How to Become a Psychologist Online – A Complete Guide

Do you want to learn what it takes to become a psychologist from the comfort of your own home? If you answered yes, here is a complete guide as well as the requirements for becoming a licensed psychologist.

The vast majority of professions in this world are geared toward meeting human needs in some way, which is why nearly every sector has its own set of professions. To attend to the diverse and insatiable human needs.

A psychologist’s profession is one of those that is closely linked to people’s health and well-being in society. Because of the many different areas in which a psychologist can specialize, the profession has become unique and well-respected in society, in addition to the fact that it is a profession that studies people’s minds and behaviors.

Becoming a professional psychologist may seem intimidating due to the stress that comes with the job, but it is one of the professions that can be practiced and lead to a fulfilled life if the true nature of the job is understood and taken into account.

What is the role of a Psychologist?

A psychologist is a physician who specializes in the study of the mind and behavior of humans. A psychologist is a trained professional who specializes in the treatment of people suffering from mental or memory problems. A psychologist provides psychology safety and understanding to people in society through counseling, advice, and experimentation, which is why their role cannot be overstated.

Job Description and Duties of a Psychologist

• Treating people with a variety of mental illnesses, including depression, anxiety, and various forms of abuse.
• Mental illness diagnosis and treatment.
• Identifying and accommodating students with special needs.
• Counseling for people with all types of mental illnesses.
• Conducting research on behavior and brain function in a scientific setting.
• Observations, interviews, surveys, and other methods are used to gather data.
• Research to see if there’s a pattern to my behavior and emotions.
• Using knowledge to improve individual and group understanding.

What does a psychologist need in terms of tools and equipment?

Every profession in the world has one or more tools for carrying out its responsibilities effectively. As a result, there are some basic tools that a psychologist must possess in order to provide the best service possible to his clients. A psychologist may use more tests for his patients, but he may also use edible equipment such as the following:

• Psychology Lab
• Writing Materials
• Recorders
• Questionnaires
• Books
• Videos
• Charts

How to Become a Psychologist Online – A Complete Guide

Facts, Figures and Labor Market Situation for Psychologists

1. The path to becoming a psychologist may appear to be tedious and time-consuming due to the tasks required before one can be certified and licensed to practice as a professional psychologist, but the profession is nonetheless rewarding, with a wide range of job opportunities and competitive pay, particularly in countries such as the United States, the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.
2. Psychologists’ overall employment is expected to grow by 12% between 2012 and 2022, according to the National Bureau of Labor Statistics. The forecast is on par with the national average for all occupations.
3. The profession will grow at a rapid pace over the next decade, owing to an increase in the demand for professional mental health expertise, as well as the number of people suffering from one or more mental illnesses.
4. Many countries around the world will see an increase in demand for psychologists as more jobs become available in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social services.
5. Pursuing a career as a psychologist can be stressful due to the requirements to become licensed, but there is a good chance of landing a good job with a good salary later on.

Effect of Internet Technology on the Profession

1. The internet and technology are having both positive and negative impacts on the profession of a psychologist, just as they are in every other profession, and those impacts can be seen.
2. The positive impact of the internet and technology has continued to make psychology a viable and relevant profession for people. A psychologist can sit in a corner of his office with the help of the internet and technology and access various information and innovations that would be beneficial to him and his client.
3. The internet has a wealth of free and low-cost information and documents that can be used in psychological research.
4. The negative impact of the internet and technology on the psychology profession is that the internet is preventing psychologists from flourishing. This is due to the fact that many people now use the internet to self-medicate, obviating the need for a psychologist’s services. People suffering from depression or abuse, for example, can easily access the internet to read stories, articles, and watch videos that may be of assistance to them rather than seeking help from a psychologist.

Professional Bodies and Associations for Psychologists

• American Psychological Association (APA)
• International Council of Psychologists (ICP)
• Association of Black Psychologists (ABP)
• Australian Psychological Society (APS)
• Australian Psychologists Association (APA)
• The British Psychological Society
• Canadian Psychological Association
• Institute of Professional Psychologists

Career ideas / Sub-sectors That Exists Within the Profession of a Psychologist

• Clinical Psychologist
• Forensic Psychologist
• Counseling Psychologist
• Educational Psychologist
• Occupational Psychologist
• Sport and Exercise Psychologist
• Behavioral Psychologist
• Research psychologist

Benefits of Becoming a Psychologist

1. Abundance of choices: Psychologists have the advantage of choosing from among many specialties to find the one that suit them best. For example, they can become clinical and counseling psychologists; treating patients and helping clients live better lives or choose out of the other numerous aspect of the profession to specialize in.
2. Numerous work environments: The ability to choose from among varied work environment is an additional benefit of being a psychologist. They can work in schools, hospitals, universities, clinics, government agencies, research institutions, mental health centers etc.
3. Frenzy working period: Apart from having several of work environments, a suitable working period is another thing psychologist can benefit from their profession. A psychologist can control his working hours. For example, psychologists have regular office hours working for government, schools, businesses, but some choose to work weekends and evenings with employment at hospitals and clinics. Self-employed psychologists have the ultimate freedom of choice, because they can set their own schedules.
4. Job satisfaction: if choosing a career that would make you to be relevant in the society by having positive impact in other people’s life is your goal, then consider the profession of a psychologist as the best option for you. A career as a psychologist brings satisfying intellectual challenges and the rewards of helping others. According to the American Psychological Association, most psychologists report a high level of job satisfaction.

Factors Discouraging People from Becoming Psychologists?

• Extensive academics: The psychologist profession requires extensive study to become one. This is due to the fact that the profession is wide in scope and needs a person to study extensively to make it actualized. Therefore many persons will be discouraged from the profession due to the extensive academics that is attached to it.
• The Undergraduate degree dichotomy: Students undergoing a degree in psychology come to realize at some point, that a bachelor’s degree does not provide the necessary qualifications to actually be a psychologist.
• Lack of professional respect: The psychology profession, though one of the most critical in any society is not highly respected. This is because; even the projected job outlook of the profession is 12% for the next few years. So, for this reason (lack of respect for the profession), many persons are discouraged from venturing into the profession.

How Much Do Psychologists Earn Monthly/Annually

• In the united states

The salary earning of psychologists in the United States is about $65,000 per annum, and about $30 per hour. While the average salary for a newly graduated psychologist is $40,000 per annum. This increases reasonably with age; experience etc. based on gender, the average salary for males is about $81,794, while that of females is about $69,898. The salary earning of psychologists also varies based on the type of psychologist a person is.

• In Canada

Psychologists in Canada earn reasonably well too, though it might not be as much as their counterparts but comparable too. According to pay scale, the annum salary of psychologists ranges from $C44, 410 – $C148, 188 per annum. Averagely, they receive about $C39.18 per hour on the average.

• In the united kingdom

Psychologists in the United Kingdom earn reasonably well too. The average expected salary of a psychologist is about 35,350 pounds per annum. While the median salary earning is about 32,000 pounds per year, the averagely, per hour salary earning of psychologists in Australia is about 17.68 pounds.

• In Australia

Psychologists in Australia also earn well too. According to the Australian Bureau of Statistics, the salary earning of psychologists ranges from AU$66,000 – AU$75,000 per annum. Likewise the average hourly range of psychologists in Australia is about AU$80- AU$100 too.

How Long Does It take to Become a Psychologist?

• Bachelor’s Degree: As noted earlier, you might want to begin by earning your undergraduate degree in psychology, but some people choose to pursue a degree in a related social science field which might take up to 4-5 years.
• Master’s Degree: A master’s degree can be a great way to delve deeper into a specific field of interest. As noted earlier, however, a master’s degree is not always necessary. In other cases you might use your master’s degree as a stepping stone toward a doctorate degree, or you might choose to forgo a master’s program and go directly into a Ph.D. or Psy.D. program immediately after earning your bachelor’s degree. This might take up to 2-3 years.
• Doctorate Degree: The length of your doctoral program depends on many factors including the specialty area you are pursuing as well as whether or not you already earned a master’s degree. In order to become a licensed psychologist, you will need to earn either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. in Psychology. This might take up to 4-7 years.

 Educational Requirements to Become a Psychologist

• Undergraduate Programs: Bachelor degree programs in psychology introduce students to fundamental concepts, such as human development and cognitive processes. In addition to general psychology courses, students may be required to take courses in major concentration areas or related subjects, such as neuroscience. Experience opportunities, including research and internships, may be offered.
• Master’s Programs: Master’s programs are usually completed in two years of full-time study. The curricula have core requirements in psychology learning principles, research and development. Some programs require students to complete a clinical experience. While the completion of a thesis is often the capstone requirement, some programs may give students the option of a project or comprehensive exam. Industrial-organizational psychologists and other Individuals in other psychological disciplines may also work with a master’s degree, depending on state regulations.
• Doctoral Programs: Psychologists who offer patient care of any kind are required to be licensed, which often includes having a doctorate. Prospective doctoral candidates may choose between earning a Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) and Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.). Individuals interested in research-based careers may consider a Ph.D., while those preferring to clinical practice may choose a Psy.D. Both doctoral programs typically take 4-5 years to complete with advanced coursework and experience requirements.

Certifications Required to Become a Psychologist

Only “The American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP)” awards specialty certification in 13 different areas, including psychoanalysis, rehabilitation, forensic, group, school, clinical health, and couple and family psychology.

Candidates for board certification in a specialty must meet general requirements, which include a doctorate in psychology and state licensure. Each candidate must then meet the ABPP’s additional specialty field criteria, which are usually a combination of postdoctoral training in their specialty, several years of experience, and professional endorsements. After that, applicants must pass a specialty board examination.

Can You Become a Psychologist by Taking Online Courses?

• Associate’s degree in psychology: An associate’s degree serves as a basic introduction to the fundamentals. If you decide to get your degree online, make sure that the online school that you choose to attend awards transferable credits that you can apply toward a bachelor’s degree program in psychology.
• Bachelor’s degree in psychology: If you plan on joining the workforce directly after graduation, then pursuing an online bachelor’s in psychology may be a viable option. Master’s degree in psychology
• Master’s degree: In psychology, a graduate-level degree will allow you to delve deeper into the field of psychology and broaden your job prospects. Some psychology masters programs offer terminal degrees, which are designed to prepare you for professional practice in your area of specialization.

Presently, there are no online degrees for a doctorate degree in psychology due to the fact that it requires heavy research and clinical experiences which are difficult to manage online.

Industries a Psychologist Can Work in?

• Clinics
• Hospitals
• Rehabilitation facilities
• Community and mental health centers
• Colleges and Universities
• Government agencies
• Private practices

It is important to say that you have the choice to decide which industry you particularly want to work in. This is because they might require different certifications before you are able to operate in it.

Career Opportunities Open to a Psychologist

Psychology is one of the world’s most diverse professions. This is because it has a wide range of applications and practices that are broad in scope and useful for a variety of purposes. It is so important that these careers are appropriate, viable, and cannot be undervalued in a person’s development, and they include:

• Clinical Psychology: A psychologist can delve into the Clinical psychology aspect, assess, diagnose, and treat behavioral, cognitive, and emotional disorders, frequently using research to evaluate the effectiveness of treatments and to search for novel approaches in assessment and therapy. They specially deal with assessment and treatment of specific kinds of problem (e.g., eating disorders, anxiety, depression, etc.)
• Counseling Psychology: Counseling psychologists help clients whose issues tend to be less severe than those dealt with by clinical psychologists.
• Private practice
• Clinical practice in institutional settings
• Forensic psychology
• Health psychology
• Rehabilitation psychology
• Neuropsychology

Skills and Traits Needed to Become a Successful Psychologist

1. An Interest in Continuing Education:A great psychologist pursues continuing education opportunities to keep abreast with new research and other developments in the psychology world.
2. Communication Skills:A great psychologist has excellent written and oral communication skills and can effectively communicate with diverse groups of people.
3. Compassion:A great psychologist is very compassionate and can empathize with a patient’s pain and other difficulties. They are able to put patients at ease and make people feel comfortable.
4. Emotional Stability:A great psychologist has solid emotional footing and is able to handle the stress and emotional turmoil working with distressed individuals can cause.
5. Ethics:A great psychologist has a solid ethical code and keeps sessions with patients confidential. They are also aware that their work can have significant effects on people
6. Interpersonal Skills:A great psychologist has good interpersonal skills and is able to work well with varying groups of people, including colleagues and patients.
7. Knowledge of Laws and Regulations:A great psychologist is familiar with state laws and regulations that control the industry. They know how to work in the profession within the boundaries of the law.
8. Open-Mindedness:A great psychologist is open-minded and tolerant of all kinds of people and situations. They are also open to new research and new ways of thinking that might challenge their ideals.
9. Patience:A great psychologist is very patient, both during long periods of research and with individual patients. They understand that significant periods of time can pass before substantial results can be seen.
10. Trustworthiness:A great psychologist is very trustworthy and can inspire patients to confide in them and trust them with their problems.

Tips and Advice That Will Help Advance your Career Becoming a Psychologist

• Earn the necessary certifications: To become a successful psychologist, you must ensure that you acquire all the certifications that are required of you. This is because it is only through this, that your journey towards even making it as a psychologist can be fulfilled
• Seek relevant information: Seeking of information from the right sources is critical to ensuring that you succeed.
• Follow relevant blogs: The internet today brings information to you even from the comfort of your homes. This must be utilized if indeed you want to succeed.
• Be compassionate
• Develop strong communication skills