Can You Be a Counseling Psychologist With a Psychology Degree?

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Diego Sanchez

If you’re interested in becoming a counseling psychologist, you might be wondering whether a psychology degree is enough to get started. The answer is yes! With a psychology degree, you can pursue a career as a counseling psychologist, but there are some additional steps you’ll need to take to get there.

What is Counseling Psychology?

Counseling psychology is a specialty within the field of psychology that focuses on helping people overcome personal and interpersonal challenges. Counseling psychologists work with individuals, couples, families, and groups to help them improve their mental health and well-being.

What Does a Counseling Psychologist Do?

Counseling psychologists use various techniques and therapies to help clients address issues such as anxiety, depression, relationship problems, and addiction. They may also provide support for clients dealing with major life changes like divorce or the loss of a loved one.

Can You Be a Counseling Psychologist With Just a Psychology Degree?

While having a psychology degree is an essential step towards becoming a counseling psychologist, it is not sufficient on its own. To become licensed as a counseling psychologist, you will need to complete additional education and training beyond your undergraduate degree.

Graduate Degree

The first step towards becoming a counseling psychologist is obtaining your graduate degree in psychology. A master’s or doctoral degree in counseling or clinical psychology will provide you with the knowledge and skills needed to become licensed in this field.

Licensure

After completing your graduate degree, the next step is to obtain licensure as a counselor or psychologist in your state. This typically involves completing supervised clinical hours and passing an exam.

Certification

While certification isn’t required for all counseling psychologists, it can be beneficial for career advancement and professional development. The American Board of Professional Psychology offers certification in counseling psychology for those who meet their requirements.

Conclusion

In summary, a psychology degree is an excellent starting point for those interested in pursuing a career as a counseling psychologist. However, additional education and training are necessary to become licensed and certified in this field. With dedication and hard work, you can achieve your goal of becoming a counseling psychologist and helping others improve their mental health and well-being.