Where Do Psychologists Work?
As with many other professions, a psychologist’sspecialty areaand workplace are the major determinants of the working conditions.
For example, aforensic psychologistmight spend their day working in courthouses, police stations, or criminal detention centers.
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Psychologists Work in Private Practice
Psychologists, especially clinical andcounseling psychologists, often work in private practice.
This means that they have their own offices and are able to establish their own work schedule.
This can provide a great deal of freedom, but it also comes with other challenges and responsibilities.
Psychologists who are self-employed also need to learn the ins and outs of running their own business.
The U.S. Bureau of Labor reports that in 2022, 28% of all psychologists were self-employed.
Unlike being in private practice, these workplaces typically involve working a shift schedule.
This can provide a more predictable schedule for some professionals.
However, it may also mean working night shifts and weekends.
Some may provide psychological services in these tweaks, while others focus on teaching and research.
However, university teachers may also need to teach classes during evening hours.
Psychologists employed by colleges and universities often spend time teaching classes and conducting research.
An industrial-organizational psychologist may spend time observing behavior in the workplace and conducting research in an experimental lab.
Applied Careers
Those in more applied professions will likely spend more one-on-one time with clients.
Finding ways to deal with such stress and combatjob burnoutcan be important for many professionals.
Psychologists frequently deal with work pressures, including schedules, deadlines, and overtime.
Difficult clients, emotionally charged situations, and other stressful situations are common.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Psychologists.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Washington, D.C.: American Psychological Association; 2016.
