Clinical psychology
Introduction
Psychology is a vast field of intellectual endeavor. As a result, there are numerous areas of specialization. Some of the more popular specializations under the umbrella of psychology are listed as follows:
- clinical psychology;
- counseling psychology;
- educational psychology;
- neuropsychology;
- geropsychology or the psychology of aging.
For this study, I decided to focus on clinical psychology as an umbrella that covers clinical and counseling psychology.
Specialty Area
A clinical psychologist is expected to work directly with patients. However, clinical psychologists are also found in the field of research studies. The main goal of this area of specialization is to figure out treatment strategies and solutions to issues that are manifested as emotional, mental, and behavioral problems.
Clinical psychologists had to endure years of studies. In fact, after completing a college degree it is common for this type of specialist to go through another lengthy round of acquiring knowledge and experience. It is not unusual to devote eight to ten years of education and supervisory work before one can expect to earn a license to practice this type of specialized profession.
Work Settings
Clinical psychologists are comfortable working as researchers, consultants, supervisors, and administrators. In other words, this type of specialist can work within academic and health institutions. In the same manner, neuropsychologists are expected to perform well in different work settings. For example, they can choose to work as researchers.
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical psychologists are expected to earn an annual salary that is as high as $70,000 (LearnHowtoBecome, 2016). At the lower level of the hierarchy, newly minted specialists can expect an average income of $41,000 (LearnHowtoBecome, 2016). However, those who belong to the elite level can command an annual salary that can breach the $115,000 mark (LearnHowtoBecome, 2016).
Michael Brit’s podcasts helped provide a deeper understanding and greater appreciation of the work requirements of clinical and counseling psychologists. Using online materials and insights gleaned from other sources, I realized that there are exciting career possibilities with regards to the pursuit of clinical and counseling psychology. Demand is high in universities and the corporate world.
Discovery of Interesting Things
One of the interesting discoveries was the realization that cutting-edge technology in the context of mobile devices is transforming the way psychologists are studying and helping people that are suffering from mental disorders. In the case of clinical psychologists, they are using mobile devices to know more about the thought process of those who are suffering from borderline personality disorders (Brit, 2011). In Michael Brit’s podcast, he uncovered the use of handheld devices to elucidate how BPD patients react to certain words related to rejection.
Description of Hot Topic
It is interesting to focus on a “hot topic” based on the use of mobile devices. In BPD patients, mobile devices were used to increase empathy and understanding. One can make this assertion because normal people were given a glimpse of the mental anguish that BPD patients had to deal with regularly.
Geropsychology: learning and memory
Introduction
In the second leg of the report, it is time to focus on geropsychology to understand specializations in learning and memory. Geropsychologists are specialists that help patients belonging to the elderly group. The emphasis of this report is on learning and memory issues.
Specialty Area
Geropsychologists work directly with patients. However, neuropsychologists are also found in the field of research studies. The main goal of this area of specialization is to intervention strategies and solutions to issues that are linked to learning and memory.
It is important to point out that when it comes to psychologists specializing in the care for the elderly, the degree programs are available at the doctorate level. In some programs, the school requires only a college degree in psychology. However, in some institutions, the additional requirement can be as high as a master’s degree. Some programs may require prior completion of certain courses in statistics and mathematics.
Work Setting
Geropsychologists are expected to perform well in different work settings. For example, they can choose to work as researchers. They can also work in a mental health facility that caters to the needs of the elderly. It is common to find these professionals working in nursing homes and tertiary care hospitals. Nevertheless, a neuropsychologist has the option to build a private practice.
Not enough information is available to provide an accurate description of the average income of a neuropsychologist. However, based on limited sources, an assumption can be made that the average salary for this type of specialization can go as high as $99,000 (Online Psychology Degree, 2016).
There is a global trend that points to increasing life expectancies. This phenomenon explains the burgeoning elderly population all over the planet. However, an argument can be made that there is a disproportionate number of elderly patients in affluent countries. In other words, there are more people able to afford top-quality health care, and there is a growing demand for the professional services of a neuropsychologist.
Discovery of Interesting Things
Mobile devices were used to help the elderly patients remember the time of day when they need to take their medication. The use of mobile devices and similar types of electronic gadgets can help them remember the things that they need to accomplish on that particular day. This type of technology is also applicable in reminding them regarding the function of certain objects.
Description of Hot Topic
Geropsychologists are using mobile devices to help those who are suffering from the ill-effects of Alzheimer’s disease. Memory loss is such a terrible thing to experience when a person is supposed to enjoy his or her retirement years. The ability to recall the names of loved ones and the capability to reminisce about the good old days are competencies that the elderly cannot afford to give up during the last few decades of their lives. Nevertheless, there are other implications when it comes to memory loss (Brit, 2015).
References
Brit, M. (2011). Episode 146: Borderline personality. Web.
Brit, M. (2015). Episode 241: The Internet of things for dementia and Alzheimer’s. Web.
LearnHowtoBecome. (2016). What does a clinical psychologist do? . Web.
Online Psychology Degree. (2016). How to become a professional geropsychologist. Web.