Help...jobs you can get dealing with psychology?

Question

I am a Junior in high school and I am thinking about going to college for psychology. I want to help kids and teens mostly or like teen moms. What kind of jobs can you get with a psychology degree? Is there like a job I can get with a psychology degree that's more hands on? I just want to make a difference. Also, I know that some psychologists perscribe medicines like anti-depressants and such, so what kind of classes would I need to take?

I'm just very confused and looking for a possible future career. Any information or websites about psychology or colleges (in georgia preferrably) would be a great help! Thanks!

Thank you so much to all who answered! You all really helped me. I am interested in being a psychiatrist :o]

I really appreciate all of your long, thorough, and honest answers!

Answer 1

With an undergrad degree in psychology, you really can't do too much because you're not able to be licensed as a clinical worker.
It is a WONDERFUL major, but just not something with a lot of practical utility.

A graduate degree in either psychology or social work would provide you with the skills necessary to work in a clinical setting as a therapist.

Social work programs are easier to get into, and they are shorter (2 years for an MSW, compared to 4-6 years for a PhD). With a social work degree, you are able to do virtually all of the same therapeutic work as one with a PhD is able to do. The downside is that social workers are typically paid less.

A PhD is great, but PhD programs in clinical psychology are VERY hard to get into -- statistically, it's easier to get into medical school than it is to get into an accredited PhD program. If you have a deep interest in psychology, though, you should definitely try to pursue it! The advantage of the PhD is that it equips you to pursue a career in either research or clinical work. The downside is that it is a longer degree and does involve substantial research work which won't necessarily help if you're only interested in clinical work. You mentioned that some psychologists are able to prescribe medication -- this is only true in 2 states, unless the psychologist also has another degree which enables him/her to write a prescription. The vast majority of graduate programs are not geared towards students who are interested in prescription privileges because most states do not allow psychologists to do this. Those programs that DO provide prescription training are longer and harder to get into and do require a greater background in biology and chemistry (whereas PhD programs typically require a background in psychology and statistics, as well as substantial undergraduate or independent research experience).

Another option is the PsyD degree. This is also a doctoral degree and enables one to practice in a clinical setting as a licensed therapist. These programs are less abundant than PhD programs, but they are good for the person who doesn't have an interest in research because this aspect of the degree is not highlighted by PsyD programs.

You could also get a masters degree in psychology. This is a 2 year degree. BUT not all states allow masters-level psychology graduates to become licensed, which greatly limits what can be done with the degree.

The best thing that you can do right now is to spend your time working on your high school grades so that you can get into a good college. Once you're there, you'll probably be assigned an advisor in your major. This person will be able to provide you with abundant informatino regarding what to do to increase your changes of getting into these programs. Try to just do well in your classes and get involved with a research lab in the psychology department as soon as possible.

Answer 2

Psychologists are only allowed by law to prescribe medicine in 2 states...New Mexico, and I can't pin point which other one off the top of my head. At your local library you should be able to find some great books, type in searches like career opportunities in psychology or what can i do with a degree in psychology. You would be surprised at all the good info you will find. Go to your school counselor, they too should be willing and able to help you decide. As far as prescribing medicine...you need to be a Psychiatrist(4 years Pre-Med, 4 years Med-School+ Internship in Psychiatry) It is not impossible, but can take many years...also, alot of $$$$. But hey, if those are your dreams..I wish you the best! Good Luck=)
http://www.apa.org/

Answer 3

I have a BA in Psych...needless to say, there isn't much you can do with only a BA in Psych...you will need to go further with your education and puruse and Master's or PhD or Doctorate to get anywhere. There are a few kinds of things you can do out there like be a CSW (Community Support Worker...don't know if Georgia has those or not, but Missouri does), or you can work for the state like doing case-management for the Children's Division...there are jobs out there for only a BA (or BS) in Psych, but to be successful,AT LEAST obtain a Master's degree as well.

As for what classes to take, each college has a specific criteria for what classes you need to take. Yes, you are allowed electives and such, but by that time, you will know what you want to take (Abnormal Psychology, Sensation and Perception, Child Psych, Sexual Psych, etc).

I was in your boat years ago and I loved learning about Psychology...it is fascinating. I now work for a non-profit organization which advocates for abused and neglected children...

**The ones who prescribe meds are the Psychiatrists and you need your doctorate to do that***

Answer 4

Only Psychiatrists are licensed to prescribe drugs.

In Pennsylvania a person needs at least a Master's degree to work as a psychotherapist.

Even then, many if not most of those jobs are part-time so that the agencies don't have to pay benefits, and don't have to pay therapists when the client does not show up. It is not unusual for a therapist to work an 11 hour day, only have three clients show up and end up getting paid less than 40 dollars for the 11 hour day.

Depression, mental health issues, and even suicidal thoughts, seem to becoming more common among those doing the counseling, due to the stresses of poverty.

To get a job doing therapy around here, you would need at least seven years of university training, and two years of unpaid internship in order to qualify for a poverty level job that pays worse then Walmart or McDonalds.

Answer 5

Hi there! You can go with two majors here: Social Work or Psychology. Check this website for more info: http://www.schoolpsychology.net/

Psychiatrists are doctors that specialize in Psychiatric meds.
Whatever college you choose will have a course outline for your degree preference.

Answer 6

Human Resources, Youth Worker, Personnel director, retail manager, public relations, day care director, market research, group home counselor, sales agent, direct care provider, rehabilitation aid... a lot more... if you have a degree you'll come a long way!

Answer 7

guidance concealer thats what i wanted to be good luck

Answer 8

talk with your high school counselor