Do psychologists actually care about their clients? Or do they just like the money?

Answer 1

I'll put it bluntly. I'm finishing a doctoral psychology program. I'm $150,000 in debt. I am completing my predoctoral internship and I made more money when I worked at Toys R Us. Next year, I will go to a postdoctoral fellowship and maybe I'll make $30,000, with at least $600 a month going to student loan payments. I care about my clients. I enjoy helping others. I like to think that maybe I can make a difference in someone's life. Or maybe I can help someone help themselves. If I wanted to get into a job just for the money, there are much easier jobs that will make me much more money.

Answer 2

Some psychologists and counselors really do care, yes. I think it is the approach that shows whether they care or not. If they take no interest in you as a whole person, and only deal with the problem, I would say they don't care. Yes it is a job, but it is the sort of job you take because you want to help people, right? And a good psychologist who cares will find the best way to approach his/her clients. My son's psychologist, the third of three he has had, outshines the others because he show enthusiasm for my son's interests, gets him to talk about his problems by showing friendship. A counselor I have had uses the same approach and I can assure you that he cares about his clients. Maybe the problem with some is the same as with any profession, that they are incapable of, or find it difficult to, be open with their clients.

Answer 3

I used to get confused between Psychologists and Psychiatrists, sounds like that might be at issue. Not to offend, but I have never met a Psychiatrist I have liked;I haven't met that many, about 6. On the other hand, I have never met a Psychologist I didn't like. When I was an undergrad the first time it was explained to me that Candidates for graduate school in Psychology average about 3 hours for an entrance interview (at Univ. of Miami) I do believe people become Psychiatrists for the money, Possibly Occupational Psychologists are in it for the money but the average salary for a Clinical Psychologist is about $52,000.00 where I live, that leaves me wondering how I am going to pay back all of my student loans and support my family after I get my PhD. Frankly, as long as we can survive on that I don't care because I, like another yahoo member before me, am not in it for the money (or I would go to med school) for me, I choose the field of Psychology because there are more questions than answers and I consider myself very inquisitive.

Answer 4

I am in grad school and will be a psychologist in 2 years. the reasons I'm in this program and opting to become a psychologist is because I love helping people (especially special needs and behavioral disordered children)..there's nothing more important to me than good mental health, building self-esteem, and making a hard enough life a bit easier. Different kinds of psychologists make a wide range of money from as low as $24,000 a year. I might end up working with impoverished people so they can help to get themselves out of the life they don't want. For me it has very little to do with money.

Answer 5

Psychologists don't seem to get really attatched to their patients. In a way they seem more like chemists because they focus on finding the "right formula" and the root cause of all your life problems (i.e. neglectful mother, not enough attention growing up). After they get to the bottom of that, I noticed they dismiss you and become much less caring and involved with your "case." THAT'S when they start sitting there and just saying "um hmm" to you.
As to whether they care about clients, yes I think they care for a while and then stop. Then they love the money because they realize that they can get paid for just listening to us complain for an hour because they've done their part in diagnosing you.

Answer 6

I was looking for people's view on what they think of people who are in the medical field or any other jobs that claim they care for others but I wouldn't put down all of the other answers from the site's because all what many say over and over again is that they don't get paid enough,..Well if that is all what is on people minds with getting paid more then you wonder why system is about to crash and it shows you are really not caring for what is best for people who are suffering,Try living in a shack with no transportation but still finding away to help like some of these doctors that go over sea to help ones who really need it and they are just satisfies by truly making someones else's dreams come true than talk about how much they really care..,But if they shop and must have the most expensive stuff and are hoarding all of their money in the bank for their self and still say they don't get paid enough that is really not caring and loving your job but more like chasing that dollar,I am tired of hearing how many do not get paid enough for a job they love but claim they care.

Answer 7

There are a lot of ways to make a lot more money. If you're seeing someone who doesn't seem to care, confront them. If they don't give you a good answer find a better psychologist. The practice is a learned skill, not a hobby. They do things others can't or won't. It takes many years to learn the skill. They earn their pay. If you need one and you find a good one you won't be asking this question.

Answer 8

Given the level of education psychologists have, they actually do not make that much money.

I agree with the posting below that says psychologists are all different people. If you have one you don't feel comfortable with, then switch to another psychologist.

Answer 9

Money. It's what pays the bills. Can't keep an office open if you're not bringing in paying clients. Can't buy food, can't pay the mortgage. Here's a test: ask any therapist if they would continue to see clients if they didn't get paid to do it. I would guess over 98% of respondents would say no.

Answer 10

A good psycholigist does care yes, if they are sure to get their money LOL. But you have to realise that this, the time they spend with their patients is their job.
I reckon if you have to go to a psychologist, then you would have to judge for yourself, but gut feelings are not such bad things to go by! I mean you are telling this guy alot of your personal thoughts!
Of course they like the money, like everyone else does. Would you work for no money?

I know what you mean though, but there are psychologists and psychologists..you have to find the right one! If you do not get better before you find him/her..LOL!

Good luck!