what would we be the training required for a psychologist?

Answer 1

ibd3 is mostly correct, but not completely accurate in terms of what to do if you "really want to do therapy." Most MFTs (Marriage and Family Therapists), LPCs (Licensed Professional Counselors), and Psychologists (clinical psychologists) who all engage in therapy. Plus, if the training is "faster", it may not adequately prepare you for clinical practice.

It is true to do therapy, there are many avenues one can take, and it depends upon which State (in the U.S.) that you live on whether or not you can do therapy as a practice.

However, it is first important to understand your question. You inquired about training for a psychologist. Most licensing agencies and States define a psychologist as a therapist in clinical practice who has completed doctoral training. Granted, while traditionally most graduate/doctoral programs have an emphasis on research, most will prepare the student to engage in private practice. It depends on the program whether or not it is more oriented toward research and academia, or if it is a "professional" program.

If it is the latter, then you will get the training to practice as a (clinical) psychologist. Generally, the training requires approxiamately 1000 hours of Practicum training while taking classes, 1500-1750 hours pre-doctoral studies (after courses are completed), and then 1500-1750 hours post-doc. All of these typically take place in some clinical setting with supervision.

Thus, the best course of action is to decide on what YOU mean by psychologist, and then inquire into the program you want to matriculate into and see if they have what you are looking for.

I hope that helps, and good luck to you.

Answer 2

Depends on what you're doing as a "psychologist".

Psychologists sometimes work for businesses or government. They can do that with a Bachelor's degree, but it usually requires a Master's degree.

If you're talking about clinical psychology (counseling and therapy), you need a Ph.D.

If you want to really do therapy, however, it makes more sense to do it through social work. An MSW (Master's of Social Work) is a terminal degree, meaning that people can graduate, spend two years working under supervision and become licensed (LMSW) and then do therapy on their own. The reason it makes more sense to do it this way is that 1) it takes less time and 2) it tends to focus more on interpersonal practice than Ph.D.s, which are more heavily based on and invested in research and teaching.

The actual training with regard to any of these is typically in the form of internships or field placements that are generally required throughout the course of the degree programs mentioned.

Answer 3

Depends on your location, can you let me know which country you are in? In certain countries you are required to have a Masters as well as a Bachelors, I would recommend contacting the APA (American Pyshcological Association) if in America for their latest requirements. It can mean a lot of studying, but it is very interesting if you are passionate about it! Good luck and I hope you enjoy your studies :-)

Answer 4

a masters at least but ideally a dr.s degree