What kind of education do you need to be a psychologist?

Question

I think that's what i want to do. I love listening to other people talk and listening to there problems and trying to help them isn't that what a psychologist does?

Answer 1

From the U.S. Department of Labor: Bureau of Labor Statistics (Psychologists): http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos056.htm

"Psychologists study the human mind and human behavior. Research psychologists investigate the physical, cognitive, emotional, or social aspects of human behavior. Psychologists in health service fields provide mental health care in hospitals, clinics, schools, or private settings. Psychologists employed in applied settings, such as business, industry, government, or nonprofit organizations, provide training, conduct research, design organizational systems, and act as advocates for psychology..."

Scroll down on this page to find the section titled, "Training, Other Qualifications, and Advancement."

"A master’s or doctoral degree, and a license, are required for most psychologists.
Education and training:
A doctoral degree usually is required for independent practice as a psychologist. Psychologists with a Ph.D. or Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) qualify for a wide range of teaching, research, clinical, and counseling positions in universities, health care services, elementary and secondary schools, private industry, and government. Psychologists with a doctoral degree often work in clinical positions or in private practices, but they also sometimes teach, conduct research, or carry out administrative responsibilities..."

Additional information on this site about the profession of psychology:
*Nature of the Work
*Employment
*Job Outlook
*Projections Data
*Earnings
*OES Data
*Related Occupations
*Sources of Additional Information

Answer 2

Yes, a clinical psychologist requires a PhD but an MA in some states (5-8 years with UG). There is also social worker, which can be clinical/direct service. A BSW is not as good as an MSW.