What does a Psychologist do?
Psychologists are responsible for evaluating, diagnosing, and treating people for mental, emotional, behavioral, educational, and developmental disorders. There are a wide variety of types of psychologists, including clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists, school psychologists, developmental psychologists, and more. Day-to-day tasks vary for each type of psychologist.
Clinical, counseling, and research psychologists generally need a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in clinical or counseling psychology from an accredited program. Additionally, they need a license in their state of practice. While licensure requirements vary by state, most require a doctoral degree in psychology, completion of an internship, a minimum number of years of supervised experience, and passing of an exam. The best psychologists have excellent interpersonal skills and are very trustworthy.
- Perform psychological assessments, testing, and evaluation
- Provide diagnosis based on assessments, testing, and evaluation
- Develop and recommend treatment plans based on patient needs and diagnosis
- Provide referrals when necessary for additional care, evaluation, or treatment
- Collaborate with faculty, staff, and other professionals to provide the best care possible
- Coordinate with case managers and psychiatrists about care
- Complete all necessary clincial documentation in an accurate and timely manner
- Ensure all services are completed according to relevant ethical and professional standards of care
- Licensed psychologist in state of practice
- Doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology
- 3-5 years of related experience in psychology
- Ability to pass a thorough background check
- Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse populations
- Strong working knowledge of diagnostic techniques and a variety of evidence-based treatment modalities
- Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
- Strong familiarity with assessment techniques
- Demonstrated ability to operate within ethical and professional standards of care
Psychologist Salaries near Canada
Average Base Pay
Psychologist Career Path
Learn how to become a Psychologist, what skills and education you need to succeed, and what level of pay to expect at each step on your career path.
Years of Experience Distribution
Psychologist Insights
Youth Villages“Youth Villages provides phenomenal support to recent graduates in terms of clinical training and career development.”
“1. Expert Guidance: Brainhap's team of career counselors are highly knowledgeable and skilled in providing valuable career advice.”
Edward Hines, Jr. VA Hospital“Good training rotations and supervision.”
Fitbots“It was my first internship and I couldn't have asked for a better one.”
LifeStance Health“I have documentation between myself and my direct supervisor assuring this was not a problem.”
Fransız Lape Hastanesi“Unpaid but really quality internship”
CHE Behavioral Health Services“Flexible schedule is nice to have”
Virginia Tech“Good good good good good”
Frequently asked questions about the role and responsibilities of psychologists
A typical day in the life of a psychologist is spent applying knowledge and research to solve problems, treat illnesses, conduct research, or teach at colleges and universities. Applied psychologists use their expertise to solve real-world problems. Research psychologists can work with businesses or educational facilities to conduct studies and experiments, while mental health psychologists work with people who have experienced psychological distress or who have mental health issues.
Becoming a psychologist requires a high level of education and training. Typically, work conditions allow for a flexible schedule, as many professionals work in medical facilities, research settings, or in a college or university. Psychologists can also have a regular schedule working 9-5, although some might be on call to help patients.
The average pay for a psychologist in Canada is $116,003 per year, but the salary can vary largely depending on experience, licensing, and area of expertise.
There are some difficult aspects of working as a psychologist. The hardest part might be working towards getting a psychologist job because this requires higher education (degree or PHD) and sometimes additional licenses. Depending on the field, some psychologists must also complete at least two years of supervised clinical experience.
Get anonymous career insight from your peers
Anonymously discuss career and development by joining our professional communities
Interview Tips
Feel free to post any interview questions you might be asked and I’ll help you compose an effective response :)
Career Pivot
A place to share advice, questions, vent and discuss how to change careers and pivot in to and out of jobs.
Salary Negotiations
A community to ask questions and seek advice on negotiating your salary, compensation, etc.