10 Career Options For Someone With A Psychology Degree

As such, there are many different, possible career paths for those with a psychology degree—some of which require additional education and/or licenses in combination with this degree. We’ll cover ten of the most popular below.

1. Mental health counselor

The work of mental health counselors, sometimes referred to as psychotherapists or psychologists, usually involves addressing a wide variety of mental or behavioral health concerns in diverse populations. They may work with individuals, couples, and/or groups, and may specialize in providing support related to challenges commonly faced by a particular subset of people. For example, a mental health counselor might primarily work with children, people of color, or LGBTQIA+ individuals in particular.

2. Substance use counselor

A substance use counselor helps individuals with substance use issues and/or disorders—typically drugs and/or alcohol. They may conduct their work one-on-one or in group settings in order to assist people in healing from substance use disorders and learning healthier coping mechanisms for stress and difficult emotions. They may choose to work in a one-on-one practice, in a hospital, or in an inpatient care facility to assist those experiencing this type of challenge.

3. Marriage and family therapist (LMFT)

A licensed marriage and family therapist (LMFT) is one of the most popular careers for those with a psychology degree to pursue. As the name implies, LMFTs usually specialize in working with couples or families. They may help them address conflicts, strengthen their bonds, and learn to develop skills for conflict resolution, communication, boundary setting, and more.  

4. Experimental psychologist

A career as an experimental psychologist usually entails working in the research field, conducting studies to promote a greater understanding of various psychological topics. They may be involved in planning, setting up, and conducting research studies as well as compiling details about the methodologies and findings into papers to be published in relevant journals. Many states require that people in this profession also have a master’s degree or a doctorate.

5. Forensic psychologist

According to the American Psychological Association, this field involves “the application of psychological principles and techniques to situations involving the civil and criminal legal systems”. A forensic psychologist might work with law enforcement, attorneys, and/or judges in order to contribute to investigations, serve as expert witnesses, and offer research-based suggestions for improving techniques for interrogation, rehabilitation, and other elements of legal systems.

6. Sports psychologist

A sports psychologist will usually use their training to help high-level athletes and coaches improve their performance. They might help athletes manage stress and pressure, cope with being away from their families, or handle the mental element of injuries and rehabilitation. They might help coaches manage stress and pressure as well and stay present and focused so they can support their team as best they can. If anyone on the team experiences a mental health condition that impacts their well-being and/or performance, a sports psychologist may also provide assistance in this area.

7. Neuropsychiatrist

Neuropsychology is a field of psychology that focuses on the brain and its relationship to an individual’s behaviors. A neuropsychiatrist may work in hospitals or rehabilitation centers, research settings, or neuroscience centers. They typically specialize in treating cognitive or physical issues related to brain injuries or diseases such as strokes, Parkinson’s disease, concussions, epilepsy, and brain cancer. Neuropsychologists are not generally required to go to medical school, but they do normally hold doctoral degrees. 

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8. Community or social service manager

A community or social service manager works to create, manage, supervise, and/or improve organizations or community-based programs that are designed to help others. Someone with this job title might work with an organization that helps a specific demographic or group, such as children or families in need, those experiencing homelessness, or veterans.

9. Educational psychologist 

Educational psychologists study how people learn and retain information. While many primarily work in schools and other educational institutions, they may also be employed by businesses or may have personal practices. Some focus on child development or specialize in working with those who have developmental disabilities.

10. Psychiatrist

A psychiatrist is a medical doctor who can diagnose mental or behavioral health conditions and prescribe treatment for these diagnoses, including medication. A qualified psychiatrist might open their own exclusive practice, or they may work in a psychiatric hospital or other type of mental health center. A medical degree is required to get a job in this field.

Psychology work in-person versus online

Today, there’s more flexibility than ever when it comes to work—and this is true in the psychology field as well. Many careers related to psychology still require the clinician to regularly conduct research, provide consulting, or meet with clients in person. However, some now allow the option for online work as well. Many mental health counselors and LMFTs, for example, now practice either partially or entirely online. This is the case with the providers on a virtual therapy platform like BetterHelp, where clients can get matched with a licensed therapist whom they can meet with via phone, video call, and/or in-app messaging. Since research suggests that online therapy can be as effective as in-person sessions in many cases, it represents a viable work option for many professionals and a viable treatment option for many clients.