Becoming a Clinical Psychologist in Ohio
Find Programs for Clinical Psychology Degrees in Ohio
OnlinePsychologyDegrees.com is a resource that can help you discover and contact schools in your area that offer psychology degrees with a focus on behavioral studies. With our directory of schools in Ohio you can request information from multiple programs in just a few minutes. Review our directory of featured accredited colleges below to learn more about your options!
For those who are looking for a career that is both personally and professionally rewarding, earning a degree in clinical psychology is an excellent educational choice.
The study of clinical psychology is focused on identifying and treating those with mental health disorders. This often includes emotional and behavioral problems that interfere with the ability to successfully function in everyday skills and in society.
The work of a clinical psychologist is interesting, challenging and rewarding. By applying your learned knowledge and therapeutic skills learned during professional internship, you have a positive and direct impact on improving the lives of others.
Knowing that you’re responsible for your client’s improvement brings intrinsic satisfaction.
Clinical Psychology Degree Options and Curriculum
The study of human behavior and clinical psychology is complex. Both the undergraduate and graduate programs for clinical psychology will provide you with a firm foundation in this specialty, including theories, principles and practices.
Typical courses in the curriculum include:
- Mental health disorders
- Diagnostic testing
- Biological origins of mental disorders
- Strategies for intervention
- Therapy programs for clinical psychology
- Professional ethics
With a bachelor’s or master’s degree in clinical psychology, students are prepared for positions in the mental health industry as family counselors or case managers for social service agencies.
The doctoral program in clinical psychology prepares students for state licensure in Ohio to work as a legal clinical psychologist. The program is advanced and includes a dissertation and internship.
Depending on what school you attend, it can take five to seven years to complete the doctorate program.
License Requirements
To practice as a licensed clinical psychologist in Ohio, there are a number of requirements. Candidates for state licensure must have a doctorate in counseling or clinical psychology from an accredited educational institution. In addition, the educational institution must be approved by the American Psychological Association.
- Applicants must also complete two years of supervised professional experience in a clinical setting.
- Three professional references must be submitted from qualified psychologists.
- Two exams are required by the state of Ohio for licensure. Applicants must take and pass the:
- National Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology
- Ohio Jurisprudence Exam
- Both exams are computer-administered and offered several times a year at designated testing sites in the state.
- Applicants are also subject to a criminal background check.
Career Outlook for Graduates in Ohio
According to the U.S Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the average median wage for clinical psychologists in Ohio is $74,000.
In addition, the BLS indicates that there will be a growth in demand for clinical psychologists of 22 percent through 2020.
With good salaries and increased job opportunities, the outlook for clinical psychologists is positive. Clinical psychologists will be need in a variety of industries, including healthcare and education.
These professionals will be needed in:
- Outpatient programs
- Hospitals
- Mental health centers
- Substance abuse clinics
- Assisted living facilities.
Often, clinical psychologists provide treatment plans for clients and work close with psychiatrists in prescribed medicine management for their clients. In school districts, clinical psychologists play a variety of roles.
They work with the special education population in assessment. In addition, they collaborate with school staff in the development of individualized educational plans.
Other opportunities for clinical psychologists include independent consultants for companies and opening a private practice.
If you want to learn more about pursuing a successful path toward a psychology career, request information from our featured schools below to learn more!