Psychologist

What does a psychologist do?

Ever wonder, what does a psychologist do? Careers in psychology can vary greatly, with options to specialise and work in various settings.

If you are considering going down this path one of the first things you’ll need to know is the difference between psychologist and clinical psychologist. The main distinction between these two professions is the level of qualification; compared to a psychologist, a clinical psychologist has typically completed higher education and training, such as a masters or PhD. The qualification and specialisation of a psychologist will determine the type of clients they see. With that said, different types of psychology all have one thing in common – they involve helping people experiencing emotional and mental health challenges. Through therapy, psychologists help their clients work through issues and barriers, to help to improve their quality of life.

Psychologists might see clients one-on-one or in a group environment, and can work in many different settings including hospitals, academic institutions, community centres or private practices.

Is a career as a psychologist right for me?

If you’re considering a career in mental health, psychology is one to throw in the mix. A career in psychology is often suited to people who have an interest in science and helping others. Other skills and attributes beneficial for this role include: 

• a high level of emotional intelligence  
• an empathic and patient nature  
• the ability to be self-motivated and self-disciplined  
• strong listening skills  
• good communication skills  
• good problem-solving skills.

How to become a psychologist

Every journey to study is individual and there are several paths to reaching your career in psychology. At UniSQ, we offer the following degrees in the area of psychology: