For the sake of this article, let’s assume that when you say “I want to become a psychologist,” you are referring to the profession that utilizes the science of the mind and behavior to assess, diagnose, treat, and help people who are experiencing psychological disturbances. Of course, there are a number of different professionals that offer psychotherapy services, including counselors and social workers. In this case, we will discuss the specific career path of psychologists with a doctorate-level degree in psychology. Note that almost all states have laws about exactly who can call themselves psychologists. In the state of California, for example, the designation of a psychologist is a protected term. In order to use this title, you need to have a doctorate degree in either psychology or education and also have passed the state licensing exams. As you begin planning your path towards becoming a psychologist, be sure to contact your state for specific laws regulating the use of the title of psychologist. Of course, there are many other classes you can take in high school to help prepare you for your future career as a psychologist. A strong science background is a must, so sign up for as many courses as you can in topics such as biology, chemistry, human anatomy/physiology, and other life sciences. Statistics is a core component of any university psychology program, so having a solid background in mathematics is certainly helpful. Beyond science and math classes, taking courses in history, philosophy, writing, religion, and language can also be beneficial. By learning more about human history and behavior, you can put yourself on the road to future success as you continue your psychology education. Finally, remember to maintain good grades in all of your courses. University admissions can be competitive, so it is important to have a strong GPA and great teacher references. As you begin to learn more about psychology, you may find that your interests shift towards a particular specialty area (such as developmental, cognitive, or biological psychology). If you find that a particular area appeals to you, consider adjusting your course plan to include more elective classes in this subject area. Remember to keep your GPA high in order to prepare for graduate school. The type of degree you choose will depend largely on your career goals. Do you imagine doing research in addition to treating patients? Then the Ph.D. option might be a good fit for your needs. Would you prefer to focus purely on working with clients in a clinical setting? Then the Psy.D. degree might be well suited to your goals. As part of your graduate training, you will also be required to complete an internship in a clinical setting. This is a great opportunity to gain practical experience in your field, receive mentoring from experienced psychologists, and learn more about where you would like to work after completing all of your educational and training requirements.
