Psychologist

Exam

State + third-party exam

Education

Degree

Experience

Experience

Background check

Specific type of conviction prohibited

Psychologists study the human mind and human behavior. Research psychologists investigate the physical, cognitive, emotional or social aspects of human behavior. Psychologists in applied fields provide mental health care in hospitals, clinics, schools or private settings. Like other social scientists, psychologists formulate hypotheses and collect data to test their validity. Research methods vary depending on the topic under study. Psychologists apply their knowledge to a wide range of endeavors, including health and human services, management, education, law and sports. In addition to a variety of work settings, psychologists usually specialize in one of a number of different areas including: developmental, social, experimental, clinical, school, counseling, neuropsychology, geropsychology, community, comparative and industrial-organizational.