How To Choose the Right Psychology Specialization

The human mind is a complex thing to study, and the field of psychology has many specializations to help patients find the answers and help they need for a wide variety of mental health concerns.

Psychology students can become overwhelmed with so many opportunities to pursue. Choosing the right specialization for your career goals can help you deliver mental healthcare to patients sooner.

Choosing the Right Psychology Specialization

Mental health comes in many different forms, which is why there are so many specialized forms of care. To make sure you choose the right specialization for you, you need to review a few criteria that can make choosing easier:

• Consider your career goals and where you'd like to work—some psychologists work out of hospitals, others in private practice.
• Review the educational path you want to take—although licensure requires a doctoral degree, some programs might be offered online as opposed to on campus.
• Evaluate career factors like salary and growth potential.
• Learn about the different areas of specialization to see which ones seem more appealing to you.

Psychology Specializations To Choose From

Although there are many options for psychology careers, some are more popular with students than others.

Each field of study in psychology uses similar methods to treat mental health. Still, they approach different types of mental health for people suffering from multiple conditions and illnesses. Psychological principles such as using evaluations and interventions to help patients are constant, but each area of psychology uses them slightly differently.

Addiction Psychology

Addiction is a disease that has mental and physical health components. Addiction psychologists work with patients to establish coping mechanisms and other cognitive-based approaches to treat mental causes of addiction such as past trauma and societal pressure. This area of psychology works closely with social workers and law enforcement in rehabilitation processes.

Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychologists work in multiple healthcare settings with patients ranging from children to the elderly. These psychologists focus on illnesses like anxiety and depression. Additional responsibilities of a clinical psychologist include assessments, evaluations, and the diagnosis of mental health conditions.

Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychology is a specialization that focuses on more of the scientific elements of mental health. Cognitive psychologists use evidence and scientific-based approaches instead of more thought or emotional-based care. Cognitive psychologists also work outside of the mental healthcare field with companies and colleges.

Counseling Psychology

Counseling psychologists are the most commonly thought of specialization in psychology. These psychologists work directly with patients to provide ongoing care through trauma, grief, and even addiction journies.

Developmental Psychology

Throughout a human's lifespan, there are several key areas of development. Developmental psychologists help monitor children and ensure healthy development across these early stages. The role of a developmental psychologist is usually more research-focused, but some do apply direct interventions to patients.

Educational Psychology

People learn differently based on multiple cognitive factors. Educational psychologists study these differences and work with teachers and other educators to tailor lessons to reach as many students as possible, especially ones with developmental concerns. This field of study is similar to school psychology which studies the systemic aspects of education.

Forensic Psychology

Understanding the minds of criminals can help prevent recidivism, which is when a criminal commits another crime. Forensic psychologists work with law enforcement in prisons and similar locations to help identify patterns in criminal behavior, such as profiling. Additionally, forensic psychologists work with victims in advocacy and support roles.

Health Psychology

Mental and physical health are often highly connected. Health psychologists work to find connections between physical and mental illness and provide education to try to help patients find better coping methods. Stress, particularly, has physical outcomes but it often starts from a mental illness or external pressure. A health psychologist helps patients find links and treat root causes.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

One of the biggest parts of an adult's life is their work. The work environment often leads to stress and anxiety that can cause problems in the non-work life of a person. Industrial-organizational psychologists work with companies to establish mentally healthy work environments to reduce the mental health impact on employees.

Neuropsychology

The brain has a direct impact on the physical health of a patient. Brain injuries can lead to physical conditions. Neuropsychologists work with physical therapists and other healthcare professionals to find mind and body connections in treating brain-based conditions.

Social Psychology

The pressures of social structures can lead to multiple negative mental conditions in patients. Social psychologists work to analyze how human behavior changes in larger groups. This career path is more focused more on research focused than patient care, but some social psychologists do social work in a patient-facing role.

Sports Psychology

Sports psychology is a growing field that uses mental health approaches to evaluate performance. Although many sports are highly physical, they almost all have a strong mental component, such as confidence. Sports psychologists work with athletes from middle and high school teams to professionals at the highest levels.

Psychology Specialization FAQs

Even with a deeper knowledge of the individual specializations, you might still have questions about which career path is best for you. We'll answer some frequently asked questions about psychology specializations below.

What Degrees Do Different Psychology Specializations Require?

You will need a doctoral degree from an accredited psychology program to earn a psychology license and begin practicing. The two doctoral programs students can choose from are a PhD or PsyD. Both programs are recognized by licensing bodies and employers.

Read More: PsyD Vs. Ph.D in Psychology

There are entry-level psychology jobs that can be held by students with bachelor's or master's degrees, such as a psychology assistant. These roles will have earning and advancement ceilings much lower than roles that require a doctorate.

Can I Switch Specialization After Working in the Field of Psychology?

It is possible to shift psychology career paths after graduating. If you're looking to change your specialization, you might need to take additional courses or certification programs to earn skills for your new desired specialty.

What Are the Job Outlooks for Psychology Subfields?

Psychology is a growing field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, all psychology fields are expected to see a 6% growth by 2032, which is double the growth rate for all occupations. Mental healthcare has received increased focus over the last few years, and demand is expected to increase for mental healthcare providers.

Can I Earn a Psychology Degree Online?

There are multiple online psychology degree programs in different specializations. You need to make sure that your school or program is accredited and acknowledged by the American Psychological Association (APA), no matter which specialization you're trying to earn your degree in.