7 Types of Psychology: Choosing the Right Field

In the world of psychology, there are several different categories that professionals can pursue. Psychology is the study of the human mind and the pursuit of understanding mental health and human behavior.

Psychologists may work as researchers to better understand mental processes, or as counselors to improve the well-being of patients.

The key to understanding which career track is right for you is to start by learning about the different branches of psychology.

In this article, we'll discuss the 7 types of psychology along with some frequently asked questions.

Different Types Of Psychology

In the field of psychology, there are seven different categories of professionals. Here are the types and the roles they play.

1. Abnormal Psychology

Abnormal psychology is the study of mental illness and personality disorders. They study mental disorders that sometimes affect decision-making skills and social behavior, and may even lead to criminal activity.

These psychologists work in clinical settings and compare normal cognitive function to the disorderly function of someone with a mental illness.

2. Behavioral Psychology

Behavioral psychologists study the behavior of patients, especially those who may have had a brain injury or experienced incidents that affect behavior.

These professionals usually work with patients who have trouble with problem-solving or decision-making and conduct further assessments to build these skills over time.

These individuals usually work in their own private practices and help patients who are in search of specific solutions.

3. Biopsychology

Biopsychologists study the chemical makeup of the brain and how changes can affect human psychology. These professionals work in clinical settings alongside other scientists who may be developing medication.

Likewise, biopsychology can study what effects certain stimuli have on the nervous system. These professionals often give deeper insight into substance abuse and how the healthcare system can help affected patients.

This scientific study holistically examines the psychodynamic relationship between environmental factors, the body, and the mind.

4. Clinical Psychology

Typical career paths may lead to clinical psychology, which is the study of mental health and disorders across a lifespan.

This is the most common type of psychology and focuses on long-term care for those with disabilities. Clinical psychologists use different methods of therapy to

5. Cognitive Psychology

Cognitive psychology is one of the branches of psychology that emphasizes the way people think.

Cognitive psychologists typically observe human behavior and neuroscience to create supportive psychotherapy practices for those in need.

6. Forensic Psychology

The study of forensic psychology is to support law enforcement agencies to better understand how abnormal psychology and criminal behavior are related.

Forensic psychologists often work with individuals who have a criminal background and evidence of a mental disorder, and try to find a connection between the two.

This type of analysis may help predict behavior and avoid crimes in the future

7. Social Psychology

Social psychology is the subfield of understanding how humans interact with each other. School psychologists, who work with students or build programs for early learners usually have experience with social psychology.

Additionally, organizational psychologists can fall into this category. Organizational psychology and the professionals who study it aim to understand professional work dynamics as a way to create better programs for success.

Other Fields of Psychology

Another common field of psychology is psychoanalysis, with the most famous doctor in this category being Sigmund Freud.

He is known as the father of psychology with mental health clinics still using many of his theories to this day.

How To Choose the Right Area of Psychology to Study

It's important to choose an area of psychology based on your particular interests and specialties. If you prefer to work in real-world situations, then clinical, forensic or behavioral psychology may be best.

If you prefer to understand the learning process of children, then developmental psychology may be more interesting.

3 Schools With Psychology Programs

Obtaining a degree in psychology doesn't require you to attend courses on campus. There are a number of programs offered online for distance learners.

While the programs are offered online, students who wish to study biological psychology may need to attend clinical practice within a physical lab.

1. Bay Path University

Students at Bay Path University can earn their psychology degree entirely online. The degree programs are intended for distance learning and teach a range of subfields in psychology.

The bachelor of science in psychology through The American Women's College (TAWC) at Bay Path University can be completed in 3.5 years, preparing students for either a master's program or entry-level work in the real world.

2. Johnson and Wales University

Although located in Providence, Rhode Island, Johnson and Wales University offers a completely remote degree in psychology.

The bachelor of science and psychology prepares students to think, critically, analyze, and evaluate patients with a history of mental disorder.

Students can learn how to improve the interpersonal relationships of patients and build healthy coping mechanisms for patients. Upon completion, students are well-prepared for an advanced degree.

3. Lesley University

Known as one of the Fenway Schools for its close proximity to the stadium in Boston, Lesley University recently launched a bachelor's degree for aspiring psychologists.

This degree follows the same curricula as the in-person counterpart, ensuring students gain access to a standout education.

Lesley University is most well known for its program in developmental psychology. Developmental psychologists study the way the human mind forms and changes throughout a person's early years.