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What does a Psychologist do?

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Talent.com talent.com
Answered March 01 2021
Career Expert at Talent.com
Psychologists are highly trained medical professionals who can work closely with their patients to manage their mental health. Psychologists work specifically to diagnose problems related to their patients' overall mental health. As a result, they work closely with patients, meeting as often as they need to help them manage their assessments and diagnosis.   
  
The role of a Psychologist will depend on their patients as well as their background. Psychologists can specialize in specific fields, such as working with children or neuropsychology. Still, the daily roles and responsibilities that a Psychologist will perform are highly dependent on their studies. To become a Psychologist, you must complete anywhere between six to ten years of education and become licensed.  
  
Other roles can also include studying in labs; however, many Psychologists will spend their time working directly with patients. 

Roles & Responsibilities for a Psychologist

  • Counseling patients in individual or group sessions to assess their problems, help them understand and deal with situations and crises, and improve their mental health
  • Collecting information about patients through interviews, case histories, and observation techniques 
  • Documenting patient information, including session notes, progress, recommendations, and treatment plans
  • Using various psychological methods (e.g., psychotherapy, hypnosis, behavior modification, and play therapy) to gain a better understanding of the patient’s issues 
  • Consulting reference materials (e.g., textbooks, manuals, and other cases) to identify symptoms 
  • Diagnosing psychological, emotional, and behavioral issues 
  • Developing therapeutic and treatment plans based on observations, as well as on patient’s data and needs 
  • Providing advice to patients about conflict and problem resolution techniques
  • Discussing treatment progress and problems with patients 
  • Evaluating results of treatment plans and counseling sessions 
  • Liaising with other health professionals and colleagues regarding therapies, treatments, counseling resources and techniques, and sharing occupational information 
  • Referring patients to other specialists and colleagues when needed
  • Consulting with or providing consultation to other Doctors, Therapists, or colleagues regarding patients 
  • Sharing research findings by publishing papers and holding professional conferences 
  • Keeping up-to-date on the latest advancements, therapies, and techniques in their field 
  • Providing counseling services and advice to companies, educational and outreach programs, schools, social service agencies, and to the general public 
  • Administering and interpreting psychological tests to assess intelligence, aptitudes, abilities, and interests 
  • Providing occupational, educational, and vocational advice to students and consultation to their relatives and Teachers regarding students’ needs, learning styles, and special requirements 
  • Evaluating possible candidates for a job in a company
  • Providing advice to individuals and communities  
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