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Clinical and Counseling Psychologists

Job Zone 5 - Extensive preparation needed

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Assess, diagnose, and treat mental and emotional disorders of individuals through observation, interview, and psychological tests. Help individuals with distress or maladjustment understand their problems through their knowledge of case history, interviews with patients, and theory. Provide individual or group counseling services to assist individuals in achieving more effective personal, social, educational, and vocational development and adjustment. May design behavior modification programs and consult with medical personnel regarding the best treatment for patients.

Pay & job outlook

Median pay: $100,580/yr (U.S. national, May 2025)

$55,170$180,960

Typical range nationwide (10th–90th percentile). This is a population snapshot, not a personal prediction - actual pay varies by location, employer, and experience.

Job outlook: +11.2% projected growth, 2024–2034 — much faster than average.

About 4,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.

Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS and Employment Projections.

Top skills
Reading ComprehensionSocial PerceptivenessWritingActive ListeningCritical ThinkingSpeakingActive LearningMonitoringService OrientationComplex Problem Solving
Top knowledge areas
Therapy and CounselingPsychologyEnglish LanguageEducation and TrainingCustomer and Personal ServiceSociology and AnthropologyLaw and GovernmentAdministration and Management
Core tasks

• Conduct assessments of patients' risk for harm to self or others.

• Document patient information including session notes, progress notes, recommendations, and treatment plans.

• Identify psychological, emotional, or behavioral issues and diagnose disorders, using information obtained from interviews, tests, records, or reference materials.

• Write reports on clients and maintain required paperwork.

• Counsel individuals, groups, or families to help them understand problems, deal with crisis situations, define goals, and develop realistic action plans.

• Interact with clients to assist them in gaining insight, defining goals, and planning action to achieve effective personal, social, educational, or vocational development and adjustment.

• Collect information about individuals or clients, using interviews, case histories, observational techniques, and other assessment methods.

• Evaluate the effectiveness of counseling or treatments and the accuracy and completeness of diagnoses, modifying plans or diagnoses as necessary.

Frequently asked questions

What's the median pay for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists?

The median pay for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists is $100,580 per year, per the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

What's the job outlook for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists?

Employment for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists is projected to change +11.2% from 2024 to 2034 - much faster than average.

What education is typically required for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists?

Typical entry-level education: Doctoral or professional degree.

How many job openings are there each year for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists?

About 4,800 openings per year, on average, over the decade.