Like Helping Kids? Pursue a Career in Child Psychology

With divorce rates on the rise and today's tough economic times placing undue demands on single-parent households, children are under increased pressure at all levels. Child Psychologists can help children who suffer emotionally from a variety of traumas and dysfunctional episodes in their lives. Specifically licensed and trained to counsel and treat children, Child Psychologists may work hand-in-hand with parents and children, but the emphasis is always on improving a child's mental well-being.

As a Child Psychologist, you may evaluate children in support or supervision of social workers in a clinical setting. You'll learn to deal with childhood specific issues of emotional development, substance abuse, family and behavioral problems. You may also be involved in diagnosing and treating a child's learning disabilities and performing IQ and educational assessments.

While the minimum requirement for those who want to begin working with children on a clinical level is a Master's Degree, most careers in child psychology usually require doctoral degrees. You'll need a thorough understanding of child development. You may also need some training in pharmacology.

Child Psychologists will be in great demand through 2016, due primarily to a rising need for their services in schools, hospitals and social service agencies. Salaries will vary widely depending on your qualifications, location and specific duties. School Child Psychologists, for example, can expect to earn about $60,000, while Child Psychologists with an independent practice may take in over $120,000 annually.

Alex A. Kecskes has written hundreds of published articles on health/fitness, "green" issues, TV/film entertainment, restaurant reviews and many other topics. As a former Andy/Belding/One Show ad agency copywriter, he also writes web content, ads, brochures, sales letters, mailers and scripts for national B2B and B2C clients.