Walden University : MS in Psychology (HLC Accredited) Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from) Walden University : MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited) Walden University : MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (CACREP Accredited) Walden University : PhD in Clinical Psychology (HLC Accredited) Walden University : Master of Social Work (MSW) (CSWE Accredited) Walden University : PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, General (HLC Accredited) Walden University : PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Addiction Counseling (HLC Accredited) Walden University : BS in Psychology (HLC Accredited)What Is Clinical Psychology?
Clinical psychology is a branch of psychology focused on assessing, diagnosing, and treating mental health disorders. Clinical psychologists work with individuals experiencing a wide range of psychological conditions, from mild anxiety to severe psychiatric disorders such as schizophrenia and bipolar disorder.
Focus and Responsibilities
Clinical psychologists specialize in evidence-based approaches to mental health treatment, often working with individuals who require long-term therapy or more intensive interventions. Their work may include:
- Conducting psychological assessments and diagnostic testing
- Developing treatment plans for individuals with serious mental illnesses
- Providing psychotherapy and behavioral interventions
- Collaborating with psychiatrists and medical professionals for integrated care
- Engaging in research and clinical studies to improve treatment methods
Common Work Settings
Clinical psychologists work in various environments where mental health services are needed. Typical work settings include:
- Hospitals and inpatient psychiatric facilities
- Private practices and group therapy clinics
- Community mental health centers
- University counseling centers and research institutions
- Government and military healthcare systems
Clinical psychology is an ideal career path for those interested in working with individuals facing complex psychological challenges, conducting research, or integrating mental health care with medical treatment.
Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program
| School and Program Information | Online Program? Entry Requirements |
Course Information |
|---|---|---|
| Walden University
MS in Psychology
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Benefit from this specialization’s comprehensive study of the social, cultural, and cognitive aspects of human behavior as you explore the fundamentals of psychology, including its theories, methods, and principles. You can evaluate and design research methods and examine multicultural and/or global perspectives of psychology. This specialization also offers an optional doctoral preparation track, for those who want a head start on their doctorate. If you choose Walden’s competency-based Tempo Learning® format, you’ll have access to three-month, all-you-can-learn subscriptions, no weekly deadlines, and faculty and coach support when needed. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling
 CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in School Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
GRE scores not required |
School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. Learn More |
| Walden University
MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling
CACREP Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Learn how to support the well-being of your students as they cope with complex personal and family challenges. Explore human sexual development as well as the relationships and family dynamics impacting young people’s lives today. Build the cross-cultural competencies and skills required to understand family structures, life-cycle dynamics, intergenerational influences, and healthy family functioning. The optional accelerated track is designed for students who are interested in taking three courses per quarter and potentially finishing their program in a shorter time frame. The accelerated track has the same curriculum, residencies, and field experience requirements as the general track, but requires a strong time commitment and is best suited for students who can dedicate themselves full time to their studies. Learn More |
| Walden University
PhD in Clinical Psychology
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Gain the skills to assess mental wellness and provide interventions. Taught by respected psychology faculty, coursework explores current theories and empirically supported practice. You can combine scholarly research with practical experience. Learn More |
| Walden University
Master of Social Work (MSW)
CSWE Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Walden’s CSWE-accredited Master of Social Work (MSW) program can empower you to shape a better, more equitable world. Our program combines a purposeful curriculum with immersive learning experiences to help you become the confident and highly capable social work practitioner you know you can be. Learn More |
| Walden University
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, General
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
If you’re looking for a clear path to teaching in CACREP-accredited counseling degree programs, Walden’s PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision program can help you take the next step. In our core path of study, you’ll acquire an advanced understanding of counseling theory and learn to evaluate theory and practice through qualitative and quantitative research. Build advanced individual and group counseling skills, teaching and supervision competencies, and research skills designed to help you reach your potential. Learn More |
| Walden University
PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Addiction Counseling
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Addiction is an issue that hits close to home for many. In our PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with a specialization in Addiction Counseling, you’ll gain deeper insights into this increasingly important area and learn how to best prepare the next generation of addiction counselors. Coursework in this specialization explores contemporary treatment and intervention models used to promote recovery as well as the treatment principles and philosophies of addiction-related programs. You’ll also gain insight into substance abuse policies and regulatory processes that influence service delivery in addiction counseling. Learn More |
| Walden University
BS in Psychology
HLC Accredited |
✔ Online
|
Prepare to transform lives with a BS in Psychology from Walden University. Our program introduces you to a wide range of theories, approaches, and perspectives within the field while providing you with insight into issues affecting diverse individuals and social groups. Learn More |
*Sponsored Counseling Programs
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs
Walden University - MS in Psychology (HLC Accredited)
Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (CACREP Accredited)
Walden University - PhD in Clinical Psychology (HLC Accredited)
Walden University - Master of Social Work (MSW) (CSWE Accredited)
Walden University - BS in Psychology (HLC Accredited)
What Is Counseling Psychology?
Counseling psychology focuses on helping individuals navigate life challenges, emotional difficulties, and personal development. While counseling psychologists may work with clients experiencing mental health disorders, their primary emphasis is on promoting overall well-being, resilience, and self-improvement.
Focus and Responsibilities
Counseling psychologists work with individuals, couples, families, and groups to address a wide range of concerns, including:
- Stress, anxiety, and depression
- Relationship and family issues
- Career development and life transitions
- Self-esteem and identity exploration
- Coping with trauma and grief
Rather than focusing on severe mental illnesses, counseling psychologists typically use talk therapy, strengths-based approaches, and preventative mental health techniques to support clients in managing everyday challenges.
Common Work Settings
Counseling psychologists work in settings that emphasize personal growth and mental wellness. These may include:
- Private practice and outpatient therapy clinics
- University counseling centers and career services offices
- Community mental health organizations
- Schools and educational institutions
- Corporate wellness programs and employee assistance services
Counseling psychology is well-suited for those who are passionate about helping individuals improve their emotional well-being, build coping strategies, and navigate life transitions.
Clinical Psychology vs. Counseling Psychology: Key Similarities
While clinical and counseling psychology have distinct areas of focus, they also share several similarities. Both specializations involve working directly with clients, providing therapy, and requiring advanced education and licensure.
1. Educational and Licensure Requirements
- Both require graduate-level education, typically a Ph.D. or Psy.D. for full licensure as a psychologist.
- Both require supervised clinical experience during graduate training.
- Both must pass a licensing exam, such as the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
2. Direct Client Interaction and Therapy
- Both clinical and counseling psychologists provide individual, group, and family therapy to clients.
- Both use evidence-based therapeutic techniques, such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) and psychodynamic therapy.
- Both work with clients facing emotional, behavioral, and psychological challenges.
3. Work Settings and Career Flexibility
- Both can work in private practice, hospitals, community mental health centers, and educational institutions.
- Both have opportunities in research, teaching, and consultation roles.
- Both may specialize in areas such as trauma, addiction, or child and adolescent therapy.
Despite these similarities, there are key differences in training, job responsibilities, and patient populations, which will be explored in the next section.
Clinical Psychology vs. Counseling Psychology: Key Differences
While clinical and counseling psychology share foundational similarities, they differ significantly in their focus, training, theoretical approaches, and career applications. Below are the major distinctions between the two fields.
Duties and Areas of Focus
- Clinical psychologists primarily work with individuals experiencing severe mental health disorders, such as schizophrenia, bipolar disorder, and major depressive disorder. Their work often involves diagnostic assessments, treatment planning, and collaboration with medical professionals.
- Counseling psychologists focus on emotional well-being, personal development, and life challenges. They typically work with clients dealing with relationship struggles, stress, career decisions, and mild to moderate mental health concerns.
Education and Training Requirements
- Clinical and counseling psychology programs both require a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) for licensure as a psychologist. However, clinical psychology programs often emphasize psychopathology, diagnostic assessment, and medical-based interventions, whereas counseling psychology programs place more focus on human development, therapy techniques, and social-emotional wellness.
- Clinical psychology training typically includes more coursework in severe mental health disorders and neuropsychological assessment, while counseling psychology programs integrate more multicultural and strengths-based approaches.
Theoretical Approaches and Treatment Methods
- Clinical psychologists frequently use evidence-based treatments such as cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT), dialectical behavior therapy (DBT), and exposure therapy for anxiety and trauma-related disorders.
- Counseling psychologists often incorporate talk therapy, positive psychology, and client-centered approaches to support clients in developing coping skills and improving emotional resilience.
Work Settings and Career Paths
- Clinical psychologists are more likely to work in hospitals, psychiatric institutions, and research settings, where they may collaborate with psychiatrists and other medical professionals.
- Counseling psychologists often work in schools, career counseling centers, private practice, and community mental health settings, focusing on personal growth and self-improvement.
These differences highlight how clinical psychology is more focused on mental illness diagnosis and treatment, whereas counseling psychology emphasizes personal development and wellness-based interventions.
Salary and Job Outlook for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
Salaries for clinical and counseling psychologists vary based on factors such as education, experience, work setting, and geographic location. While both careers offer strong earning potential, compensation depends largely on industry demand and individual career choices, such as working in private practice or specialized healthcare settings.
Psychologist Salary Data
According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), the median annual wage for psychologists was $92,740 as of May 2023. However, salaries vary significantly by specialization and work setting.
- Clinical and counseling psychologists had a median annual wage of $96,100.
- Industrial-organizational psychologists earned the highest median salary at $147,420.
- Psychologists in other specialized roles earned a median of $117,750.
The lowest 10% of psychologists earned less than $52,430, while the highest 10% earned more than $151,880.
Factors Influencing Salary
Several factors impact earnings for clinical and counseling psychologists, including:
- Industry and Work Setting – Psychologists working in hospitals, healthcare systems, and government agencies tend to earn more than those employed in schools, nonprofits, or community mental health centers.
- Experience Level – Early-career psychologists typically earn less than those with advanced certifications or years of professional experience.
- Geographic Location – Salaries tend to be higher in states with greater demand for mental health services, such as California and New York.
- Private Practice Potential – Many psychologists increase their earnings by establishing a private practice, which allows them to set their own fees and specialize in high-demand areas of mental health care.
Job Growth and Demand
The demand for psychologists continues to grow as mental health awareness increases and access to services expands. The BLS projects that overall employment of psychologists will grow 7% from 2023 to 2033, faster than the average for all occupations.
For clinical and counseling psychologists specifically:
- Employment is expected to grow 13% from 2023 to 2033, adding approximately 10,200 new jobs.
- Demand will remain strong in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social service agencies.
- More individuals are seeking therapy, increasing the need for licensed professionals across various settings.
With stable job prospects and competitive salaries, both clinical and counseling psychologists can expect strong career opportunities in the coming years.
Which Career Path Is Right for You?
Choosing between clinical psychology and counseling psychology depends on your interests, career goals, and preferred work environment. While both fields involve working directly with clients, their focus areas and professional pathways differ.
Questions to Consider When Choosing a Path
- Do you want to work with individuals facing severe mental health disorders?
- If so, clinical psychology may be the better fit, as it involves diagnosing and treating serious psychiatric conditions.
- Are you more interested in helping people with life transitions, stress, and emotional well-being?
- Counseling psychology may be a better choice if you prefer working with clients on personal growth, relationships, and day-to-day challenges.
- Do you want to work in a hospital or medical setting?
- Clinical psychologists are more likely to work in hospitals, psychiatric facilities, and research institutions.
- Are you interested in education, career counseling, or community-based services?
- Counseling psychologists often work in schools, universities, and nonprofit organizations.
- What are your long-term career goals?
- Clinical psychologists may have more opportunities in specialized areas such as neuropsychology, forensic psychology, and medical settings.
- Counseling psychologists tend to focus on wellness, prevention, and personal development in a variety of community settings.
Degree and Licensure Considerations
- Both careers require a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) for full licensure as a psychologist.
- Some states allow counseling psychologists to practice with a master’s degree, such as an online master’s in counseling psychology, though career options may be more limited.
- Clinical psychology programs often include more training in mental illness and psychological assessment, whereas counseling psychology programs emphasize therapy and strengths-based approaches.
Final Thoughts on Choosing the Right Path
Both clinical and counseling psychology offer rewarding careers with strong job prospects. The best choice depends on whether you are drawn to mental health treatment and diagnosis (clinical psychology) or personal development and life challenges (counseling psychology).
If you’re still uncertain, consider exploring graduate programs, talking to professionals in each field, and reviewing state licensing requirements to find the path that aligns with your goals.
FAQ: Clinical vs. Counseling Psychology
Which career path has higher earning potential?
On average, clinical psychologists tend to have slightly higher salaries than counseling psychologists, particularly in medical and research settings. However, both fields offer strong earning potential, especially for those in private practice or specialized roles.
Can counseling psychologists diagnose mental illnesses?
Yes, counseling psychologists can diagnose and treat mental health disorders, but their focus is typically on helping clients with life challenges, emotional well-being, and personal growth. Clinical psychologists, in contrast, are more likely to work with severe psychiatric conditions and conduct in-depth psychological assessments.
Do clinical psychologists work in non-medical settings?
Yes, clinical psychologists can work in a variety of settings beyond hospitals and psychiatric institutions, including private practice, universities, and research centers. However, they are more commonly found in healthcare environments than counseling psychologists.
How long does it take to become a licensed psychologist in each field?
Both career paths require a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.), which takes about 5 to 7 years to complete after earning a bachelor’s degree. In addition, candidates must complete a supervised internship, pass licensing exams, and fulfill postdoctoral supervised experience requirements, bringing the total timeline to approximately 8 to 12 years.
Is one field easier to enter than the other?
Both clinical and counseling psychology require extensive education and training. However, some counseling psychology positions allow individuals to practice with a master’s degree, whereas clinical psychology generally requires a doctoral degree for full licensure.
Can clinical and counseling psychologists work in the same settings?
Yes, both professionals may work in private practice, schools, hospitals, and community mental health centers. However, clinical psychologists are more likely to be employed in medical and psychiatric facilities, while counseling psychologists are more commonly found in schools, career counseling centers, and wellness-focused organizations.
Both paths offer fulfilling career opportunities, and the best choice depends on an individual’s career goals and professional interests.
Next Steps
Choosing between clinical psychology and counseling psychology depends on your career goals, interests, and preferred work environment. Both fields offer meaningful opportunities to help others through therapy and mental health support, but they differ in focus, training, and job settings.
To move forward:
- Research graduate programs to determine which specialization aligns with your goals.
- Review licensing requirements in your state to understand education and training expectations.
- Speak with professionals in both fields to gain insight into their day-to-day responsibilities.
Both career paths provide strong job prospects and rewarding work, whether you are drawn to diagnosing and treating mental illness or supporting personal growth and emotional well-being. Taking the time to explore your options will help you choose the best path for your future in psychology.
List of Programs
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Walden University 🗹 Online 🗗Doctorate
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Liberty University 🗹 Online
Liberty University 🗹 Online
