How to Become a Military Psychologist

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Walden University : PhD in Clinical Psychology (HLC Accredited)

Walden University : MS in Psychology (HLC Accredited)

Walden University : MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

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What Is Military Psychology?

Military psychology focuses on active members of the military and veterans who’ve returned to civilian life. Military psychologists may also treat family members of veterans since the psychological strain of service can significantly affect veterans’ loved ones. Additionally, psychologists can provide family members with support tools for veterans who may be suffering from trauma or depression.

Every branch of the U.S. military has its own group of designated psychologists, such as Army psychologists, Navy psychologists, and Air Force psychologists.

What Does a Military Psychologist Do?

Duties and specifics may vary based on what branch of military psychology you work in. No matter which service branch you choose, however, your duties may entail any of the following:

Assessing new recruits, ensuring that they’re mentally fit for service and helping pair them with the right jobs or posts

Guiding and counseling deployed soldiers through the challenges of service

Helping soldiers readjust to civilian life

Counseling military couples and families through various challenges

Diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can be common among veterans

Referring patients to psychiatrists or to inpatient care, as needed

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School and Program Information	Online Program? Entry Requirements	Course Information
University of Denver Master of Arts in School Counseling Designed to adhere to CACREP standards	✔ Online No GRE Required; Minimum GPA 2.5 Required	Earn a Master’s degree in School Counseling online from the University of Denver. Learn from doctoral-level faculty in live classes and gain experience through mock counseling and in-field training. No GRE required. Complete in as few as 24 months. Learn More
Walden University PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, School Counseling HLC Accredited	✔ Online	In the PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision with a specialization in School Counseling, you’ll build your theoretical and practical understanding of the systemic interplay among children, adolescents, families, and the stakeholders in their lives. Coursework in this program focuses on a family-systems view of intervention, with specific attention to developmental, cognitive, behavioral, educational, multicultural, and environmental issues. You’ll also examine group theory, process, and dynamics and how to apply these concepts to group counseling and guidance in school settings. Learn More
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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 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 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 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 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
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

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Those wondering how to become military psychologists should know that there are specific educational requirements for practicing psychology. In addition to earning undergraduate and master’s-level degrees — typically in fields related to mental health — military psychologists must also earn PhDs. This can be in general or clinical psychology or in counseling. Students should enroll in programs that the American Psychological Association (APA) has accredited.

Though it’s not required, you can pursue your psychology degree from a military school. There are some potential advantages to doing so. First, in exchange for your service, the military may cover the cost of your tuition. Additionally, earning a psychology degree from a military school can provide training that’s more focused on issues impacting service members, military families, and veterans.

Following the completion of a PhD, a one-year clinical internship is required in one of the branches of the military. Becoming a military psychologist also requires a valid license or certification to practice psychology, which can be obtained by passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and meeting other related requirements. The specific requirements for licensure can vary depending on the state.

You can also choose from the following: enlisting as an active member of the military, doubling as a practicing psychologist, or serving in a civilian role.

Military Career Resources

According to Psychology Today, the military provides numerous financial resources for those who wish to pursue careers in military psychology. A few examples are as follows:

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) allows you to pursue your education without the requirement to pay tuition. However, you’ll be required to complete seven years of active service after completing your training.

The military’s Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) provides financial aid to those who are attending civilian programs but who wish to one day join the military.

The Army’s Financial Assistance Program (FAP) provides grant money to aspiring military psychology professionals who’ve been accepted into civilian internships.

The Department of Veterans Affairs also offers many career resources for veterans, including online networking and job training opportunities. These resources may be valuable to those seeking work in the counseling profession, whether in the military or in post-military life.

These are just a few examples of resources to consider as you contemplate how to become a military psychologist.

Key Skills in Military Psychology

A primary goal of advanced education is honing the skills required for success in military psychology. A few examples of essential military psychology skills are as follows:

Active listening. Psychologists must be prepared to fully listen to what their patients are saying and to extend empathy and compassion.
Familiarity with PTSD. Military psychology professionals should also have specific familiarity addressing mental health conditions that are common to service members, especially trauma and depression.
Communication. Psychologists should be able to convey the details of a diagnosis or a treatment plan in a clear, understandable way.
Critical thinking. Military psychology professionals may need to piece together details to arrive at a clinical diagnosis.
Collaboration. Success in this field often depends on the ability to cooperate with other clinical professionals.

Master of Arts in School Counseling Program at University of Denver

University of Denver - Master of Arts in School Counseling ( Accredited)

PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, School Counseling Program at Walden University

Walden University - PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, School Counseling (HLC Accredited)

PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Program at Walden University

Walden University - PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (HLC Accredited)

PhD in Clinical Psychology Program at Walden University

Walden University - PhD in Clinical Psychology (HLC Accredited)

MS in Psychology Program at Walden University

Walden University - MS in Psychology (HLC Accredited)

MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling Program at Walden University

Walden University - MS in Marriage, Couple, and Family Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Master of Social Work (MSW) Program at Walden University

Walden University - Master of Social Work (MSW) (CSWE Accredited)

BS in Psychology Program at Walden University

Walden University - BS in Psychology (HLC Accredited)

PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, General Program at Walden University

Walden University - PhD in Counselor Education and Supervision, General (HLC Accredited)

Discover the Path to Becoming a Military Psychologist

If you’re passionate about military life and also long for a chance to serve people in their hour of need, a career in military psychology may be just the thing. There are many ways to become a military psychologist and make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families. Explore some of the available resources, and find out which educational path is right for you.

Sources:

American Board of Professional Psychology
American Psychological Association
BetterHelp, “What Is a Military Psychologist and How to Become One”
Mayo Clinic, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Military.com, “How to Recognize PTSD in Your Spouse”
Psychology Today, “Becoming an Active Duty Military Psychologist”
U.S. Air Force, Clinical Psychologist
U.S. Army, Clinical Psychologist
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Employment Toolkit
U.S. Navy, Clinical Psychologist

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