2. What is Clinical Psychology?
Clinical psychology
is the branch of
psychology
responsible for
understanding and
treating mental
health problems.
3. Clinical Psychologists
Also called: Clinical Psychologist, Forensic Psychologist,
Licensed Clinical Psychologist, Psychologist
What they do:
• Diagnose or
evaluate mental and
emotional disorders of
individuals through
observation, interview,
and psychological
tests, and formulate
and administer
programs of treatment.
On the job, you would:
•Interact with clients to assist
them in gaining insight, defining
goals, and planning action to
achieve effective personal, social,
educational, and vocational
development and adjustment.
•Identify psychological,
emotional, or behavioral issues
and diagnose disorders, using
information obtained from
interviews, tests, records, and
reference materials.
•Use a variety of treatment
methods, such as psychotherapy,
hypnosis, behavior modification,
stress reduction therapy,
psychodrama, and play therapy.
4. SOCIETY OF CLINICAL PSYCHOLOGY
Mission Statement
The mission of the Society of Clinical Psychology is to encourage and support the
integration of psychological science and practice in education, research,
application, advocacy and public policy, attending to the importance of
diversity.
Members of Division 12
Applicants interested in and engaged in the practice, research, teaching,
administration and/or the study of Clinical Psychology are welcome to join. Read
below to learn the qualifications for each type of membership: Full, Affiliate, Early
Career Psychologist, and Student.
Student Members of Division 12
Students are the future of Clinical Psychology! With over 4000 members, the
Society of Clinical Psychology is the APA’s second largest division. Division 12
represents the science and profession of clinical psychology to the American
Psychological Association and to the public. Undergraduate, graduate, and
doctoral students are all welcome to become student members of the Society of
Clinical Psychology.
5. Student Members
Benefits of joining Division 12
•Identity as a Clinical Psychologist
•Advocacy for Integration of science and practice
•Opportunities for networking and involvement
•Website & Resources on Empirically Supported Treatments
•On-line Newsletter, The Clinical Psychologist
•Mentorship program
•Social networking and listserv
•Affiliation with Section 10 and other special interest Sections
•Opportunities to get involved with committees & student leadership positions
•Clinician’s Toolkit
•Continuing Education Opportunities
•Special convention programming such as breakfast conversations and workshops, hospitality suite
activities
•Discounts on books such as Advances in Psychotherapy Series
•Rising Star Program Opportunities
•Three Student Awards: for Student research, practice, and service
(Recipients receive a plaque, a $200 honorarium contributed jointly by Division 12 and Journal of Clinical
Psychology, and a complementary two-year subscription to JCLP & JCLP: In Session)
•Building resume by membership & involvement in a professional organization
•Affiliation with the historic APA division that gave rise to the profession
•Reduced student dues starting in 2011-2012
•Opportunity for maintaining involvement after post doc year through
•Early Career Affiliate Membership status
(You do not have to be member of APAGS/APA although recommended)
6. Jump Start Your Career
Early Career Psychologists
There are many awards and programs available to early career
psychologists. It is never to early to begin your career. Join
organizations and clubs to help you gain more knowledge and
experience in your field.
Professional Development
Internships are a very good way to jump start your career! Many
internships can even guarantee you a job once you finish school.
Training and Events
Volunteering and participating in local psychology events can
also help you get more familiar with your field. It will help you can
experience and meet new people. You could potentially meet
someone that might be interested in employing you in the future.
7. Job Growth
According to the
Bureau of Labor
Statistics, the median
salary in 2012 was
$34,750. The
projected growth in
the number of jobs
from 2012- 2022 is
about 10.8 percent.
New job
opportunities are
likely in the future for
Clinical Psychologists.
• $67,650 per year,
on average
• That’s almost
double the median
salary in 2012!
8. Psychologist in South Carolina
THREE STEPS TO BECOME A PSYCHOLOGIST IN SOUTH CAROLINA
1. Earn a B.S. or B.A. and a Master’s Degree in Psychology. A Bachelor of
Science or a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology is usually the first step to becoming
a psychologist. Prospective psychologists should also earn a master’s degree
in psychology, as most doctoral degree programs require such a degree for
consideration for admission. Psychology Degree 411 has a comprehensive list
of psychology schools in South Carolina to help candidates design an
education plan.
2. Earn a Doctoral Degree in Psychology. A doctoral degree in psychology or
a closely related field is required to become a psychologist in South Carolina.
The South Carolina Code of Regulations requires that the doctoral degree
meet the standards set forth by the American Association of State Psychology
Boards or be accredited by a recognized national accrediting agency.
3. Complete the Application Process to Become a Psychologist in South
Carolina. After meeting the educational requirements, prospective South
Carolina psychologists must complete the licensing process set forth by the
state. Find further information on this process below.
9. USC UPSTATE CAREER CENTER
The USC Upstate career center could be
a very beneficial place for you. Even if
you know what your future hold, the
career center can help you find
internships, jobs and even volunteer
opportunities. This can enhance your
career through experience!
10. Vision Statement
In the future, I can see myself being a
successful psychologist. I want to help as
many people as I can.
12. Purpose Statement
My purpose for doing this is to change
lives. I want to help people and make
their lives better. Even if the disorder can’t
be completely treated, I want to make
sure every client knows what they are
capable of. Everyone is capable of living
a happy life.
13. My First Step!
My first step is to finish my last few
semesters at Upstate. Then, I am going to
go to Clemson to get my doctorate
degree. After that, I want to build my
experience by working in a practice with
other people. Once I get a bunch of
clients, I will open my own practice. I
hope that my routine clients will come
with me and then hopefully build many
more!
