Psychology Jobs: Where To Look

Have you completed your post-secondary studies in psychology and are in the process of procuring a psychology job for yourself in your chosen field? There are several options depending on the type of psychology you have chosen to specialize in. If you are looking to begin a private practice, this can be as simple as renting out office space, or sharing space with another practitioner in order to lessen start up costs.

You will need to purchase liability insurance for your private practice, and hire an accountant or bookkeeper to determine your tax bracket at the end of the year. Also, you will need to decide whether you will provide health insurance for your employees as well as their salary. Since you will be self-employed you should also look into health insurance for yourself, since you will not have the benefit of an employer sponsored plan. Some self-employed psychology jobs are marriage and family counselors, psycho-therapists and even life coaches.

If you would like to be hired as a guidance counselor at a school or university, you will need to send out your resume, make some phone calls to the schools of your choice and set up interviews with the administrators in order to review your credentials. You may also need to get fingerprinted and take a child abuse workshop or certification course if working with children under the age of 18. Education institutions vary state by state and have different requirements, so it will be your responsibility to inquire about how to fulfill them. This may be a time consuming process but worth the time and effort if you find a school that meshes well with the services you want to provide.

If you would like to work with at risk youth, there are organizations that are in need of youth counselors and case workers to assist runaways or children who have been through the foster care system. Usually, the local newspaper is a good resource for local psychology jobs, while other search engines like Monster.com or CareerBuilder.com can provide you with nationwide listings if you are willing to relocate. Hospitals also employ the services of psychologists and therapists in off-site drug treatment facilities and rehabilitation centers. It is always best to apply for these psychology jobs in person, and to know the names of the parties to whom you are directing your query, rather than sending a blind cover letter to someone who may or may not deliver it to the correct person.

Lastly, you may be able to find work in your community through your parish or congregation, and can use it as a resource, as well as a means of marketing yourself when looking for pscyhology jobs. Many churches use marriage counselors in order to assist couples who may not be able to afford the fees of traditional therapy in office, but are committed to working through their problems together. These counseling services are usually free or low cost. Remember, your options are many, as well as your salary potential, but it can vary depending on where you choose to work.