If you would like to pursue a career in the expansive field of psychology in research or clinical setting, it is time to find out about the types of jobs available in behavioral psychology. Behavioral psychology is a branch of the field of psychology that focuses on how people feel, think and act and how those with emotional disorders can be treated through a technique called conditioning. Since much of the branch is focused on how modifying techniques can lead to alterations of behaviors and improvements, there are both research types of positions and clinical positions that you can aim for. Read on, and learn more about the career opportunities that are present.
Counseling Positions in a Wide Range of Settings
Since one of the biggest focuses in behavioral psychology is to help people overcome their unwanted habits and quit their bad habits, one good career opportunity that you can pursue as a major in this area of study is in counseling. Counselors work with patients to discuss their issues and use different techniques to give advice that will help people choose the most productive behaviors.
Counselors can work in a wide range of different settings. Some of the counseling specialization areas that you can choose from include: family counseling, mental health centers, educational institutions, vocational settings, substance abuse centers and rehabilitation centers, according to the American Counseling Association. If you do choose this profession, you will need a minimum of a Master’s in Counseling or Psychology to qualify to earn your licensure with the state board.
Working as a Practicing Behavioral Psychologist
Counselors give advice and behavioral psychologists have more education and will use research-based theories and techniques to help their patients modify behavior. It is most common for a behavioral therapist to use various types of therapy to work with patients so that they can treat mental illness, substance abuse, anxiety, depression and other cognitive-behavioral issues. You can either work in an in-patient mental health facility, a hospital or in your own private practice once you are established. To become a practicing psychologist who specializes in cognitive-behavior therapies, you will need to earn a master’s and then a doctoral degree to get licensed as a clinician.
Research Settings and Academic Settings
If you do not believe that you are a good fit for a clinical psychologist role, you may be more suited to work in a research facility or in a university as an educator. To teach psychology in an academic setting, you will need at least a master’s. You can teach with a master’s in a community college or at a private school. You will need your doctoral degree to work for a university and also some research experience. There is also an option to be in charge of research projects that are generally conducted in universities. Since there is always a need for new theories and treatment options, research is extremely important.
Related Resource: Developmental Psychologist
If you would like to teach or pursue a position as a counselor, you will need to enroll in a graduate degree program. If you would like to work in a clinical setting, a doctorate is a must. Make sure that you choose the right accredited degree program and then you can begin to study for your degree so that you can start the journey to being qualified for the types of jobs available in behavioral psychology.