Essential Information
Child psychologists help children with mental and behavioral disorders, as well as those who have experienced traumatic events. These professionals observe a child's interactions and behavior patterns in order to interpret and assess why a child acts the way he or she does. Most individuals in this field hold doctoral degrees. During their studies, they engage in research, study child development and complete an internship. Psychologists generally must be licensed by the state where they practice, which usually calls for a doctorate in psychology, clinical experience and a licensing examination.


Job Description of a Child Psychologist
Child psychologists understandings of behavior, emotions and feelings to help children deal with problems. These problems may be psychological, such as depression, or personal like those resulting from turbulent past experiences. Personal problems for children may also come from family issues like the absence of a parent or problems with development, including self-esteem and confidence issues.

Child psychologists may work as researchers, studying the actions of children and seeking to find specific patterns or providing answers for development. Child psychologists also work in support or supervision of social workers in a clinical setting. These psychologists are uniquely equipped to deal with childhood-specific issues of emotional development and substance abuse. In this capacity, child psychologists may try to help children understand consequences and avoid bad habits.

Educational Requirements to Become a Child Psychologist
Careers in child psychology typically require doctoral degrees. The training includes the basics of psychology pertaining to child development, family systems and learning processes. Some coursework in child psychology programs may include the academic study of pharmacology. Most programs require students to perform research on an issue in the field, like economic or biological factors that affect child development.

In addition to their studies, students are generally required to complete a 1-year internship. During the internship, students may monitor, observe and assess children for behavioral or other disorders. Other duties may include administering personality tests and researching the effects of medical drug treatments.

Career Definition
A clinical psychologist's primary tasks are the assessment and treatment of mental health issues, including emotional or social disorders. The APA's Society of Clinical Psychology indicates that clinical psychologists may use a variety of methods for treatment including psychotherapy, marriage and family counseling, behavioral analysis and biofeedback. A clinical psychologist's job responsibilities may also include development and supervision of mental health programs. Clinical psychologists can work in private practices, mental health organizations and hospitals, with individuals, families, couples or groups of all ages and socioeconomic statuses.

How to Become a Clinical Psychologist
Education Required
Clinical psychology doctoral degree programs require an undergraduate degree or a specified amount of coursework in psychology before admission to a required Psy.D. or Ph.D. program, most of which are extremely competitive. Clinical psychologists need to complete clinical training and state licensing tests, which vary by state. Clinical psychology programs can take up to seven years to complete. Clinical psychologists study how to test and assess clients, as well as psychoanalysis, psychopathology, child psychology, health psychology and research skills.

Skills Required
Clinical psychologists need to have outstanding communication skills, reporting skills and excellent interpersonal skills. Clinical psychologists should demonstrate self-awareness, objectivity, a strong desire to help others and thorough knowledge of psychology and treatment options available to patients. Clinical psychology also involves collaboration with other medical professionals as needed for whole patient care.