What is a Psychologist?
The profession of psychology is regulated by the College of Alberta Psychologists (CAP). To be regulated, a psychologist must have a graduate (Masters or Doctoral) degree, an extensive period of supervised work experience and pass professional examinations. Psychologists must also adhere to the professional practice guidelines and ethical principles of their professional regulatory organization.
A psychologist is a person who specializes in the study of the human mind and behavior. Psychologists have earned a doctoral degree, usually in the form of a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. Psychologists typically receive extensive training in employing research methodologies and scientific approaches to better understand human behavior. In addition to the 4-6 years of graduate work required to obtain a doctoral degree, which includes writing and defending a dissertation, prospective psychologists who wish to deliver mental health services must then complete a one year supervised internship in their field of study, pass comprehensive written and oral exams from a state licensing board, and complete one year of supervised post-doctoral training.
Psychologists are highly trained professionals with expertise in the areas of human behavior, mental health assessment, diagnosis, and treatment, and behavior change. Psychologists apply scientifically validated procedures to help people change their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and to cope better with difficult situations. In North Carolina, licensed psychologists have a doctoral degree in psychology. After graduation from college, licensed psychologists spend an average of 7 years in graduate education, training, and research. As part of their professional training they complete a supervised clinical internship in a hospital or organized health setting, and at least one year of post-doctoral supervised experience before they can practice independently in any health care arena. Licensed psychological associates have a master’s degree in psychology. They also have graduate-level training, a clinical internship, and post-graduate supervision. Top of Page • How does therapy work? T
