Clinical Psychologists: Clinical psychologists constitute the largest specialty and generally work in counseling centers, independent or group practices, hospitals, or clinics. They help mentally and emotionally disturbed clients adjust to life and may help medical and surgical patients deal with illnesses or injuries. Some clinical psychologists work in physical rehabilitation settings, treating patients with spinal cord injuries, chronic pain or illness, stroke, arthritis, and neurological conditions.
Counseling psychologists use various techniques, including interviewing and testing, to advise people on how to deal with problems of everyday living. They work in settings such as university counseling centers, hospitals, and individual or group practices
School psychologists work in elementary and secondary schools or school district offices to resolve students' learning and behavior problems. They collaborate with teachers, parents, and school personnel to improve classroom management strategies or parenting skills, counter substance abuse, work with students with disabilities or gifted and talented students, and improve teaching and learning strategies.
Industrial-organizational psychologists apply psychological principles and research methods to the workplace in the interest of improving productivity and the quality of the work environment. They are also involved in research involving management and marketing problems. They conduct applicant screening, training and development, counseling, and organizational development and analysis.
Developmental psychologists study the physiological, cognitive, and social development that takes place throughout life. Some specialize in behavior during infancy, childhood, and adolescence, or changes that occur during maturity or old age. They may also study developmental disabilities and their effects.
Social psychologists examine people's interactions with others and with the social environment. They work in organizational consultation, online marketing research, online systems design, or other online applied psychology fields. Prominent areas of study include group behavior, leadership, attitudes, and perception.
Experimental or research psychologists work in university and private research centers and in business, nonprofit, and governmental organizations. They study behavior processes using human beings and animals, such as rats, monkeys, and pigeons.
Forensic psychologists apply their expertise in psychology to the criminal justice system, often as expert witnesses. They may determine the sanity or competency of defendants, evaluate the accuracy of eyewitness testimony, and aid in jury selection. Others specialize in creating psychological profiles of criminals to aid police in apprehension and conviction of suspects.
Social psychologists examine people's interactions with others and with the social environment. They work in organizational consultation, marketing research, systems design, or other applied psychology fields. Prominent areas of study include group behavior, leadership, attitudes, and perception.
Sports psychologists are instrumental in helping athletes to maintain their focus and motivation regarding competition goals. They also aid in alleviating the anxiety and fear of failure that is common to sports competition.
