Psychology is a broad field of study that combines many areas of expertise and offers an array of subfields and specialties. For those interested in pursuing a career in psychology, two of the most popular paths are school psychology and clinical psychology. Both subfields are critical and play an important role in society, yet there are key distinctions between the two that should be explored. School psychology and clinical psychology may appear to be similar on the surface, but there are distinct differences between them in terms of their primary roles, the type of education and skillset required, and the environments in which they are practiced. In this blog post, we will discuss school psychology vs clinical psychology and explore the major differences between the two.
What is clinical psychology?
Clinical psychology is the term for advanced general psychology practice. Clinical psychologists help patients of all ages by utilizing the principles of the human psyche and the science of psychology. Contrarily, a lot of clinical psychologists have a chosen specialty that specifies the patients they treat.
Clinical psychologists evaluate, identify, manage, and assist in the prevention of a variety of mental illnesses and psychological issues, such as:
Individualized treatment plans are created by clinical psychologists for each of their patients. Some states permit clinical psychologists to write prescriptions for their patients’ medications. Treatment plans may include inpatient therapies or other remedies. Their overarching objective is to carry out sufficient intervention and prevention to enhance the general quality of life of their patients, including
What is school psychology?
School psychology combines principles of psychology and education. For each student, school psychologists conduct assessments and create individualized plans and educational programs to address a range of issues. They provide guidance and care for patients with a wide range of youth- and school-related issues, including:
To assist the student, school psychologists frequently perform a variety of roles or tasks. Duties and responsibilities may include:
Differences between school psychology vs. clinical psychology
Here are some differences between practicing school psychology vs. clinical psychology:
Salary
Job outlook
However, the BLS projects the employment increase for different reasons. The BLS predicts that as veterans, older people, and the general population seek care for a range of concerns, there will be an increase in demand for clinical psychologists. Similar to that, the BLS anticipates a rise in demand for school psychologists as more people learn the links between students’ mental health and academic success.
Focus
Clinical psychologists are psychologists with a doctorate who diagnose and treat a variety of conditions. In some states, only a master’s degree is required. They frequently have a specialty, and some clinical psychologists specialize in working with children to address a variety of concerns by becoming child psychologists.
To treat children’s school-related issues, school psychologists must be at least specialist-level psychologists who combine their knowledge of psychology and educational principles. They deal with issues affecting kids, families, parents, school administrations, and teachers.
Education requirements
Obtaining multiple degrees is necessary to become a psychologist, starting with a bachelor’s degree in a related field. Additionally, school psychologists must hold a master’s degree in a related field. They frequently also pursue doctoral degrees. But clinical psychologists also need a doctorate in a relevant subject.
Training
School psychologists and clinical psychologists complete different training. Compared to other types of psychology, school psychology studies place less emphasis on long-term therapy and psychopathology and instead cover topics like education and special education. Clinical psychology training may vary depending on specialties, but it hardly ever covers subjects like education, special education, school administration, classroom management, or classroom instruction.
Work environment
Clinics, mental health facilities, or hospitals are just a few of the places where clinical psychologists can practice. In contrast, school psychologists work primarily in schools, more specifically in elementary, middle, and high schools. Some school psychologists may additionally work at clinics or hospitals that focus on treating school-aged children or issues related to education.
Patients
Clinical psychologists may work with patients of any age, depending on their area of expertise. In contrast, school psychologists provide care for kids, especially those in kindergarten through high school. However, when it comes to treatment, school psychologists frequently collaborate closely with parents, teachers, and other adults.
Licenses
Both clinical psychologists and school psychologists are required to obtain licenses from the state in which they intend to work. However, the qualifications for each type of psychologist vary by state.
The American Board of Clinical Psychology (ABCP) offers board certification for clinical psychologists. School psychologists can apply for doctoral-level certification from the American Psychological Association (APA) or master’s-level certification from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP).
Duties
Both clinical psychologists and school psychologists evaluate their patients and suggest treatment plans. Both may make patient diagnoses, but clinical psychologists do so more frequently. But for patients of all ages, clinical psychologists deal with a wide variety of disorders and issues. On the other hand, school psychologists prioritize addressing children’s behavioral and academic issues.
Medications
For their patients, clinical psychologists and school psychologists both create and suggest treatment plans. Some states permit clinical psychologists to give their patients prescription drugs. School psychologists typically do not have the authority to prescribe medications; however, they can advise parents to discuss medication options with doctors or other psychologists.
Treatment plans
Both clinical psychologists and school psychologists create treatment plans for their patients, though these plans might use various strategies. Clinical psychologists may create treatment schedules that incorporate medication, inpatient stays, or other psychiatric therapies. However, school psychologists frequently work with educators and families to create behavior-related treatment plans that can be used at school and at home.
School Psych Vs. Clinical Psychology | Clinical Psych Debunked Series | Renae’s Corner
FAQ
What field of psychology makes the most money?
Members of the school teams who are uniquely qualified to support students’ and teachers’ capacity to learn are school psychologists. They use their knowledge of mental health, learning, and behavior to support young people’s academic, social, behavioral, and emotional success.
Is clinical psychology better than psychology?
The highest-paying careers for psychology majors are unquestionably those as psychiatrists. The average salary is $217,798, according to PayScale. A psychiatrist should be licensed as a board-certified psychologist.
Is psychology and clinical psychology the same?
Typically, clinical psychologists concentrate on patients with more severe mental health issues while general psychologists focus on people who are healthier. Other experts have suggested combining the terms “clinical” and “general” to do away with the distinction between the two.
