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Careers in Psychology: Navigating Child Psychology Paths

According to the American Psychological Association, “An estimated 20 million of our nation’s youth can currently be diagnosed with a mental health disorder.”¹ The demand for psychologists who understand how to identify and treat mental health issues in children is expected to grow by 6% between 2022 and 2032, resulting in 12,000 new jobs.² Another APA report found, “About 46% of psychologists reported increases in demand from adolescents, also suggesting gaps in workforce capacity to respond to population health needs.”³

Studying child psychology helps fill the demand for qualified psychologists who can treat young people. Those pursuing careers in psychology can address young people’s mental health and help them develop into healthy adults.

What Do Child Psychologists Do?

Child psychologists assess psychological, cognitive, and behavioral issues, recommend interventions, develop prevention programs, and consult with other professionals about a child’s mental health through their unique understanding of the psychological needs of children.

Those who study child psychology understand:

• Physical Development: How changes in appearance, hormonal production, and more can impact mental health in children and adolescents
• Cognitive Development: As children grow into adolescents and eventually adults, they develop higher-level brain functioning
• Social-Emotional Development: Children and adolescents must establish an identity and an inner and outer sense of self. This includes things like body image, self-esteem, coping skills, and more

If there is a deficiency in any of these growth areas, child psychologists can provide early intervention, guide patients through their development, and help them cope with challenges as soon as possible. From everyday issues to significant struggles, child psychology experts help young people navigate their transition from childhood to adulthood. Those who work in child psychology help children cope with bullying and abuse, deal with anger issues, handle chronic illness, overcome self-esteem issues, and more.

Child psychologists can collaborate with parents and educators to develop strategies for maintaining or improving a child’s mental health. A psychology expert can assist adults in spotting abnormal behaviors early and identifying the causes of issues.

Within the broad field of child psychology, different experts bring different qualifications to their work.

Careers in Child Psychology

Most careers in child psychology require an advanced degree and some form of licensing. A comprehensive bachelor’s degree is a significant first step toward a career in child psychology and the reward of making a difference in children’s lives.

Child Psychologist

A child psychologist specializes in studying and treating children’s psychological, emotional, and developmental issues. The average annual salary for child psychologists in the United States is $85,340. Those with more experience make well into six figures.⁴ Child psychologists can work one-on-one or in a group setting.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Psy.D. or Ph.D.
• Clinical internship
• Board certification

School Counselor

School counselors work with educators to ensure students’ developmental and emotional needs are met in a classroom setting. In 2022, the median salary for school counselors was $60,140, with the top 25% of earners making $76,590.⁵ School counselors complement the work that happens in the classroom.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Master’s degree
• Internship experience
• Certification/licensure

Social Worker

Child, family, and school social workers provide services to improve the well-being of children and families. In 2023, the median annual wage for these social workers was $53,940, with the top 10% earning $85,590.⁶ Social workers can work in a variety of settings, from hospitals to schools.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Internship experience
• Licensing

Special Education Teacher

Special education teachers work with students with varying learning, emotional, and physical abilities. They adapt education for students who need extra help. The median pay in 2023 was $65,910 per year.⁷ Special education teachers can work privately or in schools.

Necessary Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree
• Student-teaching experience
• Certification/licensure

To get started on any of these vital career paths, enroll in a psychology bachelor’s degree program. Choosing a bachelor’s degree with a focus on child psychology will ensure that you build a framework of understanding to positively impact developing minds.

Get Your BA in Psychology: Child Psychology from 猫咪社区's Undergraduate Online Program

Explore all aspects of child development and gain the skills to help children of all ages in the online BA in Psychology: Child Psychology degree. You’ll explore the mental health needs of children and families and learn to develop solutions for those most vulnerable.

The curriculum for the online Bachelor of Arts in Psychology: Child Psychology major explores the emotional, intellectual, physical, and moral needs of children of all ages. As a student, you’ll receive personalized, one-on-one support and graduate fully prepared to face the challenges of your chosen field.

When you graduate, you’ll hold the academic credentials you need to pursue a master’s degree and many career-ready skills to promote children’s health and wellness needs in individual and group settings.

Sources

1. American Psychological Association. “Children’s mental health.” Retrieved June 14, 2024 from .
2. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Psychologists. Retrieved June 14, 2024 from .
3. American Psychological Association. “There aren’t enough psychologists trained to treat kids. Here’s why.” Retrieved June 14, 2024 from .
4. PsychologyJobs.com. “Child Psychologist Guide 2024 – How Much Does a Child Psychologist Earn?” Retrieved June 14, 2024 from .
5. U.S. News and World Report. “Best Jobs Rankings: School Counselor.” Retrieved June 14, 2024 from .
6. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, May 2023. Child, Family, and School Social Workers. Retrieved June 14, 2024 from .
7. Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Special Education Teachers. Retrieved June 14, 2024 from .