CAREERS IN PSYCHOLOGY

Health psychology is a specialty area that focuses on how biological, social and psychological factors influence health and illness. Health psychologist works to understand the relation of behavior and attitude to physical health. They study the effect of stress on health problem in order to educate people about stress reduction techniques and teaching people how to avoid unhealthy behaviors. They also help and guide their patient to cope with pain or illness and how to get them to seek treatment for medical conditions.
Health psychologist need to hold a doctorate level degree in Psychology (Ph. D or Psy. D). In order to become licensed health psychologist in clinical or counseling psychologist, they must complete a minimum of a one-year internship after earning a doctorate degree. The American Board of Professional Psychology also offers board certification in health psychology. There are some positions for people who have a bachelor’s degree or master’s degree to employ in community mental health offices or correctional facilities. They could study undergraduate degree in general psychology then specialize major in psychology in graduate school to get higher degree, but they have to work under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist.
Health psychologist work in clinical and medical setting or conduct research on a variety of health related issue, or they work in government or private agency setting to influence public policy on health issues. California has many accredited school which offer the education or training for health psychology. Academic program in health psychology includes psychology training at many levels, from psychology certificate, associate degree, bachelors, masters or PhD degree in Psychology. There are Chapman University, Argosy University-Orange County, Santa Ana College, Santiago Canyon College, Hope