In today’s waning economy and depressed job market, many people are seeking out professional help from a licensed professional psychologist.Unlike psychiatrists, psychologists are licensed to use various forms of talk therapy to see you through the rough patches of your life. They can also recommend additional therapies, such as psychiatric evaluation or even hospitalization if warranted.

Psychologists attempt to delve into a person’s need for recognition and validation by getting the patient to talk freely about what is bothering him and therefore, opening up to a third party whereas he may not speak to a relative or friend about his problems. Many times a psychologist can pinpoint the area of distress in a patient’s persona simply by listening to the patient describe his or her feelings. Using cognitive therapy is another way that the psychologist can get the patient more involved in his or her own therapy. A patient is asked to participate in his own recovery by using workbooks and other tools in order to find relief from his or her psychological pain.

Jobs in psychology range from child psychology to social work. From clinical, counseling and school psychology to criminal, forensic and Industrial fields. If you have an interest in the human psyche, a profession in psychology may be the right one for you.

One can become a social worker or counselor with a two year (A.S.) degree in psychology or go on to bigger and better things with a B.S. or M.S. degree. Often, classes in psychology are offered online and can be completed at your convenience. An online degree is usually considered as relevant as a degree earned at a campus oriented college and may allow a person to secure a career when he wouldn’t otherwise be able to.

However, be sure to research all online schools as carefully as you would any other school as they differ in course material, accreditations, and degrees offered.

If you want to become a licensed psychologist practicing in another state, you will have to make sure that the state you wish to work in will accept your degree, particularly if it is an Associates Degree rather than a B.S. or M.S. It would be wise to do some research via internet to be sure you can transfer your credentials to that state. There are some tricky laws regarding medical practices from State to State.

Jobs in Psychology have a very good future. With the economy the way it is, and with more people being out of work, suffering financial problems and mental anguish, this is a good time to get into this field of work. Depression in people is on the rise and it is not going to decline anytime in the near future. Treating depression is something where a psychiatrist must be consulted because of prescription drug laws. However, psychiatrists are often limited in anything else they can do and often recommend a good talk therapist or psychologist to help with a patient’s therapy. In this, the two work together as a team to help eliminate the patient’s distress.