Careers In Mental Health

Counseling Psychologist: Counseling
It is most important to genuinely care about people who have difficulties in their life so that you won't be sitting there judging but rather helping.

Counseling Psychologist: Getting down and psychoanalytical with Sigmund Freud!
Go for your doctorate. Seriously. You need it to get anywhere in this profession. That should be your first and only goal. After that, you can get a practicing license, which you most certainly should! That's where the real money lies. The requirements and examination for it vary from state to state, as far as I know. Also, most states, like NY, require continuing education for license renewals. So, continue to study and read about new developments in the field. The mind is a complex organ, and ...

Psychiatrist / Psychologist: On being a Psychologist
If you are interested primarily in being a clinician, you might want to look into related fields as they require less schooling. However, getting your doctorate allows you more flexibility: You can teach, supervise other clinicians, do research, psych. testing, and work in consultative roles in related fields like criminology and sociology.