Psychologist Work Environments and Conditions

Where Do Psychologists Work?

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Updated on November 14, 2023

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If you've ever considered becoming a psychologist, then you've probably wondered a little bit about what the working conditions might be like. As with many other professions, a psychologist's specialty area and workplace are the major determinants of the working conditions.

For example, a forensic psychologist might spend their day working in courthouses, police stations, or criminal detention centers. A clinical psychologist, on the other hand, might spend their day working in a hospital or other mental health setting.

At a Glance

Psychologists work in a wide variety of settings, including private practice, hospitals, government offices, outpatient centers, schools, and more. If you are interested in becoming a psychologist, it can be helpful to consider where you plan to work once you enter the field.

Psychologists Work in Private Practice

Psychologists, especially clinical and counseling psychologists, often work in private practice. This means that they have their own offices and are able to establish their own work schedule.

This can provide a great deal of freedom, but it also comes with other challenges and responsibilities.

Psychologists who are self-employed also need to learn the ins and outs of running their own business. This means thinking about things like purchasing office space, hiring other employees, paying business taxes, and billing insurance for services.

It is important to note that many psychologists who run their own businesses frequently work evening and weekend hours to accommodate their clients' schedules. The U.S. Bureau of Labor reports that in 2022, 28% of all psychologists were self-employed.

Psychologists Work in Healthcare Settings

Psychologists also work in a wide variety of healthcare settings, including, hospitals, nursing homes, retirement centers, and other healthcare facilities.

Unlike being in private practice, these workplaces typically involve working a shift schedule. This can provide a more predictable schedule for some professionals. However, it may also mean working night shifts and weekends.

Psychologists Work in Academic Settings

Other psychologists also work in academic environments, including K-12 schools, community colleges, and universities. Some may provide psychological services in these settings, while others focus on teaching and research.

Psychologists in academic, government, or business settings generally have a more predictable schedule that follows normal daytime hours. However, university teachers may also need to teach classes during evening hours.

Psychologists employed by colleges and universities often spend time teaching classes and conducting research. They also often perform administrative duties, serve on committees, and hold office hours to meet with students outside of regular class sessions.

Other Work Environments

Psychologist work environments can also include:

Research laboratories
Community health centers
Prisons
Substance use clinics
Corporate offices
Military facilities
Testing centers
Non-profit groups
Government offices
Courtrooms and law offices

It is also not uncommon for psychologists to work in more than one setting.

A clinical psychologist might see clients at a private practice or mental health clinic and also teach courses at a local university. An industrial-organizational psychologist may spend time observing behavior in the workplace and conducting research in an experimental lab.

Factors That Influence Work Environment

There are also other factors that can influence a psychologist's work environment. Their specialization and area of employment affect who they work, their stress levels, and their interactions with other professionals.

Research Careers

A psychologist's working conditions can depend on whether or not the individuals work in a research-oriented career or a more applied profession. Those who conduct research may spend time interacting with study participants, but a great deal of time will also be spent designing studies, analyzing results, and preparing research reports.

Applied Careers

Those in more applied professions will likely spend more one-on-one time with clients. Working conditions can be stressful at times, particularly when dealing with clients who are emotional, angry, or uncommunicative.

Finding ways to deal with such stress and combat job burnout can be important for many professionals.

Stress in the Work Environment

According to the Occupational Outlook Handbook published by the U.S. Department of Labor, psychologists often collaborate with other professionals. They may consult with other psychologists, physicians, psychiatrists, physical therapists, and other professionals as part of a mental health treatment team.

Psychologists frequently deal with work pressures, including schedules, deadlines, and overtime. Difficult clients, emotionally charged situations, and other stressful situations are common.

What This Means For You

If you are considering a career as a psychologist, it's important to think about what your work environment might be like once you enter the field. Do you want to spend most of your time in an office, working with clients, or in a research setting? Thinking about these factors know can help you pick a specialization and job setting that is best suited to your needs.