As the needs of society change, the fastest growing fields in psychology change along with them. Today’s fastest-growing fields reflect the unique needs of a society that has experienced economic difficulty in recent years; they reflect trouble with achievement and even violence in schools, trouble in relationships, and other social problems that require the unique help a psychologist is qualified to give. They also can help new or existing professionals choose an area of specialty that will help them meet more clients, further their understanding of the field, and advance their career in a dynamic way over time.
1. School Psychologists
This fast-growing field is probably a no-brainer for those in the psychology industry, since it has been growing steadily since at least the early 1990s. School psychologists seem absolutely essential in an era when a new or threatened school shooting seems to make the news at least once every week. These are understandable uncertain and frightening times for students in today’s schools, and school psychologists can help make them just a bit easier. School psychologists also work with students experiencing other problems at home and at school, from bullying to divorce, abuse, and much more.
Resource: Top 15 Most Affordable School Psychology Degrees 2016
2. Vocational and Career Counseling
Though it’s not commonly thought of as a psychological field, vocational counseling is certainly within the realm of the possible for those with a degree in psychology. That’s because the field often involves measuring an individual’s personality and behavioral patterns. These measurements make it easier to recommend certain careers or job types to the individual, since they align with their own sensibilities, their “people skills,” and their ability to work under stress, in challenging conditions, in offices, in retail settings, and other common venues.
3. Clinical Psychologists
Clinical psychologists continue to be highly in demand, and that’s due to an increased understanding of psychological disorders and the ways that they can be more effectively treated in a clinical setting. These professionals primarily work with individuals who have severe disorders, from manic depression to bipolar disorder and schizophrenia. Their services combine psychological counseling and prescription treatments to help patients overcome these disorders and resume a mostly normal life after extended periods of treatment.
4. Industrial-Organizational Psychologists
Whether it’s the boss from hell or the coworker who just won’t adjust properly to the office atmosphere, the workplace can be a significant source of psychological strife for many. The industrial-organizational psychologist is a key way to help ease workplace problems. Through a combination of consultation, counseling, and education, these psychologists help bosses connect to employees, and coworkers reach an agreeable middle ground that downplays all of their most disliked traits and daily behaviors. As more and more companies focus on a work-life balance and a more laid back work environment, this position is growing rapidly both nationwide and around the world.
Psychologists Have Some Great Options Available in Today’s Economy
Psychological professions have been growing steadily for many years, but the areas of more significant growth are decidedly tuned in to today’s economic and social factors. For this reason, most of today’s jobs tend to fall in school psychology, industrial-organization and clinical fields, or even vocational work. The fastest growing fields in psychology are more practical than they have ever been in the past, and they’re designed to help key groups move past psychological disorder, trauma, and frustration, through professional, long-term help.
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