American Psychologist
Overview
The American psychologist is a professional or academic expert in the field of psychology, the scientific study of the mind and behavior. This profession requires a deep understanding of human thought processes, emotion, personality, behavior, and interpersonal relationships. American psychologists may specialize in various subfields such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, developmental psychology, forensic psychology, health psychology, neuropsychology, occupational psychology, social psychology, and sports psychology among others.
History
The history of American psychology can be traced back to the late 19th century, with the establishment of the first psychology laboratory in the United States by Granville Stanley Hall at Johns Hopkins University. This marked the beginning of psychology as a separate and distinct field of study.
Education and Training
Becoming an American psychologist typically requires a doctoral degree in psychology, either a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. A Ph.D. is research-oriented and often leads to a career in academia or research, while a Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) is more clinically focused and often leads to a career in counseling or clinical psychology.
Licensing and Certification
In the United States, psychologists must be licensed by the state in which they practice. Licensing laws vary by state but generally require a doctoral degree in psychology, an internship, and a certain number of hours of professional experience. Additionally, psychologists must pass a national examination, the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), to become licensed.
Roles and Responsibilities
American psychologists work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, government agencies, corporations, and private practice. They may conduct research, provide counseling services, teach at universities, or work in applied settings such as human resources or marketing.
Challenges and Controversies
Like any profession, the field of psychology in America has faced its share of challenges and controversies. These include debates over the use of certain therapeutic techniques, the over-prescription of psychiatric medications, and ethical concerns related to research and practice.