Child Psychologist
OFO No: 263401
Other names for Clinical Psychologist:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Clinical Neuropsychologist
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapist
- Forensic Psychologist
- Health Psychologist
- Neuropsychologist
Youtube clip – All about Clinical Psychology Careers
For training options in South Africa – scroll down
What is a Child Psychologist?
A Child Psychologist in a professional mental health specialist. It takes many years of study to become a Child Psychologist.
They diagnose and treat children using psychological methods instead of drugs.
Child Psychologists may work in private practice, in hospitals, in clinics, for companies, organisations and NGO’s etc.
Child Psychology focuses on the world that children find themselves living in. Whether it is child rape or neglect, it is the Child Psychologist who works with the child to help them overcome the trauma.
It is important as a Child Psychologist to be able to calm children in order to earn their trust and enable them to discuss their trauma.
It is often necesary for a Child Psychologist to represent their findings in a court of law: where children have been victims or witnesses of crime. They will also interview the children to get evidence from them to help solve the case and convict the criminals.
What does a Child Psychologist do?
- meets with the child and/or parent or guardian and sets them at ease
- asks very specific questions
- listens to the child very carefully
- makes notes
- designs specific non-drug treatments for child
- monitors the results
- keeps detailed records
Are you . . . ?
- interested in helping children?
- emotionally stable?
- patient and understanding?
- a good listener?
- a logical thinker?
- a good communicator?
- able to handle stress?
- a person with good people skills?
- intelligent?
How do I become a Child Psychologist?
To become a Child Psychologist, you will need to do the same training as a Clinical Psychologist: CLICK HERE
HEALTH PROFESSIONS COUNCIL OF SOUTH AFRICA: HPCSA
OTHER CAREERS TO CONSIDER: Gynaecologist or Chemical Pathologist
Is becoming a Child Psychologist the right career choice for me?
