If you’re looking for a job in psychology in the Virginia Beach area, you’re in luck! With a growing population and increasing demand for mental health services, there are plenty of opportunities to explore.
The Benefits of Working in Psychology in Virginia Beach
Before we dive into the details of available jobs, let’s take a moment to appreciate the benefits of living and working in Virginia Beach. This coastal city offers a wide range of outdoor activities, from beaches to nature reserves. Additionally, the cost of living in Virginia Beach is relatively affordable compared to other major cities on the East Coast.
The Current Job Market for Psychology in Virginia Beach
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the employment of psychologists is expected to grow 3% from 2019 to 2029, which is on par with the national average for all occupations. Virginia Beach is home to several universities and colleges, which means that there are opportunities for both research and clinical work.
Types of Jobs Available in Psychology in Virginia Beach
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Clinical Psychologist: A licensed clinical psychologist provides therapy and psychological assessments to clients in a variety of settings, including private practices, hospitals, and community mental health centers. To become a licensed clinical psychologist in Virginia, you must hold a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology and complete a supervised internship.
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School Psychologist: School psychologists work in public and private schools to evaluate students for learning and behavior disorders, as well as provide counseling and crisis intervention services. To become a licensed school psychologist in Virginia, you must complete a graduate degree in school psychology and meet the state’s licensing requirements.
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Counseling Psychologist: Counseling psychologists provide mental health counseling to individuals, families, and couples in private practices, community mental health centers, and other settings. To become a licensed counseling psychologist in Virginia, you must hold a PsyD or PhD in counseling psychology and complete a supervised internship.
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Industrial-Organizational Psychologist: Industrial-organizational psychologists work in businesses and organizations to improve performance, productivity, and employee well-being. They may design and implement training programs, conduct job analyses, and provide consulting services. To become a licensed industrial-organizational psychologist in Virginia, you must hold a graduate degree in psychology and meet the state’s licensing requirements.
Top Employers in Psychology in Virginia Beach
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Sentara Healthcare: This healthcare system employs a range of mental health professionals, including clinical psychologists, licensed counselors, and social workers.
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Virginia Beach City Public Schools: This school district hires school psychologists to provide counseling and academic support to students.
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The Up Center: This nonprofit organization provides mental health and social services to individuals and families in the Virginia Beach area, and often has job openings for licensed psychologists.
How to Start Your Psychology Career in Virginia Beach
To begin your psychology career in Virginia Beach, start by obtaining the necessary education and qualifications. Consider enrolling in a graduate psychology program at one of the area universities or colleges, and completing a supervised internship.
In addition, networking with other mental health professionals and joining professional organizations such as the Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists or the Virginia School Psychologists Association can help you build connections and stay up-to-date on job openings and industry news.
Conclusion
If you’re interested in psychology and considering a career in the field, Virginia Beach is a great place to start. With a growing demand for mental health services and a variety of job opportunities in clinical, school, counseling, and industrial-organizational psychology, there’s something for everyone. Start exploring today!
