Psychologist

Psychologists evaluate, diagnose and treat patients with a variety of issues and concerns to promote emotional and mental well-being. They should have excellent communication and analytical abilities in order to work with patients and evaluate progress.

Duties and tasks

Collaborate with other Medical Professionals and Health workers to provide holistic patient treatment
Create assessments to be used in educational and occupational settings to determine performance, level of attentiveness and understanding and develop optimal methods for instructing students and achieving prime results in the workplace
Create interviewing and selection techniques for occupational settings as well as psychological assessments
Evaluate patients mental, emotional and behavioural condition to diagnose disorders and psychological wellbeing, taking into consideration medical and psychiatric history and preparing files and reports on patients
Implement and assess various treatment programs for individual patients as well as in group sessions and evaluate patients progress
Perform research activities for educational settings regarding students mental abilities and capacities and recommending programs for students with educational delays
Refer patients for additional tests such as lab work and therapy and create treatment plans

Skills required

Analytical Skills
Communication Skills
Critical Thinking
Excellent Observation and Perceptiveness
Problem Solving

Working conditions

Psychologists typically meet with patients Mondays to Fridays, but may be required to work evenings or weekends to conduct research or therapy sessions, or in the case of an emergency. They typically work in a medical or office environment meeting with patients, administering treatments and traveling locally to different locations to work with clients.