How to Know if You Should Become a Clinical Psychologist: Top Signs to Look For

What are you looking for in a career? Do you want to help those in need? How about the potential to follow many different paths? Is fulfillment important to you?

If you answered “yes” to all of the above, clinical psychology may be the perfect fit. Clinical psychologists support patients with complex mental health issues in various settings, helping them live the best possible lives.

As a career, clinical psychology is both rewarding and fascinating. But it may not be for everyone. This guide will help you answer one simple yet important question: “Should I become a clinical psychologist?”

What Do Clinical Psychologists Do?

In the field, clinical psychologists work with patients to identify and diagnose mental health conditions through psychological assessment.¹ Whether in hospitals or private practices, these professionals collaborate with other providers to develop treatment plans for people with mental illnesses, including therapy and counseling. They may prescribe medications, recommend certain actions, or both.

Some clinical psychologists work behind the scenes, conducting research in specialized facilities to find new treatment opportunities. Others act as consultants in the legal or academic fields.

Regardless of their employment setting, clinical psychologists support mental well-being. Their efforts promote behavioral and emotional change in some of the most vulnerable people.

Key Attributes of a Successful Clinical Psychologist

Because clinical psychology is a varied, ever-growing discipline, there is no single set of essential characteristics. Many types of students excel in clinical psychology programs and become respected healthcare providers.

That said, certain competencies are valuable in the field. Some of the most helpful skills for clinical psychologists include:

• Analytical thinking
• Efficient problem-solving
• Compassion
• Patience
• Empathy
• Flexibility
• Adaptability

Above all, most clinical psychologists are committed to lifelong learning. They understand that mental health is an evolving field, and what is accepted as fact today may be challenged tomorrow.

Education and Training Requirements

Even if you do not possess the ideal skills right now, you can practice them throughout your schooling. Clinical psychology is a highly regulated discipline that requires several years of high-level instruction and supervised training. If you are wondering how many years it takes to become a clinical psychologist, the timeline varies by pathway but typically includes multiple years of graduate study, as well as supervised clinical hours.

Before you can start applying for clinical psychology careers, you will need to complete:

• A doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD): Due to the medical significance of clinical psychology, students must attain the highest level of education. PhD in Clinical Psychology and PsyD in Clinical Psychology programs can take 5-7 years of rigorous study and internship. The prerequisites for a clinical psychology doctoral program include a bachelor’s degree and (usually) a master’s degree in a psychology-related discipline.
• Clinical experience: After graduating, future clinical psychologists practice in real healthcare settings under expert supervision. To move forward, they generally need between 1,500 and 4,000 hours of clinical experience.
• A licensure exam: The final step is to attain official certification from the state. Aspiring psychologists must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and a jurisprudence exam on local laws and ethics.²

Once certified, licensed clinical psychologists can pursue countless rewarding careers.

Common Career Paths in Clinical Psychology

Some of the top paths and opportunities for clinical psychology graduates include:

• Clinical psychologist
• Therapist
• School counselor
• Community mental health coordinator
• College professor
• Mental health researcher

Clinical psychologists enjoy career mobility and opportunities to specialize in emerging fields. Some psychologists become child or adolescent care experts, while others work in emergency rooms, correctional facilities, or private practices.

Challenges and Rewards of Clinical Psychology

Although clinical psychology is a captivating field of study, it is not without its challenges. Prospective clinical psychologists should understand the obstacles the career can present, which may include:

• Emotional fatigue: Helping dozens of patients manage their mental well-being can take a toll on your mental health. Work-life balance is essential to avoiding burnout.
• Building a client base: Private psychologists may struggle to attract clients. Working in an existing clinic or hospital can help you build your client base.
• Changing standards: As our understanding of mental health evolves, so do best practices. A clinical psychologist must stay up-to-date on advances in care and technology.

Other practical factors to weigh when considering this field include time commitment and ongoing training requirements. Despite these challenges, clinical psychology can be a fulfilling field. Every day involves helping others, and there are opportunities for personal and professional development.

Signs Clinical Psychology May Be Right for You

Are you still unsure about a future in clinical psychology? Here are some signs that a career in mental health may be a good fit:

• You are interested in human behavior and emotional wellness
• You describe yourself as an empathetic person
• You are comfortable working with complex mental health issues
• You are willing to commit several years to schooling and training
• You want to make a long-term impact on people’s lives

Start Your Path Toward Clinical Psychology at Alliant

If you have decided that clinical psychology is right for you, start exploring graduate degree options. Whether you pursue a PhD or a PsyD in clinical psychology, seek out APA-accredited Clinical Psychology graduate programs that provide hands-on training—like the programs at Alliant University.

With flexible learning formats and an emphasis on real-world experience, the degree programs at Alliant help prepare students for the next step in the clinical psychology journey.

Visit our clinical psychology program pages to find out more information or start your application.

Sources: 

1. “Clinical Psychology.” American Psychological Association. https://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/specialize/clinical. Accessed November 30, 2025.
2. “Which Exam Should I Take?” Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, October 21, 2025. https://asppb.net/exams/asppb-examination-for-professional-psychology-eppp/eppp-exam-types/. Accessed November 30, 2025.

The content of this page is only for informational purposes and is not intended, expressly or by implication, as a guarantee of employment or salary, which vary based on many factors including but not limited to education, credentials, and experience. Alliant International University explicitly makes no representations or guarantees about the accuracy of the information provided by any prospective employer or any other website. Salary information available on the internet may not reflect the typical experience of Alliant graduates. Alliant does not guarantee that any graduate will be placed with a particular employer or in any specific employment position.