Overview
Psychologists assess and diagnose behavioural, emotional and cognitive disorders, counsel clients, provide therapy, conduct research and apply theory relating to behaviour and mental processes. Psychologists help clients work toward the maintenance and enhancement of psychological, physical, intellectual, emotional, social and interpersonal functioning. They work in private practice or in clinics, correctional facilities, hospitals, mental health facilities, rehabilitation centres, community service organizations, businesses, schools and universities, and in government and private research agencies.
This group performs some or all of the following duties:
Examine and assess behaviour, diagnose behavioural, emotional and cognitive disorders, counsel clients and provide therapy
Help clients manage physical illness and disorders
Counsel individuals and groups to achieve more effective personal, social and vocational development and adjustment, and offer mediation services
Use standard psychological tests for assessment
Plan intervention programs and conduct program evaluation
Apply psychological theory and principles regarding behaviour and mental processes such as learning, language development, memory and perception to develop treatment programs
Formulate hypotheses and experimental designs, review literature, conduct studies and publish research papers, educational texts and articles
Deliver presentations at conferences, workshops or symposia
Provide consultation services to government and other organizations.
Conduct applied psychology and/or experimental research.
Sub-specialties include behavioural psychology, child psychology, cognitive psychology, developmental psychology, educational psychology, industrial psychology, neuropsychology, social psychology or sports psychology.
Employment prospects
Annual salary
$43,798
$93,852
$200,530
Job openings
Use this interactive map to explore job openings in different regions across B.C.
Strong job outlook
British Columbia
461expected job openings (5-year forecast)
Education and training
Employment requirements
A doctoral degree in psychology is required in order to use the designation 'Psychologist' in Prince Edward Island, New Brunswick, Quebec, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
A master's degree in psychology is required for the designation 'Psychologist' in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, Saskatchewan, Alberta, the Northwest Territories and Nunavut.
A master's degree in psychology is required in order to use the designation 'Psychological Associate' in Prince Edward Island, Ontario, Manitoba and British Columbia.
Additional information
Psychological associates may be granted permission by provincial regulatory authorities to perform duties normally restricted to psychologists, specifically diagnosing psychological disorders and communicating diagnoses to clients.
Certification requirements
Mandatory: You need the following certification to practice as Psychologists in B.C.
- Registration with College of Health and Care Professionals of BC - Psychologists
Registration with College of Health and Care Professionals of BC - Psychologists
Confirm with the certifying body that your intended program qualifies you for this certification.
To practice as a psychologist in B.C., you must to register with the College of Health and Care Professionals of BC. Eligibility is achieved through graduation from an accredited degree program that includes a residency and pre-doctoral internship, and successful completion of a series of examinations for professional practice in psychology.
Work Experience
Work experience required
Post-secondary programs in B.C.
Explore programs related to this career offered at post-secondary institutions in B.C.