Baltimore Area Is Poised For Growth In The Area Of Psychology
While the Bureau of Labor Statistics predicts average job growth of about 12 percent for psychologists for the period from 2012 to 2022, there are certain specialties within the field which are expected to grow well above this figure. The Baltimore area will certainly benefit from this growth because it is home to such institutions as Johns Hopkins/Henry Phipps ClinicSheppard Pratt Health System and the University of Maryland, as well as many others all of which have a rich history of providing psychological and behavioral counseling. For those considering a career as a psychologist, formal education is a requirement. Most positions require a master's degree and many candidates go on to acquire a doctorate.
Demand for psychologists is expected to grow due to the overall aging of the population requiring more mental health interventions and more frequent use of services for chronic issues such as alcoholism, depression, PTSD, and job stress. There is also a growing use of services in schools, businesses and hospitals where they are assessed either from an individual therapist or as part of an interdisciplinary team.
Expect to see growth in the following sub-specialties:
Industrial/organizational psychology
These are the psychology professionals who assist businesses and organizations and where, according to the Bureau of Labor and Statistics, the largest job increase is anticipated. Their numbers are expected to swell by a hefty 53 percent in the 10 year period between 2012 and 2022 as companies, increasingly fueled by data, and looking to cut costs, use their services. These specialists work primarily in larger global companies on employee retention, morale, training, sales and marketing. They may also work for smaller companies on a contract basis.
Neuropsychology
Neuropsychology focuses on the assessment and treatment of brain injury and disease. Neuropsychologists are called in for stroke patients, in sports injuries and in-car accidents to name a few. For example, there were about 2.5 million traumatic brain injury events either alone or in combination with other injuries in the United States in 2010. Most neuropsychologists have doctoral and post doctoral level training.
Licensing for all psychologists in Maryland is a rigorous process handled by the Department of Health & Mental Hygiene/Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Each candidate is qualified based on education, examination results, and supervised practice.
Finally, salary numbers here in the Baltimore area are somewhat higher than the national average as of June, 2015. The national median shows $88,339 while the local Baltimore median is $90,742. On the low-end, the national is $69,881, Baltimore is $71,881 and on the high is $111,400 for national, Baltimore is $114,430.
Susan Brown originally spent many years in banking/finance before confronting her addictions. She has now been in recovery for 20 years.
Primary interests include metaphysics and energy healing in which she has several certifications. She has written for Examiner.com since 2009 and also writes for Om Times. Sue lives in Baltimore.
