What Does a Clinical Psychologist Do? (With Salary and Skills)

Written by

Edited by

Updated 23 February 2025

A clinical psychologist applies their in-depth understanding of human behaviour and mental health to diagnose, treat and prevent psychological conditions and disorders. Their crucial contribution to the betterment of people's lives involves helping them to overcome their mental health challenges. Familiarising yourself with the role and responsibilities of a clinical psychologist can help you decide if this profession aligns with your career goals.In this article, we discuss the role of a clinical psychologist, their skills, how much they earn and how to find a job in this field.

What does a clinical psychologist do?

A clinical psychologist's work focuses on understanding, preventing and relieving psychologically caused distress or dysfunction and promoting the well-being and personal development of patients.Clinical psychologists merge scientific theory and clinical knowledge to deliver a holistic healthcare approach. Below is a list of common responsibilities of a clinical psychologist:

Assessing and diagnosing mental health conditions

Clinical psychologists are proficient in conducting psychological testing and evaluations to diagnose a range of mental health conditions accurately.

Providing psychotherapy

Clinical psychologists often administer psychotherapy, which is a treatment method used to improve an individual's well-being and mental health.

Creating treatment plans

Employing their expertise, clinical psychologists design and implement personalised treatment plans to support individuals in managing mental health issues.

Where does a clinical psychologist work?

The workplaces of clinical psychologists span across various settings. Here are some examples of their typical places of employment:

hospitals
private practices
clinics
educational institutions
governmental and non-profit organisations
online offering remote services.

Is it hard to become a clinical psychologist?

Becoming a clinical psychologist requires a considerable investment of time and effort. Typically, the path involves completing a 3 or 4-year undergraduate degree, followed by a higher degree in psychology which may take between 2 and 4 years. During this time, you will get involved in extensive research and supervised clinical experiences.There are several study pathways approved by the Australian Psychological Society. While it's a demanding journey, the rewards can be fulfilling for those passionate about mental health, providing support and fostering personal growth in others.Read more: Types of Psychology Certifications (With 5 to Consider)

Skills for a clinical psychologist

Clinical psychologists need to demonstrate a specific skill set that equips them to carry out their roles effectively and with empathy. Below is a list of essential skills a clinical psychologist needs to have:

Interpersonal skills

Excellent interpersonal skills are crucial as clinical psychologists often work directly with patients with mental health conditions. The ability to empathetically communicate and build a rapport with patients is crucial.

Problem-solving skills

Clinical psychologists need strong problem-solving skills to determine the right course of treatment for their patients.

Critical thinking

The ability to think critically helps psychologists precisely diagnose patient conditions and decide the best course of therapeutic action for each individual.

Communication skills

Clinical psychologists need to have excellent communication skills in order to relay information to their patients in a clear and understandable manner. They also need to be able to effectively exchange information about the patient with other healthcare professionals, such as GPs or fellow clinical experts.

Listening skills

Because their work involves listening to patients express their feelings and discuss their issues, well-developed listening skills are a must-have for every clinical psychologist.Related: Active Listening Skills: Definition and Examples

Average salary and job outlook for a clinical psychologist

According to Australian Government projections, there will be strong future job growth for psychologists, including clinical psychologists, over the next five years. This growth aligns with a sustained demand for mental health services across various settings.In Australia, a clinical psychologist earns about $112,533 on average per year, according to Indeed data. However, it's essential to note that salaries may vary significantly based on factors such as years of experience, location, level of education, area of specialisation and the setting in which one chooses to practise.Industry trends such as increasing mental health awareness and demand for personalised psychological services can also influence income levels.

Jobs that are similar to a clinical psychologist

If you are interested in psychology but unsure if the clinical psychologist role is right for you, here is a list of jobs that are similar to a clinical psychologist. For the most up-to-date salary information, visit the Indeed Salaries page.

1. Educational psychologist

National average salary: $95,431 per year
Primary duties: These specialists work within the educational system to help children with emotional, social and academic issues.Find educational psychologist jobs

2. Sports psychologist

National average salary: $95,431 per year
Primary duties: Sports psychologists help professional sportspeople, such as athletes, manage and improve their mental well-being during training and competitions. They provide guidance on how to handle performance pressure, uphold confidence and reintegrate after injury. A sports psychologist may also help their patients to develop pre-game routines to improve their performance.Find sports psychologist jobs

3. Counselling psychologist

National average salary: $95,431 per year
Primary duties: Counselling psychologists are specialists who guide patients of all ages through the complexities of life, helping them with life issues or mental health disorders.Find counselling psychologist jobs

4. Neuropsychologist

National average salary: $95,431 per year
Primary duties: Neuropsychologists specialise in understanding the relationship between the physical brain and behaviour, shedding light on how disorders and injuries of the brain affect cognitive functions and behaviours.Find neuropsychologist jobsSalary figures reflect data listed on Indeed Salaries at the time of writing. Salaries may vary depending on the hiring organisation and a candidate’s experience, academic background and location.

The information on this site is provided as a courtesy and for informational purposes only. Indeed is not a career or legal advisor and does not guarantee job interviews or offers.