Here is a list of 15 types of psychologists to help you find a position that interests you:
1. Social psychologist
Social psychology is the study of social groups and how those in the groups influence and affect each other. It also involves understanding how those in particular social situations behave. A social psychologist may evaluate attitudes, communication styles, and other types of behaviour, like aggression.
2. School psychologist
School psychologists typically work in elementary, middle, or high schools to assist children. They work with parents and teachers to ensure students are in a safe, productive learning environment. They may also meet with students one-on-one to evaluate and treat issues related to academics, behaviour, or social settings.
3. Research psychologist
Research psychology, also called experimental psychology, involves performing research on a topic or group of people. Upon a successful understanding of the research, it requires you to apply it to your own work. Research psychologists typically publish their findings and share their results with others in the field, all to provide valuable information that may expand industry knowledge.
4. Psychometrist
The field of psychometric psychology focuses on developing psychological tests and assisting in their administration to specific people or groups. These tests are helpful so that other professionals and individuals can decide on or better understand their employees, customers, patients, or children. Psychiatrists may also work with mental health professionals to assess patients for mental illnesses, brain injuries, or learning disabilities.
5. Personality psychologist
Personality psychology is the study of an individual’s personality and how it can affect their behaviour. Personality psychologists may seek to understand what factors, if any, influence the personality patients have and how their personality may affect decision-making skills. They also aim to determine if there are personality traits that are connected to specific disorders.
6. Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychology is the study of the brain and how it affects our behaviors and psychological thoughts. A neuropsychologist may work with patients who have experienced a brain injury or illness, like a stroke or dementia, to understand how their diagnosis impacts their behavior. They may also work with other health care professionals to develop treatment plans.
7. Military psychologist
Military psychologists work in military settings or with military personnel to provide targeted services. They may help soldiers acclimate to civilian life or provide therapy for mental illnesses or disorders like PTSD. They aim to minimize the emotional distress many soldiers face during and after active duty.
8. Forensic psychologist
Forensic psychologists work with law enforcement to assess or treat criminals or those affected by criminal activity. For example, they may offer therapy to a kidnapping victim. They also evaluate crime scenes to assess how a criminal may have acted on the scene and present their findings to a court.
9. Evolutionary psychologist
Evolutionary psychology is the study of the interaction between human behaviour and evolution. It assesses how humans have had to adjust their psychological mindsets to account for the evolutionary process. An evolutionary psychologist may look into the adaptability of humans and what has allowed us to survive for thousands of years.
10. Environmental psychologist
Environmental psychology is the study of the relationship between environments and the people who live and interact within them. Environmental psychologists also want to understand how human behaviour impacts the environment in which they live. In this case, an environment can be natural or staged. Many environmental psychologists may confer with government agencies to help develop policies directly related to the environment.
11. Educational psychologist
Educational psychology focuses on the learning process, including any learning disabilities. Those who work in educational psychology may provide teaching techniques for certain groups of students, like those who have learning disabilities. Educational psychologists also research how cognitive and social elements can affect learning.
12. Critical psychologist
Critical psychology is the study of the discipline itself. Just like any professional continues to learn and grow in their field because most industries are constantly evolving, critical psychology gives that same chance to those who practise psychology. Critical psychologists look at how the practice is developing and identify any associated trends.
13. Comparative psychologist
Comparative psychology looks at the similarities and differences between the behaviour of humans and that of their animal counterparts. Those who work in comparative psychology may observe how animals behave and respond to certain situations or stimuli. They then use those results to better understand human behaviour.
14. Cognitive psychologist
Cognitive psychology involves understanding how individuals think. Psychologists who work on cognition may investigate how people make decisions and solve problems, but they can also perform research on other topics like language development, memory, and perception. Cognitive psychology also studies learning disabilities.
15. Behavioural psychologist
The purpose of behavioral psychology is to understand the most basic form of human behavior. Behavioral psychologists conduct research to understand what drives human behavior and how the mind and behavior are connected. They may also work on improving negative behaviors in their patients, like those who abuse drugs.
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