How to Become a Child Psychologist: Complete Career Guide
Child psychologists are licensed mental health professionals specializing in treating children and adolescents with emotional, behavioral, and developmental challenges. The career requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), 1,500-2,000 clinical hours, and state licensure. Clinical and counseling psychologists earn a median annual salary of $92,740 (May 2024 BLS) and are projected to experience 3% job growth through 2034. The complete path typically takes 8-10 years, depending on whether you pursue a master's degree.
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Childhood is one of the most formative periods in a person's life. The experiences, relationships, and challenges children face during their early years shape who they become as adults. Child psychologists play a vital role in helping young people navigate emotional difficulties, behavioral challenges, and developmental milestones during this critical time.
If you're drawn to working with children and want to make a meaningful impact on their mental health and wellbeing, a career as a child psychologist offers both personal fulfillment and professional growth. This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a child psychologist, including educational requirements, licensing procedures, salary expectations, and career opportunities.
What Is Childhood Psychology?
Childhood psychology is a specialized branch of psychology that focuses on the mental, emotional, and behavioral development of children from birth through adolescence. This field encompasses everything from typical developmental milestones to diagnosing and treating psychological disorders that affect young people.
Child psychologists study how children think, feel, and behave in various contexts, including home, school, and social settings. They assess developmental progress, identify potential issues, and provide interventions to support healthy psychological growth. This work often extends to helping families and caregivers better understand and respond to a child's needs.
Historical Evolution of Childhood Psychology
The field of childhood psychology has evolved dramatically over the centuries. In Medieval times, children were viewed mainly as small adults and treated accordingly. This perspective slowly changed through several significant philosophical movements.
In the 17th century, philosopher John Locke introduced the "tabula rasa" or "blank slate" theory, suggesting that children are born without preconceived ideas and are shaped entirely by their experiences. Jean-Jacques Rousseau countered in the 18th century with his "innate goodness" theory, proposing that children are naturally good but can be corrupted by negative societal influences.
Today, we understand that childhood development results from complex interactions between genetic predispositions, environmental factors, and individual experiences. Modern child psychology recognizes that early childhood events, both positive and negative, significantly influence adult personality, behavior, and mental health.
Influential Figures in Child Psychology
Several pioneering psychologists shaped our understanding of child development:
- Sigmund Freud: Developed the theory of psychosexual development, identifying five stages of human development, four occurring during childhood
- Anna Freud: Made significant contributions to psychoanalytic child psychology and developed play therapy techniques
- Jean Piaget: Created the theory of cognitive development, emphasizing how children learn and process information at different ages.
- John Bowlby: Originated attachment theory, which explains how early relationships with caregivers affect lifelong emotional bonds
How to Become a Child Psychologist
Becoming a licensed child psychologist is a significant commitment requiring 8-10 years of higher education and clinical training. Here's the step-by-step pathway:
Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree (4 Years)
Start with a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. Your undergraduate education provides foundational knowledge in human development, research methods, and psychological theories. Maintain a strong GPA (typically 3.5 or higher) and gain experience through internships, volunteer work with children, or research assistant positions.
Step 2: Complete a Master's Degree (2-3 Years, Optional but Common)
While not always required for doctoral programs, many students pursue a master's degree in psychology, counseling, or child development. This step strengthens your application, provides valuable clinical experience, and helps clarify your specialization interests. Note that pursuing a master's degree adds 2-3 years to your educational timeline, bringing the total to 10-13 years instead of 8-10 if you proceed directly to doctoral study.
Step 3: Obtain a Doctoral Degree (4-7 Years)
Child psychologists must earn either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). Both degrees qualify you for licensure, but they emphasize different approaches:
- PhD in Psychology: Research-focused degree combining clinical training with extensive research methodology. Requires a doctoral dissertation based on original research. Best for those interested in academic careers or research positions
- PsyD (Doctor of Psychology): Practice-oriented degree emphasizing clinical training and applied psychology. Often requires a shorter dissertation or capstone project. Best for those planning primarily clinical practice
During your doctoral program, you'll complete coursework in child development, psychopathology, assessment techniques, and therapeutic interventions. You'll also gain supervised clinical experience through practicum placements working directly with children and families.
Step 4: Complete Supervised Clinical Hours (1-2 Years)
After earning your doctorate, you must complete 1,500-2,000 hours of supervised postdoctoral clinical experience (requirements vary by state). This supervised practice allows you to refine your clinical skills and specialize in working with specific populations or disorders.
Step 5: Pass the Licensing Examination
All states require passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), a comprehensive test covering the breadth of psychological knowledge. Some states require additional jurisprudence exams covering state-specific laws and ethical guidelines.
Step 6: Obtain State Licensure
Apply for licensure in your state, which involves submitting documentation of your education, supervised hours, examination scores, and background checks. Once licensed, you can practice independently as a child psychologist. Licensure requirements vary by state, so check your state's psychology board for specific requirements.
Step 7: Pursue Optional Specialty Certification
Consider board certification through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology. This rigorous credential requires submitting practice samples demonstrating your competency, passing a comprehensive oral examination by board-certified peers, and meeting specific experience requirements. While optional, ABPP certification demonstrates advanced expertise and commitment to your specialization, often justifying higher fees in private practice.
Explore developmental psychology programs to understand the broader context of child development within psychological practice.
What Does a Child Psychologist Do?
Child psychologists work with children and their caregivers to research, assess, diagnose, and treat developmental, emotional, and behavioral issues. Depending on their specialty and work setting, child psychologists may encounter a wide range of young clients.
Working with "Typical" Children
Not every child who sees a child psychologist has a diagnosed disorder. Child psychologists often work with children experiencing everyday developmental challenges, such as:
- Adjusting to significant life changes (moving, divorce, new sibling)
- Managing school-related stress or academic pressure
- Developing social skills and peer relationships
- Building emotional regulation and coping strategies
- Navigating identity development during adolescence
These sessions might focus on preventive mental health, skill-building, or providing support during transitional periods.
Treating Mild to Moderate Challenges
Many child psychologists specialize in treating children with common mental health concerns, including:
- Anxiety disorders (separation anxiety, social anxiety, generalized anxiety)
- Mood disorders (depression, dysthymia)
- Attention-Deficit/Hyperactivity Disorder (ADHD)
- Learning disabilities and academic challenges
- Behavioral problems at home or school
- Grief and loss
Addressing Severe Mental Health Conditions
Some child psychologists focus on more complex cases, working with children experiencing:
- Trauma and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD)
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Severe behavioral disorders (oppositional defiant disorder, conduct disorder)
- Eating disorders
- Abuse or neglect
- Severe anxiety or depression with suicidal ideation
- Psychotic disorders
Core Responsibilities
Regardless of specialization, child psychologists typically:
- Conduct comprehensive psychological evaluations using standardized tests, clinical interviews, and behavioral observations
- Diagnose mental health conditions using the DSM-5 (Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders)
- Develop individualized treatment plans addressing specific needs and goals
- Provide evidence-based therapy to children, families, and groups
- Collaborate with schools, pediatricians, and other professionals involved in the child's care
- Maintain detailed clinical records and progress notes
- Advocate for children's needs in educational and social service settings
Child psychologists must approach their work with patience, compassion, and cultural sensitivity. Working with children requires adapting communication styles to different developmental levels and creating safe, supportive environments where young clients feel comfortable expressing themselves.
What Types of Treatments Do Child Psychologists Use?
Child psychologists treating developmental and behavioral disorders often apply principles from behavioral psychology including positive reinforcement, token economies, and systematic desensitization to address challenging behaviors in young clients.
Child psychologists employ various evidence-based therapeutic approaches, adapting traditional methods to suit children's developmental needs and attention spans.
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT)
CBT helps children identify and change negative thought patterns and behaviors. This structured, goal-oriented approach teaches problem-solving skills and coping strategies. For children, CBT often incorporates games, worksheets, and age-appropriate activities to make abstract concepts more concrete.
Play Therapy
Young children often lack the verbal skills to express complex emotions and experiences. Play therapy uses toys, games, art, and imaginative play to help children communicate their feelings and work through challenges. Through play, psychologists can observe behavioral patterns and help children process traumatic experiences or difficult emotions.
Family Therapy
Since children exist within family systems, involving parents and siblings can be crucial for lasting change. Family therapy addresses communication patterns, relationship dynamics, and how family members can support the child's mental health. This approach recognizes that improving family functioning often leads to reduced child symptoms.
Parent Training and Coaching
Teaching parents effective behavioral management strategies is often essential, especially for children with ADHD, oppositional behaviors, or anxiety. Psychologists coach parents on positive reinforcement, consistent discipline, and communication techniques that promote healthy development.
Other Therapeutic Approaches
Depending on specialization and the child's needs, psychologists may also use:
- Art Therapy: Using drawing, painting, and other creative expressions for emotional processing
- Music Therapy: Incorporating music to enhance communication and emotional expression
- Trauma-Focused CBT: Specialized approach for children who've experienced trauma
- Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT): Skill-building approach for emotional regulation, especially with adolescents
- Social Skills Training: Structured lessons teaching peer interaction and communication skills
The key to effective child therapy is to make treatment engaging, developmentally appropriate, and involve caregivers in the therapeutic process. Activities like coloring, games, and storytelling keep young clients engaged while addressing serious psychological needs.
Where Do Child Psychologists Work?
The high demand for child psychologists creates diverse employment opportunities across multiple settings:
Private Practice
Many child psychologists establish independent or group practices, offering therapy, psychological testing, and consultations. Private practice provides autonomy over your schedule, clientele, and treatment approaches. However, it also requires business management skills and the ability to deal with insurance complexities.
Schools and Educational Settings
School psychologists (who often have training similar to that of child psychologists) work within educational systems to support students' academic, social, and emotional development. They conduct assessments, develop intervention plans, consult with teachers and parents, and provide counseling services. Child psychologists interested in applying their expertise to broader educational systems often transition into educational psychology roles.
Learn more about clinical psychology career paths that intersect with educational settings.
Hospitals and Medical Centers
Child psychologists in healthcare settings work with pediatric patients facing medical illnesses, chronic conditions, or injuries. They help children cope with medical procedures, manage pain, adjust to diagnoses, and address the psychological impacts of physical health conditions. This work often involves collaboration with physicians, nurses, and other healthcare providers.
Mental Health Clinics
Community mental health centers provide services to diverse populations, often including underserved communities. These settings offer experience treating a wide range of conditions and working with children from various socioeconomic backgrounds.
Child Welfare and Protective Services
Psychologists in child welfare assess abuse and neglect cases, work with foster families, provide trauma-informed care, and support children in the protective services system. This challenging work requires resilience but offers the opportunity to advocate for vulnerable children.
Research and Academic Settings
Universities and research institutions employ child psychologists to conduct studies on child development, test treatment effectiveness, and train the next generation of psychologists. Academic positions typically combine teaching, research, and sometimes clinical practice.
Legal and Forensic Settings
Forensic child psychologists work within the legal system, conducting custody evaluations, assessing child witnesses, providing expert testimony, and working with juvenile offenders. This specialization requires additional training in forensic psychology and legal procedures.
Organizational and Policy Settings
Some child psychologists work at the systems level, influencing policy development, designing intervention programs, or consulting with organizations serving children. These roles might involve program evaluation, grant writing, or advocating for children's mental health at the local, state, or federal levels.
"Working in the schools has its benefits including competitive starting salaries, good health and retirement benefits, and having weekends and holidays off."
– Dr. Thomas Massarelli, Director of the School and Community Psychology Program at Seton Hall University
What Is the Median Salary of a Child Psychologist?
Child psychologist salaries vary significantly based on location, work setting, experience level, and specialization. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical and counseling psychologists (which includes child psychologists) earned a median annual wage of $92,740 in May 2024.
While the BLS doesn't track child psychologists as a separate occupational category, clinical and counseling psychologists who specialize in working with children typically earn competitive salaries within this range. Factors affecting compensation include:
- Geographic location: Urban areas and states with higher costs of living generally offer higher salaries
- Work setting: Private practice and specialized medical facilities often pay more than community clinics or schools
- Experience: Early-career psychologists earn significantly less than those with 10+ years of experience
- Specialization: Expertise in high-demand areas (trauma, autism, neuropsychology) can command premium rates
- Licensure and credentials: Board certification and specialized credentials increase earning potential
Salary by Work Setting
Clinical and counseling psychologists work in various settings, each offering different compensation levels and benefits. The following table presents approximate salary ranges based on BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics (OEWS) data for clinical psychology professionals across different work environments. Note that these figures represent the broader category of clinical and counseling psychologists and may vary for those specifically specializing in child psychology:
| Work Setting | Median Annual Salary | Typical Benefits |
|---|---|---|
| Educational Support Services | $121,270 | Excellent benefits, school calendar, and summers |
| Hospitals (General Medical & Surgical) | $101,490 | Health insurance, retirement plans, and continuing education |
| Psychiatric and Substance Abuse Hospitals | $101,030 | Specialized training opportunities, comprehensive benefits |
| Offices of Mental Health Practitioners (Private Practice) | $90,270 | Schedule flexibility, autonomy, variable based on caseload |
| Elementary and Secondary Schools | $82,120 | Strong benefits, pension, consistent schedule, summers off |
| Child Day Care Services | $62,830 | Varies; often entry-level or consulting roles |
Spotlight Child Psychology Degree Programs
Interested in becoming a child psychologist? Learn which psychology degree path is right for you.
Employment Outlook & Career Guidance for Child Psychologists
The outlook for child psychologists remains positive. The Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3% employment growth for clinical and counseling psychologists from 2024 to 2034, with approximately 12,800 annual job openings for psychologists across all specializations. While this growth rate is about average for all occupations, demand remains steady due to several factors:
Increasing Mental Health Awareness
Public awareness of children's mental health needs has increased dramatically, especially following the COVID-19 pandemic. Parents, schools, and healthcare providers now recognize the importance of early intervention for mental health challenges. This awareness has created unprecedented demand for child psychology services.
Growing School-Based Mental Health Services
Schools are expanding mental health services to address the connection between emotional wellbeing and academic success. Many districts are hiring more psychologists or contracting with mental health professionals to provide on-site services.
Expanded Insurance Coverage
Mental health parity laws and expanded insurance coverage have made psychological services more accessible to families. This has increased demand for licensed psychologists who accept insurance.
Telehealth Expansion
The rapid adoption of teletherapy during the pandemic has permanently expanded access to child psychology services. Psychologists can now serve clients in rural areas or work across state lines (with appropriate licensure), creating new practice opportunities.
Specialized Services Demand
There's particularly high demand for child psychologists specializing in:
- Autism spectrum disorders
- Trauma and PTSD treatment
- ADHD assessment and treatment
- Anxiety and mood disorders
- Eating disorders
- Neuropsychological assessment
Ways for a Child Psychologist to Increase Salary
Child psychologists can significantly boost their earning potential through strategic career decisions:
Pursue Specialization and Advanced Training
Developing expertise in high-demand specializations can substantially increase your rates. Consider pursuing additional training in:
- Neuropsychological assessment (often commanding $2,000+ per evaluation)
- Autism assessment and treatment
- Trauma-focused therapies (EMDR, TF-CBT)
- Forensic psychology and custody evaluations
"Most important is to be passionate about what one is doing and choosing a specialty that one loves. That will help [a child psychologist] excel in that particular area, and be desirable as a job applicant."
– Laura E. Brumariu, Ph.D., Assistant Professor at Adelphi University, Derner Institute of Advanced Psychological Studies
Obtain Board Certification
Board certification through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) demonstrates advanced competency and can justify higher fees in private practice or qualify you for higher-level positions.
Build a Private Practice
While requiring business acumen, private practice offers the highest earning potential. Successful practices can generate six-figure incomes by:
- Setting competitive rates based on your specialization and market
- Maintaining a full caseload of clients
- Offering high-value services like comprehensive evaluations
- Building a strong reputation through word-of-mouth referrals
"Word of mouth is an excellent way one can market oneself and increase one's salary over time."
– Dr. Thomas Massarelli
Geographic Flexibility
Consider relocating to areas with higher demand and better compensation. Urban regions and states with psychologist shortages often offer significantly higher salaries and signing bonuses.
Diversify Your Services
Expand your income streams by:
- Conducting workshops and presentations for schools or organizations
- Providing supervision to graduate students or early-career psychologists
- Writing books, articles, or developing online courses
- Serving as an expert witness in legal cases
- Consulting with schools, agencies, or businesses
Continue Learning
Stay current with evidence-based practices and emerging research. Psychologists who demonstrate expertise in the latest treatments are more valuable to employers and can justify higher rates in practice.
Networking Opportunities and Organizations for Child Psychologists
Professional networking is essential for career development, staying current with research, and building referral relationships.
Key Professional Organizations
- American Psychological Association (APA): The largest psychology organization in the US, offering continuing education, journals, conferences, and advocacy. Division 53 (Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology) specifically serves child psychologists
- National Association of School Psychologists (NASP): Essential for psychologists working in educational settings, offering resources, training, and advocacy
- American Academy of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry (AACAP): While focused on psychiatrists, this organization provides valuable interdisciplinary learning opportunities
- Association for Behavioral and Cognitive Therapies (ABCT): Excellent resource for evidence-based treatment approaches, with a Special Interest Group for child and adolescent issues
Networking Strategies
Build professional connections through:
- Conferences and Conventions: Attend annual meetings to learn about cutting-edge research, network with colleagues, and discover job opportunities
- Social Media and Online Communities: LinkedIn and specialized psychology forums facilitate professional connections and knowledge sharing
- Local Psychology Associations: Join state and local organizations for community connections and continuing education
- ListServs and Email Groups: Subscribe to professional email lists for job postings, consultations, and collaborative opportunities
"Emailing individuals is by far the most common way to communicate with colleagues. However, through LinkedIn and other Internet media sites, professionals from all over the country and outside the country can communicate with each other."
– Dr. Thomas Massarelli
Collaboration Opportunities
Build relationships with:
- Pediatricians and family physicians who can provide referrals
- School counselors and administrators
- Other mental health professionals for consultations and co-treatment
- Academic researchers for collaborative projects
Working with children requires specialized training, unique skills, and a deep understanding of developmental stages. Whether you're interested in clinical practice, school settings, or child welfare, these comprehensive guides will help you navigate the educational requirements, licensure processes, and career specializations available in child psychology and related fields.
Related Career Paths in Child Psychology
- What Is Developmental Psychology? Career Guide – Explore developmental psychology careers focused on studying human development across the lifespan, from infancy through adolescence and beyond. Median salary: $92,740.
- How to Become a School Psychologist: Requirements, Salary & Career Guide – Learn about school psychology careers working directly with students in K-12 settings. Specialist (EdS) degree required, 1,200+ internship hours, median salary $84,940.
- How to Become an Educational Psychologist – Discover how educational psychologists research learning processes and develop educational interventions. PhD typically required, median salary $92,740.
- How to Become a Child Counselor – Master's degree pathway for counselors specializing in therapy for children and adolescents. Requires LMHC or LPC licensure, median salary $59,000.
- How to Become a Child Abuse Counselor: Complete Career Guide – Specialized training for counselors working with traumatized and abused children. Master's degree required, median salary $59,000, job growth 18%.
- Child Abuse Counselor Career Outlook: Salary & Jobs – Detailed employment projections and salary data for child abuse counseling careers with 22% job growth through 2034.
- How to Become a Clinical Psychologist – Doctoral-level training for clinical psychologists who may specialize in child and adolescent populations. PhD or PsyD required, median salary $96,100.
- Child Psychology Degree Programs – Comprehensive directory of bachelor's and master's degree programs specializing in child psychology and child development.
Child psychology is one of the most rewarding specializations in the field. Explore additional psychology careers and degree programs to find the path that's right for you.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Child Psychologist
How long does it take to become a child psychologist?
Becoming a licensed child psychologist typically takes 8-10 years after high school. This includes four years for a bachelor's degree, 2-3 years for an optional master's degree, 4-7 years for a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), and 1-2 years of supervised postdoctoral experience. State licensure requirements may vary slightly, but this represents the standard timeline.
How much does a child psychologist make?
Clinical and counseling psychologists (which includes child psychologists) earned a median annual wage of $92,740 in May 2024, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. Child psychologists' salaries vary based on work setting, location, and experience. Educational support services offer higher median compensation, while private practice psychologists' earnings depend on caseload and specialization. Early-career psychologists typically earn $60,000-$70,000, while experienced specialists can earn $100,000-$140,000 or more annually.
Can I become a child psychologist with a master's degree?
No, you cannot practice as a licensed child psychologist with only a master's degree. The title "psychologist" is legally protected and requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) plus state licensure. However, with a master's degree in counseling or social work, you can work as a licensed mental health counselor, marriage and family therapist, or licensed clinical social worker specializing in children. These professionals provide similar therapeutic services but have different scopes of practice and cannot conduct specific psychological assessments.
What's the difference between a child psychologist and a child psychiatrist?
Child psychologists hold doctoral degrees in psychology (PhD or PsyD) and provide therapy, psychological testing, and behavioral intervention, but cannot prescribe medication (except in a few states with special prescribing privileges). Child psychiatrists are medical doctors (MDs or DOs) who can diagnose mental health conditions, provide therapy, and prescribe medication. Both professionals work with children facing mental health challenges, but approach treatment from different professional training backgrounds.
Do child psychologists work in schools?
Some child psychologists work in educational settings, but this differs from the work of school psychologists. Child psychologists typically work in private practice, hospitals, mental health clinics, or research settings. School psychologists specifically focus on students' academic, social, and emotional development within educational systems. While both work with children, school psychologists often have Education Specialist (EdS) degrees or PhDs in School Psychology, while child psychologists have clinical psychology training.
What age groups do child psychologists treat?
Child psychologists typically work with patients from infancy through age 18. Many specialize in specific developmental stages such as early childhood (ages 0-5), middle childhood (ages 6-12), or adolescence (ages 13-18). Some child psychologists extend their practice to young adults up to age 21 or 25, especially when working with individuals with developmental disabilities or those transitioning from pediatric to adult services.
Is the demand for child psychologists growing?
Yes, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 3% employment growth for clinical and counseling psychologists from 2024 to 2034, about average for all occupations. Despite moderate growth projections, demand remains steady for child psychologists due to increased mental health awareness, expanded school-based services, broader insurance coverage, and the lasting impacts of the COVID-19 pandemic on children's mental health. Approximately 12,800 annual openings for psychologists are projected nationwide through 2034.
Can child psychologists prescribe medication?
In most states, child psychologists cannot prescribe medication. However, New Mexico, Louisiana, Illinois, Idaho, Washington, and the U.S. military allow psychologists with additional specialized training to prescribe psychotropic medications. Psychologists seeking prescriptive authority must complete a master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology (or equivalent postdoctoral training), obtain supervised clinical experience, and pass a psychopharmacology examination for licensure. In states without prescriptive authority, psychologists collaborate with psychiatrists or pediatricians when clients need medication management.
What skills make someone successful as a child psychologist?
Successful child psychologists possess strong interpersonal skills, patience, creativity, cultural competence, and the ability to communicate at different developmental levels. They must genuinely enjoy working with children, remain calm under stress, think critically, and collaborate effectively with families and other professionals. Adaptability is crucial since each child presents unique challenges. Successful practitioners also maintain firm professional boundaries while building rapport with young clients.
Key Takeaways
- Educational Path: Becoming a child psychologist requires a bachelor's degree (4 years), an optional master's degree (2-3 years), a doctoral degree—PhD or PsyD (4-7 years), and supervised postdoctoral hours (1-2 years). The timeline ranges from 8-10 years if proceeding directly to doctoral study, or 10-13 years if completing a master's degree first.
- Licensure Requirements: All states require a doctoral degree in psychology, 1,500-2,000 hours of supervised clinical experience, passing the EPPP examination, and meeting state-specific requirements for independent practice
- Salary and Compensation: Clinical and counseling psychologists earned a median annual wage of $92,740 in May 2024 (BLS data), with significant variations by work setting, specialization, and geographic location
- Work Settings: Child psychologists find opportunities in private practice, schools, hospitals, mental health clinics, child welfare agencies, research institutions, and forensic settings, each offering unique experiences and compensation structures
- Employment Outlook: Steady 3% projected growth for clinical and counseling psychologists through 2034, with approximately 12,800 annual openings for psychologists. Demand remains consistent due to increased mental health awareness and expanded access to care.
- Specialization Opportunities: High demand exists for expertise in autism spectrum disorders, trauma treatment, ADHD assessment, neuropsychological testing, and forensic evaluations, with specialists commanding premium rates in private practice
Ready to Start Your Child Psychology Career?
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Child Psychology Continuing Education (CE) Sources
Maintaining licensure requires ongoing professional development. The American Psychological Association provides continuing education programs for child psychologists covering topics such as evidence-based treatments, cultural competency, ethics, and emerging research.
Recommended CE opportunities include:
- APA-sponsored workshops and webinars
- University-based training programs in specialized interventions
- State psychology association conferences
- Online CE platforms offering flexible, self-paced learning
- Clinical supervision and consultation groups
Featured Child Psychology Expert In-Review: Dr. Rachelle Robinson
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, and Psychologists-All Other are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
