About: Dr. Julian Navarro, PhD, LCSW

Quick Answer With an associate degree in psychology, you can work as a psychiatric aide (median salary: $41,590), a social and human service assistant ($45,120), a home health aide ($34,900), or a teacher assistant ($35,240). These entry-level positions provide hands-on experience in mental health, education, and social services while opening pathways to advanced careers. The…

Quick Answer A PhD in Psychology emphasizes research and academic careers with a scientist-practitioner model, typically taking 5-7 years and often providing full funding. A PsyD focuses on clinical practice with extensive practicum training, typically taking 4-6 years, but requiring students to pay tuition. Both degrees qualify for licensure as a psychologist, but PhD programs…

Quick Answer Counseling careers encompass diverse specializations, including mental health counseling (treating depression, anxiety, trauma), marriage and family therapy (relationship issues), school counseling (academic and career guidance), rehabilitation counseling (disability support), and substance abuse counseling (addiction treatment). Each requires a master's degree and state licensure, with median annual salaries ranging from $58,570 to $63,780, depending…

Quick Answer Recreational therapists use activities like sports, arts, and games to help patients recover from injuries, illnesses, and disabilities. They earn a median salary of $60,280 and need a bachelor's degree in therapeutic recreation, a 560-hour internship, and CTRS certification to practice. Sometimes the best medicine doesn't come from a pill bottle. Physical therapy,…