Get Started in an Army Psychologist Career

What Is an Army Psychologist?

Army psychologists are the professionals responsible for the mental well-being of Army soldiers, veterans, and their families. Like traditional psychologists, these professionals diagnose and treat a variety of different mental disorders, such as anxiety, depression, and substance abuse. Unlike traditional psychologists, however, Army psychologists are trained to deal specifically with the special needs of members of the armed forces.

Army Psychologist Job Duties & Responsibilities

Before a new Army recruit can start his career, he must first meet and speak with an Army psychologist. It is the psychologist’s duty to perform a mental evaluation on each new recruit. This is to ensure that the recruits are mentally stable and able to handle the stress of military life.

Since deployment can be a very stressful time for enlisted soldiers and their families, Army psychologists will also usually meet with soldiers who are getting ready to leave home. During this time, they will offer counseling and therapy to help treat any mental disorders, such as depression.

Army psychologists are also available on both domestic and foreign Army bases to help treat any soldiers that are experiencing mental and emotional problems. When soldiers are home on domestic bases, psychologists might counsel them for a variety of problems, from minor stress to substance abuse. Soldiers who are away from home on foreign bases, however, may suffer from more severe mental anguish. For instance, the thought of taking another human life – even during wartime – is a hard thing for nearly anyone to deal with. Army psychologists often find themselves counseling soldiers with very heavy burdens.

Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) – sometimes referred to as shell shock or battle fatigue – is one of the most common disorders that Army psychologists treat. This is a type of anxiety disorder that can occur after a particularly traumatizing event, such as war. An Army psychologist will often recommend cognitive behavioral therapy for PTSD, but medication might be needed in addition to this therapy, especially in more severe cases.

Featured Army Psychology Degree Offering

What Are the Education Requirements to Become an Army Psychologist?

An Armed Services Vocational Aptitude Battery, or ASVAB, test is usually required first. This test helps the Army determine a future service man or woman’s strengths and weaknesses for job placement.

In general, an Army psychologist should have a four year degree in psychology to start. According to the official Army website, Army psychologists are also required to have a doctoral degree in clinical or counseling psychology, along with a valid license to practice.

Military training is also usually required in order to become an Army psychologist. This usually includes basic training and physical conditioning. Some military psychologists also do a tour of active duty before they start practicing.

Army Psychologist Salary

Clinical psychologists are part of the U.S. Army’s Health Care Team, which works within the U.S. Army Medical Department’s more than 600 world-renowned hospitals, clinics, and other healthcare facilities across the world.

While the US Bureau of Labor Statistics doesn’t track data specifically for Army psychologists, they report the median salary for all government-employed psychologists to be $103,850 as of May 2021. Members of the Armed Forces may also receive additional special pay, incentive pay, board-certification pay, and more.

Job Outlook for Army Psychologists

In today’s military, the mental health of enlisted service men and women is considered to be very important. Because of this, the job outlook for Army psychologists is very good. Excellent sign on bonuses and very competitive wages are even offered to qualified Army psychologists as an incentive for them to enlist.

2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for psychologists is based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed June 2023.