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Psychologist Job Description: Top Duties and Requirements

A Psychologist, or Therapist, is someone who helps patients with psychological problems. The main responsibilities of a Psychologist are assessing, diagnosing, and treating patients who have behavioural issues related to mental health or cognitive problems.

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Psychologist duties and responsibilities

When writing a job description for a Psychologist, it is important to specify the main functions of the role. Some of these important duties and responsibilities may include: 

  • Maintaining related records, reports, and statistical data in accordance with established standards and procedures
  • Conducting, interpreting, and reviewing client cognitive and behavioural assessment results
  • Building strong relationships with clients and other interdisciplinary healthcare workers involved in the patient’s recovery plan to improve patient experience
  • Preparing summary reports to reflect relevant client insights and action plans which may include referrals or resource recommendations
  • Ensuring all forms of documentation are accurate and complete
  • Assessing and screening for stressors and areas of difficulty to make appropriate referral and treatment recommendations
  • Reviewing the literature, scientific studies, and staying up-to-date with any changes or developments in the industry
  • Delivering presentations at conferences, workshops, or educational institutions to help further develop training, awareness, or knowledge around certain mental illnesses
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Psychologist Job Description Examples:

What does a Psychologist do?

A Psychologist is a member of an interdisciplinary health team to help patients suffering from mental health issues to integrate and deal with daily life. Psychologists spend time examining patients to properly diagnose them and provide therapy to help them work through whatever mental illness they are suffering from. A Psychologist will often use standard testing to properly diagnose a patient. Psychologists may also be responsible for creating intervention programs and determining the best treatment methods.

Psychologist skills and qualifications

A successful Psychologist candidate possesses various prerequisite skills and qualifications for the duties of this job. Some of these may include: 

  • Strong counselling skills and the ability to deal with a range of mental health illnesses
  • Excellent interpersonal and communication skills, both written and verbal
  • Strong diagnostic skills
  • Ability to initiate and model positive change with excellent team-building skills
  • Ability to work independently and as part of a team
  • Excellent organizational and time management skills
  • Ability to remain calm in stressful situations
  • Excellent and thorough knowledge of a range of mental health illnesses

Psychologist experience requirements

When reviewing resumes for an entry-level Psychologist, prior experience isn’t always necessary if they meet the educational requirements. However, if previous experience is required then look for someone with at least two to three years of experience. It is also best to look for someone who has experience working with a similar demographic or type of mental health issues such as children or the elderly. If it’s required, look for someone who has experience providing support and therapy sessions virtually as well as in person.

Psychologist education and training requirements

When reviewing resumes for a Psychologist, look for someone who has at least a Master’s degree in Psychology if the applicant will be working in Newfoundland and Labrador, Nova Scotia, New Brunswick, Saskatchewan, or the Northwest Territories. If the applicant will be working in Ontario, Quebec, Manitoba, or British Columbia than the applicant should have at least a doctoral degree in Psychology. Prince Edward Island requires an applicant to have a doctoral degree if they will be working privately and a master’s degree if they plan on working for an institution or agency. Most provinces will also require applicants to have successfully passed the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and be registered with the provincial college of Psychologists.

Psychologist salary expectations

According to Indeed Salaries, the average salary for a Psychologist in Canada is $127,080 per year. The salary can vary depending on many factors including experience, location, or the company that is hiring.

Job description samples for similar positions

If a Psychologist role is not quite what you are looking for, other related job descriptions include: 

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Psychologist job description FAQs

What qualities make a good Psychologist?

When looking for a Psychologist, look for someone who has lots of patience, empathy, and understanding for a range of different mental health issues. The right candidate should have a passion for helping people and wanting to make a difference.

Job Description Examples

Need help writing a job description for a specific role? Use these job description examples to create your next great job posting. Or if you’re ready to hire, post your job on Indeed.

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