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Weighing the pros and cons of being a psychologist can help you decide if it is right for you. There are manyadvantages of being a psychologist, but no career is 100% ideal all of the time. While working as a psychologist can be a very rewarding and satisfying career choice, there are some potential disadvantages that all psychology students should consider.As you evaluate your career options, think about your own personality, needs, and interests. Some people are better able to cope with certain issues, while others will find them to be more of a struggle.At a GlanceSome potential cons of being a psychologist include:Dealing with billing and insurance issuesThe stress of managing your own businessFeeling emotionally drained from helping clientsErratic work schedulesFinding new clients can be toughThe time and costs associated with graduate school and professional license1Dealing With Insurance and Billing Issues Can Be a HassleGSO Images/Getty ImagesWhether you operate your own therapy practice or work in an established mental health office, you must deal with paperwork, insurance, and billing issues.If you decide to run your own business, you must learn how to bill insurance plans or hire someone to perform this task for you.Changes in billing laws and requirements can create new challenges for psychologists and mental health professionals.For example, the 2020 “No Surprises Act” means that therapists must provide an estimated cost of services when they schedule care for a client.2Setting up Your Own Practice Can Be ChallengingHero Images/Getty ImagesBuilding your own business from the ground up can be a daunting task. You need to think about basic tasks such as finding office space, purchasing equipment, obtaining supplies and establishing a client base.Additional issues that you need to consider include things such as malpractice insurance, health insurance, billing practices, document management, and tax obligations.3Helping Clients Can Be Emotionally DrainingTetra Images/Getty ImagesOne of the great rewards of being a psychologist is the opportunity to truly help people. Unfortunately, this can also create a daily strain of dealing with the difficult issues your clients face. Simply put, it can be emotionally exhausting.To reduce the risk ofburnout, it is important to find ways to deal with stress.Finding the rightwork-life balancecan be an essential part of combatting burnout. Practicing goodstress managementtechniques can also be very helpful.4Your Work Schedule Can Be Erratic at TimesUniversal Images Group / Getty ImagesEven though you might establish normal work hours during the day, as a psychologist you may find that you are required to deal with client issues at unexpected times.Some clients are unable to meet with you during regular business hours due to their own busy work schedules, which means you will have to shuffle your own plans around to make time for these individuals.In other cases, you might be called during off-hours or weekends to meet with clients who need help or who are facingcrisissituations. Because of this, flexibility is an important skill for any psychologist to develop.5You Will Need to Devote Time to Finding New Clientsasiseeit / Getty ImagesApproximately a third of all psychologists are self-employed and operate their own private practices.While this can be an ideal situation for people who like to work for themselves, it also means that a significant chunk of time, money, and resources must be spent on finding new clients.One way to accomplish this is to build relationships with medical professionals and other mental health providers so that they will refer potential clients to your practice. Hosting free support group sessions and advertising in the local media are other promotional options.Some professionals enjoy this aspect of running their business, but some feel that it takes away valuable time that could be devoted to therapy work.What Is Group Therapy?6Being a Psychologist Requires Extensive Education and TrainingIt’SDI Productions / Getty ImagesFor many people, the educational and training requirements to become a psychologist can be considered a significant downside.While there are various forms of financial aid available, graduate school can also be costly. For many, this represents a significant downside and a barrier to entering the field.Getting a master’s in psychology can take two to three years of post-bachelors degree study. A doctorate can take five to seven, depending on the individual program.To be licensed to practice, you will also need to complete a supervised internship and pass state licensing exams.What This Means For YouLike any career, being a psychologist has both advantages and disadvantages. Only you can determine if the good outweighs the possible downsides.Spend some time researching your options to find the job that is the right fit for you. Look at the pros, but consider the potential cons of being a psychologist to determine how much they might matter to you. Stress, burnout, unpredictable scheduling, and billing concerns are just a few downsides you might face.80+ Psychology Careers to Consider
Weighing the pros and cons of being a psychologist can help you decide if it is right for you. There are manyadvantages of being a psychologist, but no career is 100% ideal all of the time. While working as a psychologist can be a very rewarding and satisfying career choice, there are some potential disadvantages that all psychology students should consider.As you evaluate your career options, think about your own personality, needs, and interests. Some people are better able to cope with certain issues, while others will find them to be more of a struggle.At a GlanceSome potential cons of being a psychologist include:Dealing with billing and insurance issuesThe stress of managing your own businessFeeling emotionally drained from helping clientsErratic work schedulesFinding new clients can be toughThe time and costs associated with graduate school and professional license
Weighing the pros and cons of being a psychologist can help you decide if it is right for you. There are manyadvantages of being a psychologist, but no career is 100% ideal all of the time. While working as a psychologist can be a very rewarding and satisfying career choice, there are some potential disadvantages that all psychology students should consider.
As you evaluate your career options, think about your own personality, needs, and interests. Some people are better able to cope with certain issues, while others will find them to be more of a struggle.
At a GlanceSome potential cons of being a psychologist include:Dealing with billing and insurance issuesThe stress of managing your own businessFeeling emotionally drained from helping clientsErratic work schedulesFinding new clients can be toughThe time and costs associated with graduate school and professional license
At a Glance
Some potential cons of being a psychologist include:Dealing with billing and insurance issuesThe stress of managing your own businessFeeling emotionally drained from helping clientsErratic work schedulesFinding new clients can be toughThe time and costs associated with graduate school and professional license
Some potential cons of being a psychologist include:
1Dealing With Insurance and Billing Issues Can Be a HassleGSO Images/Getty ImagesWhether you operate your own therapy practice or work in an established mental health office, you must deal with paperwork, insurance, and billing issues.If you decide to run your own business, you must learn how to bill insurance plans or hire someone to perform this task for you.Changes in billing laws and requirements can create new challenges for psychologists and mental health professionals.For example, the 2020 “No Surprises Act” means that therapists must provide an estimated cost of services when they schedule care for a client.2Setting up Your Own Practice Can Be ChallengingHero Images/Getty ImagesBuilding your own business from the ground up can be a daunting task. You need to think about basic tasks such as finding office space, purchasing equipment, obtaining supplies and establishing a client base.Additional issues that you need to consider include things such as malpractice insurance, health insurance, billing practices, document management, and tax obligations.3Helping Clients Can Be Emotionally DrainingTetra Images/Getty ImagesOne of the great rewards of being a psychologist is the opportunity to truly help people. Unfortunately, this can also create a daily strain of dealing with the difficult issues your clients face. Simply put, it can be emotionally exhausting.To reduce the risk ofburnout, it is important to find ways to deal with stress.Finding the rightwork-life balancecan be an essential part of combatting burnout. Practicing goodstress managementtechniques can also be very helpful.4Your Work Schedule Can Be Erratic at TimesUniversal Images Group / Getty ImagesEven though you might establish normal work hours during the day, as a psychologist you may find that you are required to deal with client issues at unexpected times.Some clients are unable to meet with you during regular business hours due to their own busy work schedules, which means you will have to shuffle your own plans around to make time for these individuals.In other cases, you might be called during off-hours or weekends to meet with clients who need help or who are facingcrisissituations. Because of this, flexibility is an important skill for any psychologist to develop.5You Will Need to Devote Time to Finding New Clientsasiseeit / Getty ImagesApproximately a third of all psychologists are self-employed and operate their own private practices.While this can be an ideal situation for people who like to work for themselves, it also means that a significant chunk of time, money, and resources must be spent on finding new clients.One way to accomplish this is to build relationships with medical professionals and other mental health providers so that they will refer potential clients to your practice. Hosting free support group sessions and advertising in the local media are other promotional options.Some professionals enjoy this aspect of running their business, but some feel that it takes away valuable time that could be devoted to therapy work.What Is Group Therapy?6Being a Psychologist Requires Extensive Education and TrainingIt’SDI Productions / Getty ImagesFor many people, the educational and training requirements to become a psychologist can be considered a significant downside.While there are various forms of financial aid available, graduate school can also be costly. For many, this represents a significant downside and a barrier to entering the field.Getting a master’s in psychology can take two to three years of post-bachelors degree study. A doctorate can take five to seven, depending on the individual program.To be licensed to practice, you will also need to complete a supervised internship and pass state licensing exams.
1Dealing With Insurance and Billing Issues Can Be a HassleGSO Images/Getty ImagesWhether you operate your own therapy practice or work in an established mental health office, you must deal with paperwork, insurance, and billing issues.If you decide to run your own business, you must learn how to bill insurance plans or hire someone to perform this task for you.Changes in billing laws and requirements can create new challenges for psychologists and mental health professionals.For example, the 2020 “No Surprises Act” means that therapists must provide an estimated cost of services when they schedule care for a client.
1
Dealing With Insurance and Billing Issues Can Be a HassleGSO Images/Getty ImagesWhether you operate your own therapy practice or work in an established mental health office, you must deal with paperwork, insurance, and billing issues.If you decide to run your own business, you must learn how to bill insurance plans or hire someone to perform this task for you.Changes in billing laws and requirements can create new challenges for psychologists and mental health professionals.For example, the 2020 “No Surprises Act” means that therapists must provide an estimated cost of services when they schedule care for a client.
Dealing With Insurance and Billing Issues Can Be a Hassle
GSO Images/Getty Images
Whether you operate your own therapy practice or work in an established mental health office, you must deal with paperwork, insurance, and billing issues.If you decide to run your own business, you must learn how to bill insurance plans or hire someone to perform this task for you.
Changes in billing laws and requirements can create new challenges for psychologists and mental health professionals.
For example, the 2020 “No Surprises Act” means that therapists must provide an estimated cost of services when they schedule care for a client.
2Setting up Your Own Practice Can Be ChallengingHero Images/Getty ImagesBuilding your own business from the ground up can be a daunting task. You need to think about basic tasks such as finding office space, purchasing equipment, obtaining supplies and establishing a client base.Additional issues that you need to consider include things such as malpractice insurance, health insurance, billing practices, document management, and tax obligations.
2
Setting up Your Own Practice Can Be ChallengingHero Images/Getty ImagesBuilding your own business from the ground up can be a daunting task. You need to think about basic tasks such as finding office space, purchasing equipment, obtaining supplies and establishing a client base.Additional issues that you need to consider include things such as malpractice insurance, health insurance, billing practices, document management, and tax obligations.
Setting up Your Own Practice Can Be Challenging
Hero Images/Getty Images
Building your own business from the ground up can be a daunting task. You need to think about basic tasks such as finding office space, purchasing equipment, obtaining supplies and establishing a client base.
Additional issues that you need to consider include things such as malpractice insurance, health insurance, billing practices, document management, and tax obligations.
3Helping Clients Can Be Emotionally DrainingTetra Images/Getty ImagesOne of the great rewards of being a psychologist is the opportunity to truly help people. Unfortunately, this can also create a daily strain of dealing with the difficult issues your clients face. Simply put, it can be emotionally exhausting.To reduce the risk ofburnout, it is important to find ways to deal with stress.Finding the rightwork-life balancecan be an essential part of combatting burnout. Practicing goodstress managementtechniques can also be very helpful.
3
Helping Clients Can Be Emotionally DrainingTetra Images/Getty ImagesOne of the great rewards of being a psychologist is the opportunity to truly help people. Unfortunately, this can also create a daily strain of dealing with the difficult issues your clients face. Simply put, it can be emotionally exhausting.To reduce the risk ofburnout, it is important to find ways to deal with stress.Finding the rightwork-life balancecan be an essential part of combatting burnout. Practicing goodstress managementtechniques can also be very helpful.
Helping Clients Can Be Emotionally Draining
Tetra Images/Getty Images
One of the great rewards of being a psychologist is the opportunity to truly help people. Unfortunately, this can also create a daily strain of dealing with the difficult issues your clients face. Simply put, it can be emotionally exhausting.
To reduce the risk ofburnout, it is important to find ways to deal with stress.
Finding the rightwork-life balancecan be an essential part of combatting burnout. Practicing goodstress managementtechniques can also be very helpful.
4Your Work Schedule Can Be Erratic at TimesUniversal Images Group / Getty ImagesEven though you might establish normal work hours during the day, as a psychologist you may find that you are required to deal with client issues at unexpected times.Some clients are unable to meet with you during regular business hours due to their own busy work schedules, which means you will have to shuffle your own plans around to make time for these individuals.In other cases, you might be called during off-hours or weekends to meet with clients who need help or who are facingcrisissituations. Because of this, flexibility is an important skill for any psychologist to develop.
4
Your Work Schedule Can Be Erratic at TimesUniversal Images Group / Getty ImagesEven though you might establish normal work hours during the day, as a psychologist you may find that you are required to deal with client issues at unexpected times.Some clients are unable to meet with you during regular business hours due to their own busy work schedules, which means you will have to shuffle your own plans around to make time for these individuals.In other cases, you might be called during off-hours or weekends to meet with clients who need help or who are facingcrisissituations. Because of this, flexibility is an important skill for any psychologist to develop.
Your Work Schedule Can Be Erratic at Times
Universal Images Group / Getty Images
Even though you might establish normal work hours during the day, as a psychologist you may find that you are required to deal with client issues at unexpected times.
Some clients are unable to meet with you during regular business hours due to their own busy work schedules, which means you will have to shuffle your own plans around to make time for these individuals.
In other cases, you might be called during off-hours or weekends to meet with clients who need help or who are facingcrisissituations. Because of this, flexibility is an important skill for any psychologist to develop.
5You Will Need to Devote Time to Finding New Clientsasiseeit / Getty ImagesApproximately a third of all psychologists are self-employed and operate their own private practices.While this can be an ideal situation for people who like to work for themselves, it also means that a significant chunk of time, money, and resources must be spent on finding new clients.One way to accomplish this is to build relationships with medical professionals and other mental health providers so that they will refer potential clients to your practice. Hosting free support group sessions and advertising in the local media are other promotional options.Some professionals enjoy this aspect of running their business, but some feel that it takes away valuable time that could be devoted to therapy work.What Is Group Therapy?
5
You Will Need to Devote Time to Finding New Clientsasiseeit / Getty ImagesApproximately a third of all psychologists are self-employed and operate their own private practices.While this can be an ideal situation for people who like to work for themselves, it also means that a significant chunk of time, money, and resources must be spent on finding new clients.One way to accomplish this is to build relationships with medical professionals and other mental health providers so that they will refer potential clients to your practice. Hosting free support group sessions and advertising in the local media are other promotional options.Some professionals enjoy this aspect of running their business, but some feel that it takes away valuable time that could be devoted to therapy work.What Is Group Therapy?
You Will Need to Devote Time to Finding New Clients
asiseeit / Getty Images
Approximately a third of all psychologists are self-employed and operate their own private practices.While this can be an ideal situation for people who like to work for themselves, it also means that a significant chunk of time, money, and resources must be spent on finding new clients.
One way to accomplish this is to build relationships with medical professionals and other mental health providers so that they will refer potential clients to your practice. Hosting free support group sessions and advertising in the local media are other promotional options.
Some professionals enjoy this aspect of running their business, but some feel that it takes away valuable time that could be devoted to therapy work.
What Is Group Therapy?
6Being a Psychologist Requires Extensive Education and TrainingIt’SDI Productions / Getty ImagesFor many people, the educational and training requirements to become a psychologist can be considered a significant downside.While there are various forms of financial aid available, graduate school can also be costly. For many, this represents a significant downside and a barrier to entering the field.Getting a master’s in psychology can take two to three years of post-bachelors degree study. A doctorate can take five to seven, depending on the individual program.To be licensed to practice, you will also need to complete a supervised internship and pass state licensing exams.
6
Being a Psychologist Requires Extensive Education and TrainingIt’SDI Productions / Getty ImagesFor many people, the educational and training requirements to become a psychologist can be considered a significant downside.While there are various forms of financial aid available, graduate school can also be costly. For many, this represents a significant downside and a barrier to entering the field.Getting a master’s in psychology can take two to three years of post-bachelors degree study. A doctorate can take five to seven, depending on the individual program.To be licensed to practice, you will also need to complete a supervised internship and pass state licensing exams.
Being a Psychologist Requires Extensive Education and TrainingIt'
SDI Productions / Getty Images
For many people, the educational and training requirements to become a psychologist can be considered a significant downside.
While there are various forms of financial aid available, graduate school can also be costly. For many, this represents a significant downside and a barrier to entering the field.
Getting a master’s in psychology can take two to three years of post-bachelors degree study. A doctorate can take five to seven, depending on the individual program.
To be licensed to practice, you will also need to complete a supervised internship and pass state licensing exams.
What This Means For YouLike any career, being a psychologist has both advantages and disadvantages. Only you can determine if the good outweighs the possible downsides.Spend some time researching your options to find the job that is the right fit for you. Look at the pros, but consider the potential cons of being a psychologist to determine how much they might matter to you. Stress, burnout, unpredictable scheduling, and billing concerns are just a few downsides you might face.80+ Psychology Careers to Consider
What This Means For YouLike any career, being a psychologist has both advantages and disadvantages. Only you can determine if the good outweighs the possible downsides.Spend some time researching your options to find the job that is the right fit for you. Look at the pros, but consider the potential cons of being a psychologist to determine how much they might matter to you. Stress, burnout, unpredictable scheduling, and billing concerns are just a few downsides you might face.
What This Means For You
Like any career, being a psychologist has both advantages and disadvantages. Only you can determine if the good outweighs the possible downsides.Spend some time researching your options to find the job that is the right fit for you. Look at the pros, but consider the potential cons of being a psychologist to determine how much they might matter to you. Stress, burnout, unpredictable scheduling, and billing concerns are just a few downsides you might face.
Like any career, being a psychologist has both advantages and disadvantages. Only you can determine if the good outweighs the possible downsides.
Spend some time researching your options to find the job that is the right fit for you. Look at the pros, but consider the potential cons of being a psychologist to determine how much they might matter to you. Stress, burnout, unpredictable scheduling, and billing concerns are just a few downsides you might face.
80+ Psychology Careers to Consider
5 SourcesVerywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Insurance claims 101: Avoiding common payment pitfalls.American Psychological Association.New billing disclosure requirements take effect in 2022.American Psychological Association.Careers in Psychology[Interactive data tool].Simpson S, Simionato G, Smout M, et. al. Burnout amongst clinical and counselling psychologist: The role of early maladaptive schemas and coping modes as vulnerability factors.Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. 2018;26(1):35-46. doi:10.1002/cpp.2328U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Psychologists.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
5 Sources
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.American Psychological Association.Insurance claims 101: Avoiding common payment pitfalls.American Psychological Association.New billing disclosure requirements take effect in 2022.American Psychological Association.Careers in Psychology[Interactive data tool].Simpson S, Simionato G, Smout M, et. al. Burnout amongst clinical and counselling psychologist: The role of early maladaptive schemas and coping modes as vulnerability factors.Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. 2018;26(1):35-46. doi:10.1002/cpp.2328U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Psychologists.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
Verywell Mind uses only high-quality sources, including peer-reviewed studies, to support the facts within our articles. Read oureditorial processto learn more about how we fact-check and keep our content accurate, reliable, and trustworthy.
American Psychological Association.Insurance claims 101: Avoiding common payment pitfalls.American Psychological Association.New billing disclosure requirements take effect in 2022.American Psychological Association.Careers in Psychology[Interactive data tool].Simpson S, Simionato G, Smout M, et. al. Burnout amongst clinical and counselling psychologist: The role of early maladaptive schemas and coping modes as vulnerability factors.Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. 2018;26(1):35-46. doi:10.1002/cpp.2328U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Psychologists.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
American Psychological Association.Insurance claims 101: Avoiding common payment pitfalls.
American Psychological Association.New billing disclosure requirements take effect in 2022.
American Psychological Association.Careers in Psychology[Interactive data tool].
Simpson S, Simionato G, Smout M, et. al. Burnout amongst clinical and counselling psychologist: The role of early maladaptive schemas and coping modes as vulnerability factors.Clinical Psychology & Psychotherapy. 2018;26(1):35-46. doi:10.1002/cpp.2328
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.Psychologists.Occupational Outlook Handbook.
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