PSYCHOLOGY CAREER OPTIONS
1. Clinical Psychologist:
Assess and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. These range from short-term crises, such as difficulties resulting
from adolescent conflicts, to more severe, chronic conditions, such as
schizophrenia.
SETTINGS: Hospitals, private practice, mental health clinics
SKILLS:
- Diagnostic and therapeutic skills
- Empathy and active listening
- Crisis intervention and problem-solving
2. Counseling Psychologist
Help people recognize their strengths and
resources to cope with everyday problems and serious adversity. They do
counseling/psychotherapy, teaching, and scientific research with individuals
of all ages, families, and organizations (e.g., schools, hospitals, businesses).
. 
SETTINGS: Schools, universities, private practice, community centers
SKILLS:
- Counseling techniques
- Emotional intelligence
- Career and personal development strategies
3. Sports Psychologist
Work with athletes and coaches to improve performance, manage stress, and promote mental toughness.
SKILLS:
- Performance enhancement strategies
- Stress and anxiety management techniques
- Knowledge of sports and exercise psychology
4. School Psychologist
Work in schools to assess and treat learning and behavioral problems and to promote academic success and mental health.
SKILLS:
- Assessment and evaluation skills
- Ability to collaborate with educators and parents
- Knowledge of educational interventions
5. Neuropsychologist
Work in medical settings to diagnose and treat cognitive and neurological disorders such as traumatic brain injury or dementia.
SETTINGS: Hospitals, research facilities, universities
SKILLS:
- Expertise in brain-behavior relationships
- Neurocognitive assessment
- Rehabilitation planning skill
6. Health Psychologist
Work in healthcare & clinical settings to promote healthy behaviors, manage chronic illnesses, or improve patient outcomes.
SETTINGS: Hospitals, wellness centers, research facilities
SKILLS:
- Understanding of health behaviors and interventions
- Patient counseling and motivational techniques
- Research skills in health psychology
7. Forensic Psychologist
Asses cases in Legal settings to provide expert testimony, consult on legal cases, or evaluate criminal defendants.
SETTINGS: Legal system, law enforcement agencies, research facilities
SKILLS:
- Legal knowledge and courtroom skills
- Behavioral assessment and profiling
- Expert testimony and report writing
8. Industrial-organizational Psychologist
Work in organizations to improve workplace productivity, job satisfaction, and employee well-being.
SKILLS:
- Change management and organizational behavior
- Leadership development and training
- Data analysis for organizational effectiveness
9. Psychology Teacher
Lecture in academic institutions to teach psychology or related subjects.
SETTINGS: Universities, colleges
SKILLS:
- Student Assessment and Feedback skill
- Curriculum Development skill
- Effective Communication
10. Research Psychologist
Work in Academic Institutions or think-tanks to conduct research on psychological topics such as cognition, emotion, or social behavior.
SETTINGS: Universities, research institutes, government agencies
SKILLS:
- Academic Writing and Publishing skills
- Critical Thinking and Problem-Solving
- Research Design and Methodology
11. Environmental psychologist
Examine behavior evolving at various scales and from various processes (e.g., localization, globalization).
SETTINGS: Research institutions, urban planning organizations
SKILLS:
- Understanding of environmental design principles
- Research on human-environment interactions
- Problem-solving in spatial and environmental contexts
12. Developmental Psychologist
Work in academic settings or research institutions to research psychological growth and changes across the lifespan.
SKILLS:
- Research and statistical analysis
- Knowledge of developmental milestones
- Ability to interpret longitudinal data
13. Social Psychologist
Examine how social interactions influence behavior and attitudes.
Conduct research on group dynamics, prejudice, and social influence & apply findings to improve interpersonal and community relationships.
SKILLS:
- Research design and methodology
- Understanding of social influence and group dynamics
- Effective communication and presentation
14: Rehabilitation Psychologist
Assist individuals with disabilities or chronic health conditions & provide counseling and support for coping with physical and emotional challenges.
SETTINGS: Rehabilitation centers, hospitals, clinics e.g Mathari, Asumbi Treatment Centre (Karen)etc
SKILLS:
- Expertise in disability and chronic illness
- Adaptive strategies and counseling
- Collaboration with medical professionals
15. Child Psychologist
Assess and treat psychological issues in children and adolescents, work with families and schools to support child development & provide therapy and develop behavioral interventions.
SETTINGS: Schools, pediatric clinics, private practice
SKILLS:
- Child development expertise
- Behavioral therapy and assessment
- Communication with children and families
16. Geriatric Psychologist
Address psychological issues related to aging and elderly care, provide therapy and support for age-related cognitive decline and emotional challenges & work in nursing homes, senior centers, or private practice to enhance elderly well-being. Works in places: Edianna Nursing Home, Nyumba Ya Wazee (Little Sisters of the Poor), Rosewood Retirement Home( Karen) e.t.c
SKILLS:
- Expertise in aging and geriatric conditions
- Counseling and support for elderly clients
- Understanding of age-related psychological changes
17. Psychiatrist
SETTINGS: Hospitals, clinics, private practice
ROLE: Medical doctor specializing in mental health, can prescribe medication and provide therapy.
18. Addiction Counselor
SETTINGS: Rehabilitation centers, hospitals, private practice
ROLE: Work with individuals struggling with substance abuse and addiction.
19. Marriage and Family Therapist
SETTINGS: Private practice, family counseling centers
ROLE: Help couples and families improve communication and resolve conflicts.
20. Art Therapist
SETTINGS: Hospitals, rehabilitation centers, private practice
ROLE: Use creative arts as a form of therapy to support emotional and mental health
APPLY ATTACHMENT & INTERNSHIP:
NB: Attachments are OPTIONAL.
Use the different 'SETTINGS' to Apply for Attachments & internship in different career option.
| PLACE | WEBSITE | CONTACT EMAIL |
| Kenyatta University Mental Health Clinic | counseling@ku.ac.ke |
|
| Psychiatric Disability Organization (PDO) | info@pdokenya.org |
|
| Kenyatta National Hospital (KNH) | hr@knh.or.ke | |
| Oasis Africa | admin@oasisafrica.co.ke | |
| Mathari National Teaching & Referral Hospital | mathari@health.go.ke | |
| Irshad Rehabilitation Centre | irshadrehabilitationcenter@gmail.com | |
Nairobi Place Addiction Treatment and Specialized Medical Centre |
info@nairobi-place.org / admin@nairobi-place.org | |
| United States International University Africa (USIU-A) (Internship) | internships@usiu.ac.ke | |
| Napenda Kuishi | projectmanager@napendakuishitrust.org | |
| Lifebridge Cottage Hospital | lifebridgeke@gmail.com | |
| Asumbi Treatment and Rehabilitation Centre (Karen) | info@asumbi-tcentre.org |
Visit: (REHABILITATION PSYCHOLOGISTS)
https://nacada.go.ke/rehabilitation-centers
