Career Paths And Working / Question
Published: May 23, 2002
Dear TeenHealthFX,
I am interested in becoming an adolescent psychologist, but not entirely sure if I want to. It would be very helpful if maybe one of the psychiatrists/psychologists on TeenHealthFX could give me information on what it is like, if they think it is a good career, and describe a typical day. Or, I would greatly appreciate it if you could give me an email address to one of the psychologists.
Signed: Interested In Adolescent Psychology
Dear Interested In Adolescent Psychology,
Good for you for thinking about your future career! This is a great time in your life to test out many potential career paths that interest you. It is certainly a smart idea to talk with professionals who are working in the jobs you think you might like to get an idea of the responsibilities, structure, type of background employees generally need to have, and so forth. An insiders' perspective is almost always a valuable one.
Having that said, a "typical" day in most fields, adolescent psych included, is almost impossible to describe. That is one of the exciting things about the workplace, there is no real "curriculum" like there is in school to define your time, so every day brings new challenges and often, new projects.
If you are looking for more detailed information on adolescent psych, you might try visiting the websites for the American Psychological Association. You can also call the Adolescent/Young Adult Center for Health at 973.971.5199 and ask to speak with the social worker or psychiatrist. You can also call the Eating Disorders Program at Atlantic Health System and ask to speak with the psychologist at 908.522. 5757.
Signed: TeenHealthFX
Among young people ages 12-17, prescription drugs have become the second most abused illegal drug, behind marijuana.
