- Psychologists with the degree of Ph.D., Psy.D. or Ed.D. are licensed
professionals with doctoral-level training including a one-year clinical internship, and
supervised postdoctoral experience leading to the license.
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- All states require a license for psychologists to practice independently.
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- Psychologists receive an average of 7.2 years of graduate education and
training beyond an undergraduate degree.
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- Members of the American Psychological Association (APA) are bound by
strict ethical guidelines that are enforced by the member organization, and state and
federal laws protect records and information.
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- Psychologists work as practitioners, teachers and researchers in
hospitals, nursing facilities, partial hospitalization facilities, rehabilitation centers,
community health care clinics, private office and other outpatient settings, as well as
provide school-based health services.
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Studies and Statistics
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- Fifty to 70 percent of usual visits to primary care physicians are for
medical complaints that stem from psychological factors.
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- Anxiety and depression are among the six most common conditions seen in
family practice.
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- A three-year study of a large corporation showed that 60 percent of
employee absences were due to psychological problems.
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- Depression is experienced by nearly 8 million Americans in any one-month
period. In 1990, major depression alone cost an estimated $23 billion in lost work days.
Minor depression, which affects more people, may account for 51 percent more disability
days than major depression.
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- An estimated 15 to 18 percent of Americans, including 14 million
children, suffer from a diagnosable mental disorder.
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- A random sample of elderly residents in Medicaid facilities found that
nearly 80 percent of the residents had moderate to intense needs for psychological health
care.
Source: American Psychological Association
The information contained in this article is part of the
American Psychological Association's "Talk to Someone Who Can Help" public
education campaign. Copyright © 1998, American Psychological Association, All
Rights Reserved.
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