Anchorage, Alaska (PressExposure) June 03, 2010 -- Thumbing through the list of a University's degree programs and graduate offerings is much the same task as it's ever been for students -with the exception that today's youth are faced with special considerations in terms of career viability. The lure of the medical field has always been strong for students hoping to secure a reliable and well-paying job once they're out of school, and jobs related to psychology are becoming an increasingly popular choice. Recently, the US Department of Labor noted that by 2016, substance abuse and addiction counselors alone will rise from an estimated 83,000 to 112,000, which constitutes an increase of over 34% in ten years. From counselors to psychotherapists, psychiatrists to clinicians and researchers, the field of psychology is bursting with potential for students, some of whom may be returning to school to seek greater opportunities as the difficulties of the current economy wreak havoc on personal expenses.
The expansion isn't limited to the United States, either. An Australian professor of psychology at the University of New South Wales was recently awarded a fellowship in recognition of her involvement in a record rise in undergraduate interest in psychology-related courses. As increasing numbers of new college students explore career options in psychology, scores are making the decision to pursue both an undergraduate and post-graduate degree in the field. Of course, planning for a professional career path in psychology isn't always easy; from choosing classes to picking grad schools and understanding licensing and other requirements, the process of becoming a professional may be as challenging as performing work. In response, resources both on the web and offline are extending their help to interested students; GoodTherapy.org too recently added a directory of psychology graduate schools which exemplifies the move towards assisting students as they work towards their career goals.
While some careers may be more glamorous, highly paid, or more simply obtained, those in the psychology field are proving to be very attractive thanks to their relative stability, opportunity for income and wealth growth, and the sheer fascination with which many students approach the subject. As the effects of the economy doubtless play a major role in the overall mental well-being of people around the world, the need for more psychology professionals is bound to increase, and these same effects may be largely responsible for creating many new counselors, therapists, and other workers; a harmony that psychologists are likely to appreciate.
Psychology and related fields have been gaining momentum for quite some time as more becomes known about the brain and behavior, and the decline in stigmas associated with mental health practice and the seeking of treatment have also contributed to psychology's rise. As the challenges of the global financial downturn continue, the field is ultimately experiencing a greater boost in popularity and interest -a boost that may prove invaluable for helping more people overcome the downturn's bite.