Is it possible to work as a psychologist without a specialized education?

It seems that the main thing in the psychologist’s work is to be able to listen to the patient and direct his thoughts in the right direction. Won't innate sensitivity and life wisdom replace talent with a university bench? And in general, does a psychologist need a higher education or can I get by with specialized courses.

There are a number of specializations in the profession, each of which implies a different level of education and professional experience.

A medical therapist needs a medical education. This specialist works in clinics and hospitals. It treats mental disorders: depression, obsessive states, neurosis and phobia. Has the right to prescribe medications. It can perform the functions of a psychologist, as it is well acquainted with the methods of work of this specialist.

A child psychologist can have both higher medical and humanitarian education. Correctional work with children and treatment can only be done by a specialist with a medical education. A psychologist who has specialization or has undergone additional training in child psychology can work with personal, family problems.

An organizational psychologist advises staff or works in a personnel service. Such a specialist selects staff, evaluating the personality of the applicant, conducts professional trainings, advises managers on management issues. It is enough for an organizational psychologist to have a complete education in the General Psychology profile and to complete additional professional education courses or to graduate from a university with a degree in Performance Psychology.

A consultant psychologist helps people with life or professional problems. The specialist conducts conversations with the client that help to find new ways to get out of a difficult situation. Such specialists receive higher psychological education, work in consultations or conduct private practice.

Teacher-psychologist works in kindergartens, schools, colleges. The specialist helps children to cope with personal and educational difficulties, finds an individual approach to learning, is engaged in career guidance. A person with a basic psychological education or a teacher who has passed the appropriate professional retraining course can work as a teacher-psychologist.

Maria Borodina, rector of the Institute of Vocational Education, tells about whether a person without specialized education can become a psychologist and to whom courses of additional education in psychology are suitable .

Is it possible to work as a psychologist without education in the field of psychology?

- This question can be answered in different ways. We all consider ourselves the best psychologists, doctors, and teachers. But precisely in those issues that concern ourselves, our family and friends. We are rather amateurs, domestic consultants, "vests". Strangers will not trust you to solve their psychological problems and the problems of loved ones, if you are not a professional.

From a legal point of view, it is impossible to work as a psychologist without a specialized education. The posts “Psychologist”, “Psychologist in the social sphere” or “Teacher-psychologist” can only be occupied by a specialist with specialized higher education.

Since 2016, there has been a toughening of the requirements for the compliance of employees in their positions. Soon, a person without a psychological education will not be able to work as a psychologist.

Is it possible to work as a psychologist after completing vocational retraining courses without a psychological education?

- This practice really is. Typically, this situation applies to a small part of teachers or educators who first held the position of a psychologist in combination. This was especially true for small schools in Russia.

Who will benefit from retraining courses in psychology?

- Professional retraining courses in psychology are primarily suitable for teachers, educators, psychologists, psychologists.

Teachers and educators need these courses, because an effective process of teaching and raising children, adolescents, and young people requires knowledge of the psychological characteristics of each age, and the characteristics of cognitive processes.

Teachers-psychologists and psychologists may need professional retraining courses if several years have passed since receiving a diploma in specialized education and starting professional activity. It is also advisable to take professional retraining courses on a profile once every five years.

Is continuing education important for the psychologist?

- Let's just say that continuous education is necessary for every person, regardless of his position. Constantly training and development should be aimed both at developing personal qualities, as well as professional ones.

The solution of a person’s internal problems depends on the professionalism of a psychologist, which means his career, personal life and inner world. Economics, education, science - all sectors of our life are constantly changing, this is an ongoing development process. Other points of view appear on existing processes and phenomena, new results of psychological research. And all this must be known to a specialist who respects himself and his clients.

Without a specialized education, working as a psychologist will not work. To start a career, you need to finish higher education at least in the profiles of “General Psychology” or “Clinical Psychology”. You can further develop professionally in courses and trainings for psychologists.