According to the American Psychological Association, in addition to the fifteen acknowledged specialty fields in psychology there are six areas of proficiency and practice. One of these proficiency areas is Assessment and Treatment of Serious Mental Illness and Personality Assessment.
What is Assessment and Treatment of Serious Mental Illness and Personality Assessment?
The Assessment and Treatment of Serious Mental Illness and Personality Assessment Proficiency is an area of psychology that focuses specifically on serious chronic mental illness. While much of psychology involves dealing with life difficulties and overcoming normal life events, there is a part of psychology reserved for those individuals living with a serious mental illness. In order to become proficient in this area, a professional must show that they have the skills and knowledge to properly assess, diagnose and treat individuals with serious mental illness and personality disorders. The disorders that are commonly assessed and treated by these professionals are the more serious psychiatric disorders including schizophrenia, schizo-affective disorder, bipolar disorder, severe depression, post-traumatic stress disorder, substance use disorders, personality disorders, and obsessive-compulsive disorder.
How Do I Become Proficient in Assessment and Treatment of Serious Mental Illness and Personality Assessment?
This proficiency generally is reserved for those individuals who hold a doctoral degree, although some states allow psychologists to practice at the Master’s Degree Level. These individuals will be trained in various types of psychological assessment and testing. They will have a thorough understanding of diagnostic criteria. They will also be trained in one or more areas of psychological treatment, including (but not limited to) Cognitive Behavioral Therapy, Psychoanalysis, Humanistic Psychology and Biopsychology. Many psychologists who earn this proficiency will complete a supervised internship or fellowship placement where they will develop their clinical skills. According to the American Psychological Association “the proficiency in Assessment and Treatment of Serious Mental Illness is designed to provide professional psychologists with the specialized assessment and treatment expertise to help people who have serious mental illnesses (SMI) achieve their full functional capability and live productive, satisfying lives in the community”.
Where Can I Secure Employment Once I Am Proficient in Assessment and Treatment of Serious Mental Illness and Personality Assessment?
Psychologists proficient in this area of psychology can be found working in many different settings. Some of these include hospitals, mental health facilities, long-term care facilities, rehabilitation hospitals and substance abuse rehabilitation facilities. Others may be found working as educators to train the next generation of Mental Health Assessors and Practitioners.
What Salary Can I Earn in Assessment and Treatment of Serious Mental Illness and Personality Assessment?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics Occupational Handbook, a professional psychologist can expect to earn a median salary of $69,280 each year. This, however, varies greatly depending upon the region of the country, years of experience and specialty area of practice. Many professionals in this proficiency area can earn upwards of $100,000 annually.
The proficiency area of Assessment and Treatment of Serious Mental Illness and Personality Assessment is one of the six proficiencies accepted by the APA. A career in this area can be lucrative and rewarding.