


Studying to become a psychologist: career paths, specializations and career opportunities
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In France, becoming a psychologist requires a commitment to higher education, rigor and a pronounced taste for this discipline. Having briefly dealt with the subject in our psychologist job fact sheet, we're now going to look at the courses of study and specializations available to psychology students.
Why become a psychologist?
The profession of psychologist offers a unique opportunity to contribute to the mental and emotional well-being of individuals, and thus to the general improvement of the population's health. In its own way, it represents a genuine link of trust and expertise for patients whose lives are accelerating and becoming stressful. These professionals play a crucial role in the prevention, diagnosis and support of psychological disorders, while actively participating in the improvement of collective mental health.
To succeed in this profession, certain qualities are essential: excellent listening skills, a well-developed analytical mind, emotional stability and excellent communication skills. Empathy and benevolence are also fundamental to establishing a healthy, constructive relationship with those who consult them.
The academic route to becoming a psychologist
The path to becoming a psychologist begins - notwithstanding the baccalauréat - with a degree in psychology. The three years that make up this first stage cover all branches of psychology, whether clinical, developmental, social or cognitive. The teaching is essentially theoretical, and is designed to provide students with the resources they need to go on to a Master's degree.
This is the second stage before becoming a psychologist. It is compulsory for those wishing to practice. The Master's degree lasts two years and is designed to deepen theoretical and practical knowledge. This time, students divide their time between theoretical courses and internships in a variety of settings, whether in hospitals, retirement homes or elsewhere. With a minimum duration of 500 hours, this practical aspect equips students with the experience they need to go into practice.
After five years of study to become a psychologist, the student who has just obtained his or her master's degree is awarded the title of psychologist and, after registering with ADELI, can now practice the profession and apply for psychologist job vacancies.
Although a doctorate in psychology is available, it is not essential. It is reserved for those who wish to go into research or higher education.
This course of study can be taken at public universities or private schools.
The different specializations in psychology
The health sector is vast, and to cover all its needs, its professions often resort to a system of specializations. Psychology is no exception, with its many strata, all of which are disciplines in their own right. To practice them, you need to train in them in addition to the Master's degree common to all psychologists. These specialties include
- Clinical psychology : focuses on the assessment, diagnosis and treatment of psychological disorders. This specialization provides support for patients suffering from various mental pathologies.
- Occupational psychology : this is the psychology of the workplace. Its aim is to improve working conditions, manage conflicts and optimize team performance. It is also involved in recruitment and professional development.
- Child and adolescent psychology : focuses on the development and support of young people. It takes place in schools, medical-psychological centers or private practice.
- Neuropsychology and other specialties : studies the relationship between the brain and behavior.
Note that there are other, rarer specialties, such as social psychology, cognitive psychology or forensic psychology, which we will cover in dedicated articles.
In short, the university curriculum for becoming a psychologist in France is simple, but not simplistic. Its clear itinerary enables students to concentrate on their learning without losing focus, so as to be able to practice as soon as they graduate.
If you enjoyed this article and would like to find out more, see our psychologist salary sheet.
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Psychologist M/F - Marseille 13
Liberal
2000 - 3200 per month
Marseille 5e
A specialized mental health center in Marseille, Bouches-du-Rhône, is looking for its new psychologist M/F for an office rental. Terms and conditions - Office rental - Available 5 to 6 days a week - Commitment for 1 to 2 days a week The structure This is a specialized mental health center based in Marseille, offering modern consultation spaces and a hybrid positioning between turnkey activity and independent rental. In addition, the environment favors the comfort of patients and practitioners, with circulation zones designed to limit grouping, and a restful atmosphere favoring confidentiality and therapeutic work. Remuneration - Rental: €80 excl. tax per day Our missions - Carry out psychological consultations and mental health care in private practice - Provide individual clinical interviews and therapeutic follow-up for patients - Participate in turnkey on-call activities according to the proposed terms and conditions - Collaborate with the center's multidisciplinary team and refer patients if necessary - Possibility of delegating accounting and administrative tasks The benefits - Modern, designer premises optimized for confidentiality - Possibility of delegating computer, accounting and administrative tasks - Relaxed working environment to enhance the quality of consultations - Flexible arrangements with à la carte support - Readdressing of patients corresponding to the practitioner's project possible - Office available 5 to 6 days a week with flexible commitment Our equipment - Computer available on request A little something extra Marseille offers a rich and contrasting lifestyle, with the Old Port, lively neighborhoods and access to the calanques for nature walks close to the city. Profile required Qualified psychologist in France. Contact us on: 06 30 19 54 06 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference : 12186 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Psychologist M/F - Bordeaux 33
Liberal
2000 - 3500 per month
Bordeaux
Job Psychologist M/F - Bordeaux 33 Conditions of employment - Private practice - Full time or by the day - Gradual installation - Start date from May, June (or later if desired) The structure You will work in an architect-designed health center divided into 13 to 15 m² practices. They are furnished and ready to use, and all have heating and air conditioning. The establishment is located in a fast-growing part of the city, close to the train station and other complementary healthcare facilities. The rent - Rent of €740 excl. tax/month - Progressive installation scheme: - Months 1 to 2: 0€ (excluding utilities) - Months 3 to 6: 40% of the rent - Months 7 to 10 : 70% Our missions - Provide psychological consultations - Participate in the structuring of a coordinated care offer - Collaborate with other practitioners - Participate in coordination meetings and in the administrative organization of the center The advantages - One-storey, ground-floor health center - 13-15 m² architect-designed offices with full technical facilities - Gradual installation scheme The little extra Bordeaux boasts a rich cultural offering and nearby vineyards for weekend visits. The Atlantic coast is less than an hour away for nature outings and water sports. Profile required Qualified psychologist in France. Contact us on: 06 30 19 54 06 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference : 12146 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
Psychologist M/F - Villerupt 54
Employee
2000 - 3200 per month
Bréhain-la-Ville
Job Psychologist M/F - Villerupt 54 An establishment located in Villerupt, in the Meurthe-et-Moselle department, is looking for its new Psychologist M/F for a permanent contract. Terms and conditions - CDI - Full time - Days worked to be defined - Over 8h The structure This is a medical-social establishment with a capacity of 135 residents. In addition, the facility has specialized units to support people with cognitive disorders and areas dedicated to well-being. In addition, admissions have recently been reopened and activity is gradually picking up. What's more, the multi-disciplinary team prioritizes the coordination of care paths and support focused on residents' quality of life. Your salary For this position, you will be remunerated in accordance with agreement 51. Duties - Carry out psychological assessments and clinical diagnoses - Conduct individual and group psychotherapeutic treatments - Development and follow-up of personalized therapeutic projects - Drafting assessments, reports and communications to teams - Participate in multidisciplinary meetings and coordinate care paths - Carrying out preventive actions and supporting family and friends The benefits - Transfer of seniority - Revaluation of public holidays - Very good works council with gift and vacation vouchers - On-site kitchen at €3.50 per meal - Parking and refectory - Rest room equipped with TV and sofa The little extra Villerupt is strategically located close to Luxembourg, offering cultural and cross-border opportunities. Finally, the region offers green spaces and hiking trails for relaxing moments. Profile required Qualified psychologist in France. Contact us on: 06 30 19 54 06 or by e-mail at [email protected] Ad reference : 12069 Find over 4,000 healthcare job offers on our Jober Group website and mobile application. Take advantage of a network of 1,000 partners throughout France, a team of recruitment experts at your service, and a totally free service that 99% of our candidates are satisfied with.
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