Psychology is the scientific study of the mind and behavior.
What that looks like in practice varies widely and depends on your focus. Psychologists might provide therapy, work in corporate settings, shape public policy or conduct research that sparks real-world change.
What do psychologists do?
Psychologists help people better understand their emotions, thoughts and actions. Depending on their specialty, they may offer counseling, conduct scientific research, design workplace interventions or advise law enforcement.
Some psychologists work directly with individuals, while others focus on systems, data or group dynamics. Most roles require a graduate degree, but a bachelor’s in psychology can be the first step toward unlocking your future in this field.
10 different types of psychologists and what they do
Each specialty offers its own focus, methods and career opportunities.
Addiction psychologist
- Helps individuals recover from substance use or behavioral addictions. Typically work in treatment centers, hospitals or community outreach programs.
Clinical psychologist
- Assesses, diagnoses and treats mental health conditions such as anxiety, depression or PTSD. Often works in hospitals, private practice or counseling centers.
Cognitive psychologist
- Studies mental processes such as memory, learning, perception, decision-making and learning. Works primarily in research, higher education or user experience roles.
Developmental psychologist
- Examines how people grow and change across the lifespan. May work in academic research, early childhood settings or public health initiatives.
Forensic psychologist
- Bridges psychology and the legal system. Commonly works in correctional facilities, court systems or with law enforcement on criminal or civil cases.
Health psychologist
- Explores how psychological factors affect physical health. May design wellness programs, support chronic disease management or conduct public health research.
Industrial-organizational (I-O) psychologist
- Improves workplace environments through psychological insights. Specializes in hiring, leadership development, team performance and organizational change.
Political psychologist
- Studies how people form political beliefs and behave within social and governmental systems. Can open opportunities in policy analysis, advocacy, polling or academic roles.
School psychologist
- Supports student well-being by addressing learning, emotional and behavioral needs. Often collaborates with educators, families and administrators in school settings.
Sports psychologist
- Helps athletes build mental strength, focus and resilience. Works with sports teams, collegiate athletic departments or in private practice.
Not sure which path is right for you? Sarah Gavac, assistant teaching professor of psychology in Arizona State University’s School of Social and Behavioral Sciences, encourages exploration. She suggests analyzing yourself and your own interests.
“Be curious! Ask questions! Explore! Get involved! Reflect on what motivates you,” she recommended. “Are you interested in helping individuals one-on-one or in group settings, improving systems, driving innovation, or understanding behavior at a deeper level?”
