hum1

Just a quick update, I found a very informative book about careers in psychology in the US in a book called "Careers in Psychology: Opportunities in a changing world", by Tara Kuther and Robert Morgan (2012). This book is a good starting point to anyone who wants to pursue a career in psychology, to anyone who practised psychology in another country and wants to know the specificities of psychology in the US or to anyone who wants to change a career. The information is divided by area (clinical, developmental, social, health, sports, etc. psychologies) and degree (major, bachelor, masters, doctorate) as well as information of some job titles and descriptions, further readings, websites and salaries.

Spunky, the problem is that the California board of psychology does not recognize out-of-country master degrees... I was told they don't even accept out-of-state degrees. So, I would have to take another master degree in psychology in California in order to get a license as a "psychological assistant" which the board says it is not really a career because it can only be renewed for 6 years, so it is only suitable for someone who wants to get a doctoral degree in psychology and is aiming to get a licensure and some clinical experience. But can you get a research job without a PhD? I was told that is virtually impossible since most employers expect for the candidate to have a PhD. Perhaps I need to explore some more this option because this would be my first choice.

Suraj-X, thank you for your reply. My question is also: Are there any jobs in the mental health area which do not require a licensure, or anyone who has contact and works in this field has to have necessarily a licensure? I am just wondering why do people take majour, bachelor's and masters in pscyhology in California if they cannot work in the mental health area and have to pursue a doctorate degree which has the odds of 550:20 in order to get in just before they are able to do any work with mental health service users...

does not require a licensure? I have a bachelor's degree in psychology, an MSc in clinical psychology and an MA in psychoanalysis (from Portugal and the UK). I am realising that one cannot do any kind of work in California related with mental health area without having a licensure (psychologist, LMFT, LCSW, LEP, LPCC). Since I only hold a master in clinical psychology and not a PhD, I cannot apply to become a psychologist. My question is.... Then why do a major, a bachelor’s degree or even a master in psychology if this does not lead you to any licensure and thus you cannot do any work in the area of psychology? Thank you for your replies!