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Psychological assistants work under licensed professionals, evaluating patients, developing treatment plans, and conducting therapy sessions. Requirements vary by region, but experience can lead to becoming a licensed psychologist. Supervisors must report duties and patients must be notified of the assistant’s limited role. Skills needed include interviewing, administering tests, group therapy, and communication.
A psychological assistant tests and evaluates patients under the supervision of a licensed professional. The job may involve interviewing new clients to determine the type of psychological treatment needed. In some offices, a psychological assistant may develop treatment plans, supervise limited individual therapy sessions, or lead group therapy. He or she may also work with a patient and family to address behavioral issues and come up with a plan to bring about change.
The requirements for working as a psychological assistant vary by area. In some regions, these paraprofessionals can be hired without a college degree, but some college courses are usually required. Experience gained as a psychological assistant can help a person decide whether to continue course work to become a licensed psychologist. A research psychological assistant generally designs and conducts experiments using scientific research methods.
The supervising physician generally adopts strict laws regulating the recording and tracking of the assistant’s duties. Psychologists supervising these employees must hold a current license and report the type of work performed by a psychological assistant, supported by the employee’s level of education, experience or training. They usually must report to a licensing board when an assistant is terminated.
In some regions, a licensed psychologist must notify patients that the assistant is not a licensed professional and is permitted to perform limited tasks. Patients may be required to sign a release to allow a psychological assistant to access confidential medical information. Typically, the assistant cannot recommend treatment independently and must be supervised throughout working hours.
Laws typically prohibit a psychologist from employing a former patient as a psychological assistant, along with family members or co-workers. There may also be limits to the number of assistants authorized to work under the supervision of a single physician. These thresholds often differ for psychologists and psychiatrists.
The skills needed to work as a psychologist’s assistant include good interviewing techniques to determine the type of care a patient needs. The assistant must also be proficient in administering and scoring the standard tests used to assess a client’s mental and emotional state. He or she must also know the basics of group therapy practices and be able to relate to people with intellectual disabilities. Record keeping is also helpful, along with good oral and written communication skills.
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