Patients are tested and evaluated by a psychological assistant under the supervision of a licensed professional. Interviewing new clients to determine the type of psychological treatment required could be part of the job. A psychological assistant may develop treatment plans, supervise limited individual therapy sessions, or lead group therapy in some offices. He or she may also collaborate with a patient’s family to address behavioral issues and develop a plan to promote change.
Working as a psychological assistant has different requirements depending on where you live. These paraprofessionals may be hired without a college degree in some areas, but college courses are usually required. Working as a psychological assistant may help a person decide whether or not to pursue further education to become a licensed psychologist. In most cases, a research psychological assistant designs and conducts experiments using scientific research methods.
The supervising doctor is usually bound by strict laws governing the assistant’s registration and tracking. Supervising psychologists must have a current license and report the type of work performed by a psychological assistant, backed up by the employee’s level of education, experience, or training. When an assistant is fired, they are usually required to report to a licensing board.
A licensed psychologist in some areas is required to inform patients that the assistant is not a licensed professional and is only allowed to perform limited tasks. Patients may be asked to sign a release granting access to confidential medical information to a psychological assistant. Typically, the assistant is not allowed to make treatment recommendations on their own and must be supervised at all times.
Typically, laws prohibit a psychologist from hiring a former patient, as well as family members or business associates, as a psychological assistant. There may also be restrictions on how many assistants can work under the supervision of a single doctor. Psychiatrists and psychologists frequently have different limits.
Good interviewing techniques are required to work as a psychologist’s assistant in order to determine the type of care a patient requires. The assistant should also be able to administer and score standard tests that are used to assess a client’s mental and emotional well-being. He or she should also be familiar with the fundamentals of group therapy and be able to relate to people with mental illnesses. Good oral and written communication skills, as well as recordkeeping, are also beneficial.