Psychology: Types of Psychologists

The American Psychological Association (APA) provides a useful summary of the different types of psychologists.  Each of the types listed below is considered a sub-field within the larger field of psychology.  Though the faculty at the University of Portland knows a good deal about many different sub-disciplines, we specialize in cognitive psychology (Dr. Baillet), clinical psychology (Dr. Royce), social psychology (Dr. Julka), experimental psychology (Dr. Smith), educational psychology (Dr. Lies), and developmental psychology (Dr. Guest). 

The APA explains as follows:

Some of the subfields in psychology

Psychologists specialize in a host of different areas within the field and identify themselves by many different labels. A sampling of those focal areas is presented to give you an idea of the breadth of psychology’s content as well as the many different settings in which it is found. Additionally, many psychologists teach psychology in academic institutions from high schools to graduate programs in universities.  

The field of psychology encompasses both research, through which we learn fundamental things about human and animal behavior, and practice, through which that knowledge is applied in helping to solve problems and promote healthy human development. In each of the subfields there are psychologists who work primarily as researchers, others who work primarily as practitioners, and many who do both (scientist-practitioners). Indeed, one of psychology’s most unique and important characteristics is its coupling of science and practice, which stimulates continual advancement of both.

For a description of different kinds of psychologists, click on any of the below types:
(from pages 3-6 in Psychology: Scientific Problem Solvers--Careers for the Twenty First Century, published by the American Psychological Association, retrieved August 2006 from the website of the APA.)