Forum Los Angeles

[irish-paul]

Hi, I'm currently working as an Assistant Psychologist in Ireland and I'm hoping to move to LA next year for a while, not sure how long yet but at least 2 years. I was wondering if anyone knows how/where I can find jobs similar to Assistant Psychologist posts in the UK? I am 23 years old, I have a BSc (1st Class Hons) Psychology and lots of experience related to clinical psychology. I want to find work in a Psychology-related field, ideally a position that would offer supervision from a Clinical Psychologist if possible. If not, I would like to work in a support worker role with people with mental health problems, learning disabilities, etc. Does anyone know how I go about doing this, and what checks (e.g. police clearance) I need?

Any help or information would be appreciated.

[Ecrivaine]

Hello:

In many instances, good jobs in psychology require advanced degrees, such as a master's in Social Work (MSW) or even a doctorate in psychology (Psy.D.). It really depends on what you would like to do.

Are you interested in pursuing further education? If so, contact people in the schools you are considering and ask them for leads. If you actually know people in the field in LA, they can also help you find leads for supervised programs.

In the meantime, I have posted a link from EasyExpat for Los Angeles. That can give you info on work visa requirements, etc. for the U.S. I have also posted a link to the American Psychological Association, which is a major organization for people in the mental health field.

Basically my advice would be to reach out to people in the field by email or letter and try to establish contacts that way. Good luck!

http://www.easyexpat.com/en/los-angeles.htm
http://www.apa.org/

ETA: I am also adding a link to the U.S. Department of State that will give you official information on how to apply for a visa, what clearances you need, etc.
http://www.state.gov/travel/

[irish-paul]

Hi Ecrivaine,
Thanks for the info! I'm aware that good jobs in Psychology require advanced degrees, it's the same here in Ireland. However, there are "smaller" jobs, like the one I'm doing at the minute, that allow people to get a feel for the profession before they do a doctorate degree in the subject! The UK also have these jobs. I was wondering if anything similar exists in the USA, specifically California. If not, I could work in some sort of mental health job.

[Ecrivaine]

Hello:

You could try looking for work as a caretaker or assistant in a hospital, health clinic or in an assisted-living care facility. Also, some outpatient mental health facilities also have assistant level jobs. I don't know what the conditions are like in the UK, but the work here is very challenging, with a lot of jobs requiring late hours and multiple shifts. Plus the pay can be very low. But it can be very good experience.

Are you applying to specific schools in the area? A lot of times schools will help you with finding a job, especially a supervised placement. You can also try the want ads just to get an idea of what kinds of jobs are out there. My advice would be to use the EasyExpat guide along with doing a web search to make a list of different hospitals, assisted living facilities, etc. in the area, and write to the the people in charge directly. Include a CV and explain what kind of position you're seeking.

I would also start working on getting the visa right away, although if you're a student the school may help you and it will probably be easier for you. Good luck!