Psychology is a specialty of health care that focuses on the brain and mental health. A physician who specializes in psychology can help improve the lives of their patients by offering insights into their decision-making, behavior, and stress management techniques. However, many people don’t have access to a psychologist due to where they live. In some areas, psychologists are overbooked and can’t take new patients, while in others, these specialists simply don’t offer service. Individuals who specialize in this aspect of health care may be able to offer their services to underserved communities by becoming locum tenens psychologists.
What Is a Locum Tenens Physician?
A locum tenens physician is a trained and licensed doctor who provides services in various locations on an as-needed basis. The term “locum tenens” is Latin for “to hold the place of.” Several decades ago, the concept of a locum tenens physician gained traction when many doctors practicing in single-physician practices in rural areas suffered from burnout because they weren’t able to take time off. Physicians who are willing to offer their services in different health care clinics and facilities may enjoy working as locum tenens physicians, filling in for doctors who need to take time off.
How To Become a Locum Tenens Psychologist
If you’re a practicing psychologist with an interest in working in various locations, an opportunity as a locum tenens physician might be appealing. Follow these steps to get started in this role:
Fulfill the Requirements To Become a Psychologist
The same requirements apply to traditional psychologists and locum tenens psychologists, including completing a bachelor’s degree in psychology and completing graduate school. Most psychologists also hold doctoral degrees. After completing the necessary education, the next step is passing the state licensing exams. In order to take the exams in most states, psychologists must complete several thousand hours of supervised experience.
Work as a Psychologist
It’s helpful to get experience working as a psychologist before seeking a locum tenens psychology role. If possible, psychologists should work in different environments to learn to adapt to each, as working in a different location regularly can be difficult to adjust to for newcomers to the field. After getting experience working as a psychologist and treating patients, an individual can start looking for locum tenens positions.
Look for Jobs
Although there are several national organizations that connect psychologists with locum tenens jobs, not all offer the same level of service and support. Those who are just starting out on this side of the health care field can benefit from the guidance and assistance of a well-known and trusted organization.
Working with The Talent Society comes with many advantages, including access to a national firm that specializes in locum tenens. Psychologists who desire to work in this type of role can find jobs that align with their needs and scheduling constraints. Since many health care facilities know and trust The Talent Society, the company provides access to opportunities across the country.
When a psychologist is ready to take the next step toward working in a locum tenens role, they can count on The Talent Society to connect them with opportunities. Providing psychology services to communities that have traditionally lacked access can provide fulfillment for licensed psychologists while benefiting their patients.
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