Psychologist Suggests Students Network With A Variety Of Professionals
San Francisco students majoring in psychology have several options for their career path. While the Bureau of Labor Statistics cites the fastest growing occupation in the country as industrial-organizational psychologists, other sectors in San Francisco County, especially in the area of clinical counseling and school psychologists, are also expected to perform well over the next decade. One exceptionally gifted clinician is Gabrielle Anderson, Ph.D. of The Hallowell Center in San Francisco. A licensed psychologist and trained school psychologist, she graciously offered to share insightful advice to psychology students and others pondering a rewarding career in the field.
What is your background and education?
"I have a bachelor's degree in psychology from UC Berkeley. I later attended UC Santa Barbara, receiving my doctorate in school, clinical and counseling psychology. My pre-doctoral work was performed at the New York University School of Medicine-Bellevue Hospital. I later trained at the New York State Psychiatric Institute and Columbia University Medical Center for my postdoctoral training."
What types of services does Hallowell Center Provide?
"The Hallowell Center was founded in 1996 by renowned psychiatrist Dr. Edward Hallowell. A leading expert in ADD (attention deficit disorder), Dr. Hallowell opened his first center in Sudbury, Massachusetts to help patients understand this disorder. Our San Francisco office opened two years ago. We treat a number of conditions, including anxiety, depression, learning disorders, post traumatic stress, and obsessive-compulsive disorder."
What career advice would you like to share to students interested in pursuing a career in psychology?
"My advice is to speak to people with different types of training in the field to get a broad perspective before committing to a graduate program to see if a M.D. (psychiatrist), Psychiatric Nurse Practitioner, Ph.D. (research/academic and clinical training), Psy.D (clinical training), MFT (masters-level clinician), or LCSW (social work) meets your goals and gives you the flexibility you need."
Randy Yagi is a freelance writer covering all things San Francisco. In 2012, he was awarded a Media Fellowship from Stanford University. His work can be found on Examiner.com Examiner.com.
