Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology, Other.

Degree Overview

Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology, Other (CIP 42.2899) is a professional psychology field focused on applying psychological theory, research, and evidence-based methods to real-world human problems. This classification includes flexible or specialized programs that do not fall under a single traditional category such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or school psychology. Instead, it allows institutions to design applied psychology degrees tailored to specific populations, settings, or emerging mental health and behavioral service needs.

For a degree search site, this CIP code represents impact, service, and human-centered work. Mental health, behavioral health, and applied psychological services are increasingly essential across healthcare, education, community services, and organizational settings. This degree appeals to students who want to work directly with people, help individuals and communities function better, and translate psychological science into practical support and intervention. It is often chosen by students who see psychology as a helping profession rather than a purely academic discipline.

What Is a Clinical, Counseling, and Applied Psychology Degree?

A Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology degree is an academic and practice-oriented program designed to prepare students for applied roles in mental health, counseling, and behavioral services. Programs under the “Other” designation may emphasize specialized or interdisciplinary tracks such as:

• Community or applied mental health
• Behavioral health and intervention
• Counseling foundations and helping skills
• Applied psychology in healthcare or social services
• Trauma-informed care or crisis intervention
• Integrated psychology and human services

Rather than focusing solely on theory or laboratory research, this degree emphasizes:

• Understanding psychological disorders and challenges
• Applying counseling and intervention techniques
• Ethical and professional standards
• Cultural competence and client-centered practice
• Preparation for licensure-related graduate study

Universities offer this degree to:

• Prepare students for direct service and helping roles
• Build a strong foundation for graduate programs in counseling or clinical psychology
• Support workforce needs in mental health and human services
• Train practitioners who can apply psychology ethically and effectively

This degree is commonly used as a pathway into master’s-level counseling, social work, or clinical training.

What Will You Learn?

Students learn how psychological principles are applied to support individuals facing emotional, behavioral, developmental, or life challenges. You’ll study mental health conditions, counseling techniques, assessment basics, and ethical practice while developing strong interpersonal and communication skills.

The focus is on understanding people in context—biological, psychological, social, and cultural—and learning how to respond with evidence-based strategies.

Core Skills You’ll Build

Graduates typically develop skills such as:

• Counseling and helping skills—active listening and supportive communication
• Applied psychological assessment—understanding symptoms and needs
• Behavioral intervention strategies—supporting positive change
• Ethical and professional practice—confidentiality and responsibility
• Cultural competence—working with diverse populations
• Crisis recognition and response—identifying urgent mental health needs
• Case documentation and reporting—professional recordkeeping
• Interdisciplinary collaboration—working with healthcare and service teams

These skills are essential for applied psychology and mental health support roles.

Topics You May Explore

Because this is an “Other” classification, coursework varies by institution, but commonly includes:

• Abnormal and Clinical Psychology: mental disorders and diagnosis
• Counseling Theories and Techniques: therapeutic approaches
• Applied Developmental Psychology: lifespan and behavioral support
• Psychological Assessment Basics: screening and evaluation tools
• Behavior Modification and Intervention: applied behavior strategies
• Ethics and Professional Issues: standards and legal considerations
• Multicultural and Community Psychology: diversity and social context
• Trauma, Stress, and Coping: applied mental health topics
• Practicum or Field Experience: supervised applied work

Many programs include internships, service-learning, or supervised practice experiences.

What Jobs Can You Get With This Degree?

A Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology degree prepares students for entry-level roles in mental health and human services and serves as a foundation for advanced professional training.

Common career paths include:

• Behavioral Health or Mental Health Technician: clinical support roles
• Case Manager or Human Services Specialist: client coordination
• Counseling or Therapy Assistant: supervised support roles
• Substance Abuse or Recovery Support Worker: applied intervention
• Youth, Family, or Community Support Worker: social services roles
• Psychiatric Aide: inpatient or residential care settings
• Graduate School Path: counseling, clinical psychology, social work, or marriage and family therapy

Becoming a licensed counselor or psychologist requires graduate-level education and supervised clinical hours.

Where Can You Work?

Graduates work in settings focused on mental health and behavioral support:

• Mental health clinics and counseling centers
• Hospitals and healthcare systems
• Schools and educational support services
• Community and nonprofit organizations
• Substance abuse and recovery programs
• Residential treatment facilities
• Government and social service agencies

Applied psychology professionals often work closely with counselors, social workers, and medical staff.

How Much Can You Earn?

Earnings vary based on role, education level, and setting.

Typical ranges include:

• Entry-level behavioral or mental health roles: often $35,000–$50,000
• Case managers or applied psychology specialists: commonly $45,000–$65,000
• Licensed counselors or therapists: often $60,000–$90,000+

Graduate degrees and licensure significantly increase earning potential and career autonomy.

Is This Degree Hard?

Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology is considered emotionally and academically demanding. While the math requirements are lighter than research-focused psychology, students must engage deeply with sensitive topics, ethical responsibility, and interpersonal challenges.

The difficulty lies in balancing academic study with emotional intelligence, empathy, and professional boundaries.

Who Should Consider This Degree?

This degree may be a strong fit if you:

• Want to help people improve their mental health or well-being
• Are interested in counseling, therapy, or human services
• Enjoy listening, supporting, and problem-solving
• Are planning to pursue graduate or licensure-based programs
• Prefer applied, people-centered work over laboratory research

How to Prepare in High School

To prepare for an applied psychology program:

• Take psychology, biology, and social science courses
• Develop strong communication and empathy skills
• Practice ethical reasoning and responsibility
• Volunteer with community, youth, or support organizations
• Learn about mental health awareness and wellness

Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology, Other (CIP 42.2899) is a purpose-driven degree for students who want to apply psychology where it matters most—in people’s lives. It provides foundational clinical knowledge, applied helping skills, and a clear pathway into graduate training and mental health professions. For those drawn to service, empathy, and real-world impact, this degree offers both meaning and long-term professional opportunity.