Child psychologist

A child psychologist assesses and treats the emotional, behavioral, developmental, and learning difficulties of infants, children, and adolescents. They use play, observation, age-appropriate testing, and conversations with parents and teachers to understand a child's struggles, then deliver therapy and recommend strategies for issues like anxiety, ADHD, trauma, autism, and behavioral problems.

Much of the work involves the family and school around the child, not just the child alone, and it requires translating clinical insight into guidance caregivers can act on. They work in clinics, schools, hospitals, and private practice, and the role demands patience and the skill to build rapport with young clients who can't always articulate what's wrong.