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Reina, Clinical Psychologist at UCLA and Spectrum Psych LA: Advize Career Interview
A career in clinical psychology, as exemplified by Reina's journey, offers a dynamic blend of direct patient care and academic pursuits.
Early volunteer work sparked a passion leading to a PhD, a UCLA internship, and current roles at UCLA and Spectrum Psych LA. Daily activities vary greatly, encompassing individual and group therapy, parent training, research, mentoring, and community outreach.
Success requires strong interpersonal skills, adaptability, patience, and a commitment to continuous learning. The most rewarding aspect is the personal interaction with clients and the collaborative team environment.
While challenges exist, particularly in balancing responsibilities, the field's collaborative nature and the opportunity to combine clinical practice with research make it incredibly fulfilling.
Undergraduate students can gain valuable experience through research lab work, thesis projects, and clinical settings, ensuring a strong foundation for a rewarding career in this impactful field.
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Name
Job Title
Company
Undergrad
Grad Programs
Majors
Industries
Job Functions
Traits
Reina Factor
Clinical Psychologist
UCLA and Spectrum Psych LA
Emory University 2012
Virginia Tech PhD Clinical Psychology
Psychology
Healthcare
Medical
Honors Student, Greek Life Member
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Career Path Of A Clinical Psychologist At UCLA
Reina's career path began early, with volunteer work at a camp for children with speech delays where they "fell in love with working with that population." This passion led to research roles, a PhD in Clinical Psychology specializing in intervention research at Virginia Tech, a UCLA internship, and Reina's current position as a Clinical Psychologist at UCLA and Spectrum Psych LA.
Main Responsibilities of a Clinical Psychologist at UCLA And Spectrum Psych LA
Reina's role as a Clinical Psychologist is multifaceted, encompassing "parent training," mentoring undergraduates and interns, providing individual and group therapy, and community outreach. This variety reflects a career dedicated to both clinical practice and professional development within the field.
A Day in the Life of a Clinical Psychologist at UCLA and Spectrum Psych LA
A clinical psychologist's day varies greatly; one day might include "a call with a school counselor," running "a parent training group," individual sessions (both in-person and via telehealth), intakes, meetings with undergraduates regarding research projects, documentation, and research tasks such as preparing focus group questions. This highlights the multifaceted nature of the profession, encompassing direct patient care, administrative tasks, and academic pursuits.
Most Important Skills For A Clinical Psychologist At UCLA And Spectrum Psych LA
Reina, a Clinical Psychologist balancing research and clinical work at UCLA and Spectrum Psych LA, emphasizes the need for "being constantly curious and learning more," alongside strong interpersonal skills like "being a good listener" and "having a lot of empathy and understanding." The ability to adapt quickly between tasks, maintain patience, and effectively implement different strategies is also crucial for success in this dual role.
Favorite Parts of Being a Clinical Psychologist at UCLA and Spectrum Psych LA
Reina, a Clinical Psychologist, most enjoys the "personal interaction" with clients and their families, appreciating the unique challenges each presents and the trust placed in her guidance. The role also allows for diverse professional interaction, from supervising undergraduates to collaborating with senior colleagues, showcasing a multifaceted career path.
Biggest Challenges Faced By a Clinical Psychologist at UCLA and Spectrum Psych LA
Reina's biggest challenge as a Clinical Psychologist involves "juggling all the different responsibilities," particularly the difficulty in setting boundaries regarding work hours and responding to late-night communications, impacting their work-life balance. This highlights a common struggle for professionals in demanding fields who prioritize patient care, even at the expense of personal well-being.
Favorite Parts Of Working In The Mental Health Industry As A Clinical Psychologist
Reina's favorite aspects of the clinical psychology field are the inherent collaborative nature of the work, "working on teams and also in either individual or group settings," and the ability to combine "talking with people and working on a team and listening," aligning perfectly with lifelong passions. This blend of teamwork and patient interaction makes it a perfect fit for their career.
What Type Of Person Thrives In The Clinical Psychology Industry, According To A Clinical Psychologist At UCLA And Spectrum Psych LA
Clinical Psychologist Reina highlights perseverance and patience as crucial for success, noting the need to "get back on the horse" after setbacks like paper rejections. A "passion" for the work is also essential to overcome the inherent challenges and avoid burnout in this demanding field.
What a Clinical Psychologist at UCLA wishes they had known before entering the Psychology industry
Reina, a Clinical Psychologist, wishes they had known the significant "mental agility" required, describing a day that involved "a session with a suicidal individual" followed by studying and data entry. This highlights the demanding nature of the field, requiring constant mental shifting between diverse tasks, even exceeding the challenges of graduate school.
Entry-Level Positions for Aspiring Clinical Psychologists
Reina, a Clinical Psychologist, advises undergraduate students interested in the field to begin with "menial tasks" like "entering data" in research labs to gain experience. Further opportunities include undergraduate thesis work, poster presentations, and clinical setting work to confirm interest before committing to the lengthy graduate school process.
Significant Career Lesson From A Clinical Psychologist At UCLA And Spectrum Psych LA
Reina, a Clinical Psychologist, emphasizes the continuous learning crucial for success in the field, stating, "you're really never done learning." This includes actively seeking knowledge from various sources and embracing the humility to admit "I don't know," a key to remaining "open and relevant."
College Experiences That Helped A Clinical Psychologist Succeed At UCLA And Spectrum Psych LA
Reina's undergraduate preparation for a career in clinical psychology involved consistent summer work at a camp, providing "a lot of great clinical experiences," alongside research lab work during both summer and academic years. This, combined with "doing the honors thesis," solidified their career path and provided valuable insight into their future.
How Identity Influenced a Clinical Psychologist's Career at UCLA and Spectrum Psych LA
Reina's identity as a typically developing individual impacts her clinical psychology career by requiring "understanding that I don't know everything," fostering patience with patients' unique experiences, and emphasizing the importance of valuing their perspectives above all else. This approach highlights the crucial role of empathy and active listening in building trust and providing effective care.
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