How to Get a Psychology Job in Japan – Job Opportunities For Foreign

Figures from the Japanese Society of Psychology and Neurology (JSPN) show that 20-30% of outpatients and 30-40% of inpatients have a psychological disorder, and although there are 13,000 doctors in Japan who are practicing psychologists, a leading doctor at Tokyo’s most famous international hospital said: “We feel this is not enough to meet the psychological health care needs in today’s society. Over the past three years, I have seen a sharp increase in the number of patients coming here for anxiety disorders and depression.”

Have you ever considered becoming a psychologist? How to get a psychology job in Japan? If all of this interests you, consider a career in psychology.

How to get a psychology job in Japan 1

People frequently believe that becoming a psychologist is the sole option for students studying psychology. Source: Internet

People frequently believe that becoming a psychologist is the sole option for students studying psychology. Other than counseling and mental health, you can pursue a variety of occupations with a psychology degree.

Students can choose between experimental and applied psychology and research a wide range of issues. Child development, the aging process, social behavior, and cognitive psychology are all areas of specialty.

How To Become a Clinical Psychologist in Japan

The Meguro Counseling Center also offers career counseling, with rates equivalent to counseling sessions. Please contact the Center if you want to understand more about psychology! If you wish to become a Japan Certified Clinical Psychologist, there are two major paths you can take:

How To Become a Clinical Psychologist in Japan

The Meguro Counseling Center also offers career counseling, with rates equivalent to counseling sessions. Source: Internet

  • A Master’s degree from a clinical psychology school at a Japanese university is one path to this accreditation. You must be conversant in Japanese to get these degrees.
  • You must also be fluent in Japanese to work in this environment. If you are not Japanese, you will almost certainly face a language barrier as well as strong objections from a Japanese establishment to the fact that a non-Japanese person may work well as a non-Japanese person. Being a member of their team puts you in the quandary of figuring out how to get started in a position that provides malpractice insurance but necessitates difficult-to-obtain experience. While becoming a clinical psychologist in Japan demands clear and serious attention to one of the above-mentioned courses, there have been a few Western non-Japanese people who have conquered these obstacles over the years. So, while it is challenging, it is not impossible if you have sufficient language abilities and can locate the right mix of circumstances in Japan.

Is it possible to be a psychologist in Japan, as a foreigner?

Yes, that is feasible. Especially if you speak Japanese fluently. We once went to see a psychotherapist who was originally from America but had migrated to Japan. He specialized in treating foreigners and also worked extensively in collaboration with the JET Program, providing treatments to military people.

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FAQs

1. How can I work as a psychologist in Japan?

If you wish to become a Japan Certified Clinical Psychologist, there are two major paths you can take:

  • A Master’s degree from a clinical psychology school at a Japanese university is one path to this accreditation. You must be conversant in Japanese to get these degrees.
  • You must also be fluent in Japanese to work in this environment. If you are not Japanese, you will almost certainly face a language barrier as well as strong objections from a Japanese establishment to the fact that a non-Japanese person may work well as a non-Japanese person. Being a member of their team puts you in the quandary of figuring out how to get started in a position that provides malpractice insurance but necessitates difficult-to-obtain experience. While becoming a clinical psychologist in Japan demands clear and serious attention to one of the above-mentioned courses, there have been a few Western non-Japanese people who have conquered these obstacles over the years. So, while it is challenging, it is not impossible if you have sufficient language abilities and can locate the right mix of circumstances in Japan.

2. Is psychology a good career in Japan?

Yes, psychology is one of the best careers in Japan. One factor is the cost, which is much lower than in other countries. Another factor is that studying in Japan opens up a plethora of work opportunities. There are numerous options to collaborate with the Japanese government and commercial groups.

3. Can foreigners become a psychologist in Japan?

Yes, that is feasible. Especially if you speak Japanese fluently. We once went to see a psychotherapist who was originally from America but had migrated to Japan. He specialized in treating foreigners and also worked extensively in collaboration with the JET Program, providing treatments to military people.

Can foreigners become psychologist in Japan?

We once went to see a psychotherapist who was originally from America but had migrated to Japan. Source: Internet

4. Do psychologists get paid well in Japan?

The average gross compensation for a psychologist in Japan is 7,926,142 yen ~ 61610.07 USD per hour, or 3,811 yen ~ 29.62 USD. They also receive an average bonus of 243,333 yen ~ 1891.43 USD. The average income for an entry-level psychologist (1-3 years of experience) is 5,571,614 yen ~ 43308.28 USD. A senior-level psychologist (8+ years of experience) makes an average pay of 9,814,737 yen ~ 76290.16 USD.

5. Can I work as a therapist in Japan?

Is it necessary to be fluent in Japanese to work as a counselor here? You can work as a counselor with English-speaking clients in Japan without learning much Japanese.

6. Which country is best for psychology jobs?

Here are some of the greatest places to study psychology.

1. The United Kingdom

Canada, which has been a popular destination for seekers seeking job opportunities in a variety of professions, including psychology, is one of the most developed countries in the world. This is also why those who reside there are subjected to enormous stress and pressure from financial, family, and other sources, resulting in greater psychological disorders. The country also provides a variety of opportunities for a career in psychology in Canada.

The United Kingdom

Canada, which has been a popular destination for seekers seeking job opportunities in a variety of professions, including psychology, is one of the most developed countries in the world. Source: Internet

Graduates in Canada can work as psychologists in prestigious educational institutions, as career counselors for students, or as psychotherapists in the country’s top hospitals and medical centers. Canada is one of the easiest countries in which to obtain permanent residency, making it one of the finest places to pursue a career in psychology after graduation.

2. The USA

The United States of America provides numerous options to both domestic and international graduates seeking to pursue a career in psychology in the United States. Psychology graduates are in high demand in the United States, where they can choose from a variety of professional opportunities.

The USA

Psychology graduates are in high demand in the United States, where they can choose from a variety of professional opportunities. Source: Internet

A graduate can pursue a career as a psychologist researcher, developing new and improved psychological experiments and theories and publishing them in prestigious publications. Researchers can become lecturers at any prestigious institute or even be engaged by prestigious private enterprises.

The country also provides the opportunity to work as a counselor or therapist. Psychological concerns are among the biggest challenges in the United States, making psychology a popular career choice. In the United States, a career in counseling is an excellent choice.

3. The country of Australia

With a growing demand for psychologists and a bright business outlook, Australia has emerged as a top destination for international psychology students. Australia has three major professional paths available: research, teaching, and therapy.

Graduates interested in a profession in psychology in Australia must be registered with the Psychological Board of Australia.

Psychology graduates, like other science graduates, have strong skill sets and traits that organizations and societies value. Psychology graduates in Australia have a variety of options.

7. Is psychology popular in Japan?

Clinical psychology is becoming one of the most popular undergraduate and graduate courses. When the Japanese Association of Clinical Psychology (JACP) was created in 1982, there were 1277 members; today, there are 10869. The JACP has grown to be the most important of the psychology-related organizations.

Is psychology popular in Japan?

Clinical psychology is becoming one of the most popular undergraduate and graduate courses. Source: Internet

8. What field of psychology makes the most money?

Psychiatrists provide medication to individuals suffering from mental diseases. Psychiatrist positions are by far the best-paying options for psychology majors. PayScale reports that the average pay is $217,798.

9. Which branch of psychology is most in demand?

1. CAREER/VOCATIONAL COUNSELOR

Vocational/career counselors are responsible for assisting people in finding career choices that are a good fit for their abilities, experience, and interests. Career counselors are frequently employed by colleges and universities, but they are also employed by other government departments and social service groups.

career counselor

Vocational/career counselors are responsible for assisting people in finding career choices that are a good fit for their abilities, experience, and interests. Source: Internet

If you enjoy assisting others in finding their ideal job and are skilled at identifying skills in others, a career as a vocational/career counselor is an excellent opportunity to put your skills to use.

2. PSYCHOLOGIST IN SCHOOL

As previously stated, demand for school psychologists is likely to rise at a faster-than-average rate as the educational system places a greater emphasis on mental health. Working as a school psychologist can be a highly fulfilling career if you enjoy working with teenagers or young children.

Psychology in school

As previously stated, demand for school psychologists is likely to rise at a faster-than-average rate as the educational system places a greater emphasis on mental health. Source: Internet

3. FAMILY MARRIAGE ADVISOR

They’re commonly utilized in individual counseling clinics, but they’re also used in institutions like nursing homes and residential care facilities. A profession as a family marriage counselor is a fantastic option to explore if you want to help families and couples establish healthier, more beneficial relationships.

FAMILY MARRIAGE ADVISOR

They’re commonly utilized in individual counseling clinics, but they’re also used in institutions like nursing homes and residential care facilities. Source: Internet

4. PSYCHOLOGIST IN ENGINEERING

Engineering psychologists are responsible for researching the relationship between technology and human behavior to assist corporations in designing better user-friendly products. Engineering psychologists assist engineering teams in developing products that consider the psychology of the end user.

5. INDUSTRIAL AND ORGANIZATIONAL (I/O) PSYCHOLOGIST

I/O psychology is concerned with employee behavior in the workplace. Organizations hire industrial/organizational psychologists to increase employee performance, communication, and satisfaction. A career as an I/O psychologist, like a career as an engineering psychologist, is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in a career on the business side of psychology.

IO Psychologist

A career as an I/O psychologist, like a career as an engineering psychologist, is a wonderful opportunity for anyone interested in a career on the business side of psychology. Source: Internet

6. PSYCHOLOGIST IN CLINICAL PRACTICE

One of the most significant subfields of psychology is clinical psychology, which focuses on the treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Clinical psychologists, as the name suggests, typically work in a healthcare setting such as a hospital or clinic. Working as a clinical psychologist is an excellent career choice if you want to combine your interests in healthcare and psychology.

10. How is psychology viewed in Japan?

According to the Japanese Society of Psychology and Neurology (JSPN), 20-30% of outpatients and 30-40% of inpatients have a psychological disorder, and even though there are 13,000 practicing psychologists in Japan, a leading doctor at Tokyo’s most famous international hospital stated, “We feel this is not enough to meet the psychological health care needs in today’s society. Over the last three years, I’ve noticed a significant increase in the number of patients seeking treatment for anxiety and depression.”

11. Can I teach psychology in Japan?

To be fair, you can work as a lecturer at international universities such as Temple University, which provides the majority of its courses in English, including psychology. However, because most colleges offer psychology courses in Japanese, this is not frequent. If your only goal in studying Psychology is to become a lecturer in Japan, you should do so in Japanese (i.e in Japan). It broadens your work choices while also improving your cultural knowledge.

Conclusion

The downside of social progress is the added psychological complexity. People in a developed society seem to have more psychological problems and need to solve their psychological problems. Japan is a prosperous developed country but it is also a place where people are under pressure in life among the top in the world.

Therefore, to solve this big social problem, Japanese psychology is very developed to research and discover the nature of the problem and then find a solution to help them solve their psychological problems. Let’s get started to understand more about how to get a psychology job in Japan!

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About Yuu Sato

Yuu Sato has been working in hospitality industry since 2003. In the past, he used to work as a tour guide and now he is running his business of supplying comfortable accommodations in Japan. Thanks to this experience and his passion for writing blog, the articles by him provides awesome tips and things to do when you are traveling in the country of cherry blossoms.

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