Health Psychology - Blazing Trails To Better Health

How do people adapt to chronic illness? Why do obese people continue to overeat? Would cancer patients have a more successful treatment outcome if they could cope with anxiety and stress better? Why do some patients fail to take their medications as prescribed? Why do people behave the way they do, and what can be done to change harmful behaviors and improve quality of life?

Health Psychology is an fairly new innovative specialty that focuses on biological, psychological, and social factors that affect how people cope with and manage illness, and various health behaviors in order to develop strategies that promote healthier lifestyles, effective coping mechanisms, and disease prevention. Health Psychologists study how the mind and behavior affect physical health, and how physical health affects the mind and behavior and use that knowledge to improve quality of life, manage chronic illness, prevent illness, and develop strategies to improve health services.

What Do Health Psychologists Do?

Living with addictions, debilitating disease, serious illness, or trying to attain a healthy lifestyle can be challenging and difficult. Health Psychologists help people deal with the mental and emotional challenges they might face as a result of illness or when trying to lead a healthier way of life. Health Psychologists help people understand the way they can modify their behavior in order to live better lives both physically and emotionally.

Health Psychologists apply psychological knowledge, research and interventions to promote and improve individual health, the health care system, and to devise effective health policies. They work with patients, caregivers, and health care professionals in public health, hospitals, chronic illness management, rehabilitation centers, addiction treatment facilities, in private practice, and in a growing a variety additional settings. The global demand for Health Psychologists is experiencing tremendous growth as people are more knowledgeable and concerned about maintaining and improving their health in order to enjoy longer more productive lives.

With major focus on public health, health promotion, and primary care, Health Psychologists conduct research, teach, support and compliment the clinical care of a variety of healthcare professionals, and educate patients in order to promote healthier behavior and improve outcomes. Health Psychologists contribute to the promotion and improvement of mental and physical health through:

• Health promotion and behavior change
• Health service improvement
• Chronic illness/condition management
• Expert advice or consultancy
• Research
• Teaching and communication

Health Psychologists take the lead with the development and implementation of smoking cessation programs, addiction treatment, and devising effective methods to provide effective coping methods for patients with life changing illness or injuries. Improvements in health science and technology have helped us live longer lives, but that in turn has given rise to an increase in the number of people suffering from chronic illnesses. Since many chronic illnesses can be prevented or managed through lifestyle modification, Health Psychologists help patients with heart disease, anxiety, depression, arthritis, migraines, fibromyalgia, and other debilitating conditions cope and emotionally adjust to long term illness in order to improve quality of life and ensure optimal treatment outcomes.

What Degree Do I Need To Become a Health Psychologist?

Accredited online psychology degrees are available at the Associate`s, Bachelors, Masters, and Doctorate level. Professional practice as a Psychologist requires a Master`s degree, and a Doctorate degree and a license is required to practice as a Clinical Psychologist.

A bachelor’s degree in psychology provides the foundation for advanced academic studies leading to a Master`s degree or Doctor of Psychology degree. A Bachelor degree in psychology is also an excellent pre-professional preparation for those interested in pursuing graduate programs in Counseling, Medicine, Dentistry, and Law. Because psychology is a versatile, flexible, and relevant field of study, graduates with Bachelor in psychology degrees are sought after for jobs in human relations, personnel selection, management, product research, political consulting, corporate training, sales, and advertising.

Earn Your Psychology Degree Online

Explore Psychology Degree Programs
Explore accredited online Psychology degree programs and request additional information about requirements, tuition, financial aid, and start dates directly from schools offering programs that match your interests:
Explore Online Psychology Degree Programs

Kaplan University

Campus

Advance your career and get the distinct competitive advantage you need with an online degree from Kaplan University. And do it without missing a day of work.

Programs:

• MS in Psychology - General Psychology
• BS in Psychology
• MS in Psychology

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

University of Phoenix

Campus

As the largest private university in North America, University of Phoenix has more than 200 locations, and is available online in most countries around the world. Whether you're seeking a college degree at an associate's, bachelor's, master's, or doctoral level, we can help you reach your academic goal—and sooner than you might think.

Programs:

• BS in Psychology
• B.S. in Psychology
• MS in Psychology

Campus Locations:

Woodland Hills
Diamond Bar
Costa Mesa
Elk Grove
San Francisco
Pasadena
Salida
Rancho Cordova
Roseville
Los Angeles
San Jose
Gardena
Online
Fresno
Ontario
Livermore
Bakersfield
Sacramento
Fairfield
Lathrop
Oakland
San Diego
San Marcos
Palm Desert
El Centro
Chula Vista
Visalia

Walden University

Online

Balance your personal and professional commitments while earning a respected Ph.D., master's degree, or bachelor's degree online at Walden University. Programs offered in management, education, psychology and health and human services.

Programs:

• B.S. in Psychology - Psychology Applied in Everyday Life
• M.S. in Psychology - Program Evaluation & Research
• Ph.D. in Psychology - General Research Evaluation

Post University

Campus

Getting your Online degree does not have to be impersonal. At Post University Online, you will engage in meaningful career-oriented programs with like-minded students and receive personal attention from our dedicated faculty within a caring and supportive learning environment. Earn your bachelor's degree, associate's degree, or certificate in one of the many programs offered by Post University entirely online.

Programs:

• B.A. in Psychology
• B.S. in Human Services / Psychology
• B.S. in Human Services / Counseling

Campus Locations:

Waterbury

Golden Gate University

Campus

For more than 110 years, non-profit Golden Gate University (GGU) has been helping adults achieve their professional goals by providing undergraduate and graduate education in Accounting, Law, Taxation, Business and related areas.

Programs:

• Psychology - Masters

Campus Locations:

Santa Clara
San Francisco

Northcentral University

Campus

At Northcentral University, we teach individuals, not just classes. Our unique, proven online educational experience is designed to help you achieve your goals using your own style of learning.

Programs:

• General Psychology - PhD of Psychology
• Health Psychology - MA in Psychology
• Health Psychology - PhD of Psychology

Campus Locations:

Prescott Valley

Argosy University Online

Campus

Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, bachelor's and associate's degree programs to students through its five colleges: Psychology and Behavioral Sciences, Education, Business, Health Sciences, and Undergraduate Studies.

Programs:

• BA Psychology
• Psychology - Organizational Psychology concentration (BA)
• Forensic Psychology - Treatment Concentration (MA)

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Baker College Online

Campus

Baker College Online is fully accredited and offers over 40 programs that will help you earn your Certificate, Associate, Bachelor, Master's or Doctorate degree affordably. Learn more now.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Psychology
• Master of Science - Industrial/Organization Psychology

Campus Locations:

Lisle

Argosy University

Campus

Argosy University offers doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs to students through its five colleges: Psychology andBehavioral Sciences, Education, Business, Health Sciences, and Undergraduate Studies, as well as certificate programs in many areas.

Programs:

• Psychology (BA)
• Clinical Psychology (MA)
• Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

Campus Locations:

Santa Monica
San Bernardino
Alameda
San Diego
Orange

University of the Rockies

Online

Join the community of thought leaders at University of the Rockies. Pursue your graduate degree from the University’s School of Professional Psychology or School of Organizational Leadership.

Programs:

• Doctor of Psychology, Criminology and Justice Studies
• Doctor of Psychology, Business Psychology
• MA in Psychology, General Psychology

The University of Liverpool

Campus

Advance your career and increase your earning potential with a masters or a doctoral degree from the University of Liverpool. Study online in small groups of business professionals.

Programs:

• MSc in Applied Psychology (General Psychology)
• MSc in Forensic Psychology and Criminal Investigation
• MSc in Applied Psychology (Mental Health Psychology)

Campus Locations:

Online

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Earn your degree online with Grand Canyon University. We offer approximately 100 bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degree programs that can be completed 100% online. Degree programs are available in the fields of education, nursing and health sciences, business, fine arts and production, and liberal arts.

Programs:

• M.S. in Psychology: General Psychology
• Ph.D. in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction
• B.S. in Psychology

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Ashworth College

Campus

Get the hands-on training and skills it takes to succeed with Ashworth College, a respected, worldwide leader in distance education. Study at the times and places most convenient for you.

Programs:

• Associate of Science Degree in Psychology

Campus Locations:

Norcross

American InterContinental University Online

Campus

American InterContinental University Online's flexible curriculum allows you to study when and where it's most convenient. Earn your degree at an accelerated pace from an accredited school that is respected by employers.

Programs:

• Bachelor's (BBA) - Generalist

Campus Locations:

Schaumburg

Western International University

Online

Pursue your degree with Western International University. We offer programs at three campuses in Arizona and a live, interactive online classes taught by experienced industry professionals.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Science in Business / Minor in Criminal Behavior
• Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Behavior

Hypnosis Motivation Institute

Campus

Get your career started with the Hypnosis Motivation Institute. Our extensive program can be completed in one year and includes training and a clinical internship for hands-on learning.

Programs:

• Hypnotherapist Certification

Campus Locations:

Tarzana

Keiser University

Campus

Keiser University eCampus Online offers degrees in fields that are in high demand and provides job placement assistance to all its students and alumni.

Programs:

• Psychology, BA (Online)

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Stratford Career Institute

Online

Stratford Career Institute can help you earn your diploma from home in as little as six months, thanks to their proven study methods.

Programs:

• Child Psychology