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

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

Grand Canyon University

Campus

Don't Miss a Day of Your Future! Grand Canyon University is offering Bachelor and Master degrees through our College of Education, Ken Blanchard College of Business, College of Nursing & Health Sciences, College of Liberal Arts, and College of Entrepreneurship. Classes start soon!

Programs:

• BS Psychology
• Ph.D. in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Cognition and Instruction
• Ph.D. in General Psychology with an Emphasis in Industrial and Organizational

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

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:

• BS in Psychology
• MS in Psychology - General 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:

• M.S. in Psychology
• BS in Psychology
• B.S. in Psychology

Campus Locations:

San Diego
Bakersfield
Kansas City
Los Angeles
Fairfax
Online
Overland Park
Milwaukee
Salt Lake City
Duluth
Tampa
Fort Lauderdale
Phoenix
Westminster
Mesa
Tulsa
Reston
San Antonio
Clearwater
Miami
Houston
Troy
Meridian
Nashville
Baton Rouge
St. Louis
San Francisco
Irving
Sandy Springs
Pleasant Grove
Nogales
Salida
Manassas
Plantation
Spring
Grand Rapids
Chandler
Chattanooga
Little Rock
Jacksonville
Appleton
San Jose
Lathrop
Flowood
Pasadena
Costa Mesa
Fairfield
Woodland Hills
St Louis Park
Las Vegas
Ontario
Orlando
Rancho Cordova
East Lansing
Brookfield
Arlington
Dallas
Elk Grove
Gardena
Oakland
Diamond Bar
Marietta
Austin
Killeen
Livermore
Reno
Oklahoma City
Augusta
Madison
Bossier City
Hurst
Fresno
Sarasota
Hollywood
Colorado Springs
Palm Beach Gardens
Sacramento
Richmond
Springfield
Saint Paul
Virginia Beach
Lone Tree
Hillsboro
Columbus
Roseville
Tigard
Aurora
Macon
Salem
Flint
Temple Terrace
Indianapolis
Sugar Land
Henderson
Maitland
Daytona Beach
Minneapolis
Clinton Township
Santa Fe
Guaynabo
Ann Arbor
Livonia
Santa Teresa
Southfield
Carolina
Albuquerque
Portage

South University Online

Campus

South University enjoys a long-standing tradition of excellence in education and personalized student attention. Enjoy the convenience of earning your bachelor's degree entirely online.

Programs:

• Psychology (BA)

Campus Locations:

Savannah

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:

• M.S. in Psychology - General
• M.S. in Psychology - Crisis Management & Response
• B.S. in Human Services - Psychology 

Liberty University

Campus

We keep our tuition affordable because it is an integral part of the overall mission for our university. The vision of our Chancellor, Jerry Falwell Jr., is to keep Liberty's Distance Learning Program affordable so as many individuals as possible can experience a Christ-centered education and become equipped for excellence, professionally as well as spiritually.

Programs:

• AA in Psychology
• BS in Psychology
• MA in Professional Counseling

Campus Locations:

Lynchburg

Keiser University Graduate School

Campus

Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.

Programs:

• Psychology, PhD

Campus Locations:

Fort Lauderdale

Keiser University Campus

Campus

Keiser University offers accredited degree programs in today's high-demand careers: Healthcare, Technology, Paralegal, Business, Nursing and Legal Studies.

Programs:

• Psychology, BA
• Forensic Investigations, BS

Campus Locations:

Tallahassee
Sarasota
Fort Myers
Lakeland
Orlando
Fort Lauderdale
Melbourne
Tampa
Daytona Beach
Hollywood
West Palm Beach
Port Saint Lucie
Miami

Colorado Christian University

Campus

With a heritage dating back to 1914, Colorado Christian University is committed to offering a complete education that develops students intellectually, professionally, and spiritually. As the only member of the Council for Christian Colleges and Universities located in the mainline Rocky Mountains region, and just a few minutes from downtown Denver, CCU is uniquely positioned to offer students a distinctive variety of educational opportunities and experiences. CCU is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, and offers both undergraduate and graduate programs designed to equip students to become leaders in their careers, communities, families, and in the world. CCU students are enrolled at the main campus near Denver and at satellite locations throughout Colorado.

Programs:

• Psychology, B.S.
• M.A. Counseling

Campus Locations:

Denver
Colorado Springs
Sterling
Grand Junction
Englewood

Hesser College

Campus

For over 100 years, Hesser College has been preparing students just like you for success. Choose from over 25 career-track degree programs.

Programs:

• Associate of Science: Psychology
• Bachelor of Science: Psychology

Campus Locations:

Salem
Concord
Nashua
Portsmouth
Manchester

Columbia College

Campus

Advance your career with a master's degree from Columbia College. We offer online and campus programs for master's degrees in business administration, criminal justice, and teaching.

Programs:

• Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Campus Locations:

Columbia

Argosy University

Campus

At Argosy University we prepare individuals for careers that make a difference, whether in business, education, or psychology. Learn how you can make a difference in your life, and the lives of others.

Programs:

• Advanced Studies in Psychology (BA)
• Psychology (BA)
• Clinical Psychology (PsyD)

Campus Locations:

San Diego
San Bernardino
Santa Monica
Alameda
Denver
Orange
Tampa
Arlington
Schaumburg
Saint Paul
Seattle
Atlanta
Chicago
Phoenix
Dallas
Nashville
Sarasota
Honolulu
Draper

Argosy University Online

Campus

Earn your degree without disrupting your life with Argosy University's flexible online programs in business, education and psychology. Benefit from experienced faculty, personalized service, and a supportive community.

Programs:

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

Campus Locations:

Phoenix

Northcentral University

Campus

Earn your degree online and boost your career at Northcentral University. We offer online doctoral, master's, and bachelor's degree programs in education, behavioral and health sciences, and business.

Programs:

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

Campus Locations:

Prescott Valley