Somatic Psychology Degree Programs

Physical therapist working on patients wrist.

Somatic psychology is a psychology subspecialty that believes the mind and the body are connected in a way that can provide therapy for physical and psychological conditions. Somatic psychology is showing some advancement in the field of Alzheimer’s and many other health care sectors are hopeful about the improvements it may bring to a patient’s life.

Working in this profession will require an understanding of how anatomy and psychology work together. It also requires you understand the way mental and physical disorders attack the body.

What Does a Somatic Psychologist Do?

To work in the field of somatic psychology you must partly take on the role of physical therapist. Through the power of observation, somatic psychologists can identify certain actions that yield better results in patients with debilitating disorders and diseases. Once these activities are identified, the psychologist can aid the subject in developing a plan to improve their health.

Somatic psychology works under the assumption that if enough attention is focused on certain illnesses, individuals may be able to improve their conditions based on increased awareness of the problem.

Featured Psychology Programs

Careers in Somatic Psychology

Working in this field, many choose to become certified for physical therapy and use what they know in those types of professional environments. Considering how closely the two are linked this makes sense. Somatic psychology is still a fairly new field of study, but it’s one that has shown great advancements in roles such as dance therapy for Alzheimer’s patients.

Salaries for these professionals can range from $60,000 per year to well over $100,000. The profession gives you the freedom to work in the ever-growing health care sector or to work independently through consultation and private practice.

Obtaining a Somatic Psychology Degree

Not many states offer a purely somatic psychology degree training program, but if you work towards your doctorate in psychology while taking health and wellness courses with an emphasis on physical therapy, you can generally achieve the same end result. Working in this field typically requires a doctorate degree. Make sure to check with your state about any additional requirements that need to be met.