What are 7 psychology types?

Psychology is among the most interesting subjects that study a variety of human thought processes, emotions as well as behaviour. This field offers a complete understanding of why people act the way they do. There are different branches of psychology that have developed over the years. Each one of them focuses on a specific aspect of human life. Some psychologists specialise in mental health, while others focus on workplaces, schools, or legal systems.

Here are 7 types of psychology, each focusing on different aspects of human behavior and mental health processes: clinical, cognitive, developmental, social, forensic, industrial-organizational, and health psychology.

Seven common types of psychology

If you are interested in this field, you will find many psychology courses in India that can help you build a career. Mental health courses are also available to help professionals support people in need. This article explores seven major types of psychology, how they work, and why they matter.

Here’s a more detailed look at each:

Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychology is among the most common types that focuses on diagnosing as well as treating emotional, mental and behavioural disorders. It is a popular branch of psychology. The clinical psychologists work with different individuals who are going through mental health issues like-

Anxiety
Depression
Schizophrenia
Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and other psychological conditions.

They conduct assessments to understand the mental health of a person and develop treatment plans based on their needs. These professionals often use therapies such as:

Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT): Helps people change negative thought patterns.
Psychodynamic Therapy: Explores past experiences to understand current emotions and behaviours.
Humanistic Therapy: Focuses on personal growth and self-acceptance.

Clinical psychologists work in hospitals, mental health clinics and private practices. Many students who want to pursue this career look for the best online psychology courses in India to gain foundational knowledge before advancing to a master’s or doctorate program.

Counselling Psychology

Counselling psychology is similar to clinical psychology but focuses more on helping people cope with life’s challenges rather than treating severe mental illnesses. Counselling psychologists assist individuals dealing with stress, relationship problems, grief, low self-esteem and career decisions.

They use various therapy techniques to provide emotional support and guidance. Many schools, universities, workplaces and community centres have counselling psychologists to help individuals deal with everyday struggles.

People who want to specialise in this field often take mental health courses to understand human emotions better. Counselling psychologists play an essential role in promoting emotional well-being in different areas of life.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology combines psychology with the legal as well as the criminal justice system. These professionals analyse human behaviour related to crime, legal cases and law enforcement. Their work includes:

Conducting psychological evaluations of criminals
Assisting in jury selection and witness assessment
Providing expert testimony in court cases
Studying criminal behaviour patterns

Forensic psychologists work closely with law enforcement agencies, lawyers and correctional facilities. They help courts understand whether a suspect is mentally fit to stand trial.

Individuals interested in criminal behaviour and psychology can explore psychology courses in India that focus on forensic psychology. This field is growing and many legal systems rely on forensic psychologists to bring psychological insights into criminal cases.

Industrial-Organisational Psychology

Industrial-organisational psychology applies psychological principles in workplace settings. These psychologists help companies improve employee productivity, job satisfaction and leadership effectiveness.

Their work includes:

Analysing employee behaviour to improve teamwork
Creating training programs to develop leadership skills
Enhancing workplace motivation and reducing stress
Helping organisations manage change and employee conflicts

Many businesses rely on industrial-organisational psychologists to improve work culture. These professionals ensure employees are happy, engaged and performing well.

Individuals interested in workplace psychology can take the best online psychology courses in India to learn about human behaviour in professional settings. This field is ideal for those who enjoy problem-solving as well as leadership development.

Neuropsychology

Neuropsychology studies how the brain and nervous system influence the behaviour of humans. Neuropsychologists examine how brain injuries, diseases and neurological conditions affect memory, thinking and emotions. They often work with individuals experiencing:

Traumatic brain injuries
Alzheimer’s disease or dementia
Stroke-related cognitive difficulties
Learning disabilities and attention disorders

Neuropsychologists conduct brain scans and cognitive tests to assess neurological health. They work in hospitals, research institutions and rehabilitation centres to help patients recover brain function.

People interested in brain and behaviour connections often take mental health courses related to neuropsychology. This field combines psychology and neuroscience to improve treatments for neurological disorders.

School Psychology

School psychology focuses on supporting the mental as well as emotional well-being of students. School psychologists work with children, parents and teachers to create a healthy learning environment. Their role includes:

Helping students with learning disabilities like dyslexia or ADHD
Providing emotional support for children facing bullying or anxiety
Developing intervention programs to improve academic performance
Assisting parents and teachers in managing behavioural problems

Many schools employ psychologists to help students navigate academic and social challenges. These professionals play a critical role in ensuring students receive the support they need to succeed.

If you are interested in child psychology, psychology courses in India offer specialised programs for those who want to work in educational settings. School psychologists help shape the future of young minds.

Social Psychology

Social psychology examines how individuals interact with others and how society influences behaviour. This field focuses on topics like:

Group behaviour and peer pressure
Stereotypes, prejudice, and discrimination
How advertising and media shape public opinion
The psychology of leadership and persuasion

Social psychologists study how cultural and environmental factors impact human actions. They work in universities, marketing agencies, government institutions, and non-profits to understand and influence social behaviour.

Many marketing and political campaigns rely on social psychology to shape public perception. If you are interested in human interactions and social behaviour, you can explore psychology courses in India to learn more about this field.

Psychology has many branches. Each has a unique role in understanding human behaviour. It involves helping individuals overcome trauma, improving workplaces or assisting in legal matters. This is how psychology plays a vital role in society.

If you want to study psychology, there are many psychology courses in India to explore. You can also find the best online psychology courses in India to start learning from home. Mental health professionals make a real difference in people’s lives, and their work is essential for a better society.

WellBeing Help offers professional mental health and well-being services. Their Gurgaon-based RCI-registered psychologist, Dr Dipti Yadav, has over 20 years of experience in helping individuals achieve holistic well-being. If you are looking for the best psychologist in India, they are here to support you.

About Author

This post was written by the best psychologist in India- Dr Dipti Yadav, who is dedicated to spreading awareness about mental health issues while offering holistic treatment solutions. With a passion for understanding human behaviour, she explores a variety of mental health and wellness topics that help individuals make informed choices about their well-being.