Child and Adolescent Psychology

A Child and Adolescent Psychologist is a specialist focused on assessing, diagnosing, and supporting the emotional, social, and psychological development of children and adolescents. They help young individuals cope with difficulties, develop healthy emotional habits, and build life skills necessary for everyday functioning.

Specialization Overview

The Child and Adolescent Psychology specialization focuses on the biological and psychosocial conditions of development in children and adolescents—both within the scope of typical development and deviations from it—as well as the planning of therapy for developmental disorders. The aim of this specialization is to build professional knowledge and enhance psychological competencies related to the psychosocial development of children and youth, the development of academic competencies, and the functioning of the child within the family.

This specialization explores both how to stimulate development and how to effectively address various challenges that emerge during childhood and adolescence.

Target Audience

This specialization is intended for individuals interested in the psychological development of children and adolescents and who wish to provide professional psychological support to children, youth, and their parents or families—especially those requiring holistic care. It is also dedicated to assistants, family court guardians, social workers, and staff of children’s homes, foster homes, and educational care centers.

Educational Program

The educational program in Child and Adolescent Psychology focuses on acquiring both theoretical knowledge and practical skills in areas such as child developmental psychology, the specificity of disorders in different developmental stages, personality psychology, methods of developmental support, psychological diagnostics of children and adolescents in emotional and cognitive domains, as well as stress, trauma, and crisis psychology.

The practical aspect of this specialization includes competencies in psychological diagnosis and the ability to match appropriate therapeutic approaches to developmental disorders and behavioral difficulties in children and adolescents.

Classes are conducted by experienced practitioners—psychologists, diagnosticians, and therapists who work daily with children and adolescents, including in the area of vocational predisposition assessments for youth.

Graduate Profile

Graduates of Child and Adolescent Psychology possess knowledge and competencies related to contemporary developmental challenges in children and adolescents, including issues such as school difficulties, addictions, and preventive, therapeutic, and supportive interventions. A graduate can work as a school psychologist.

Career Opportunities as a Psychologist, Particularly in:

• Schools and kindergartens as a school psychologist (requirement: pedagogical qualification)

• Educational and care institutions

• Sociotherapy and resocialization centers

• Psychological and pedagogical counseling centers

• Family counseling centers

• Psychological clinics

• Specialist clinics (for youth and families)

• Career counseling institutions

• Crisis intervention and support centers

• Educational guidance and support centers for children and adolescents

• NGOs implementing psychoeducational programs

• Foundations and associations specializing in child and adolescent development

• Private practices offering psychological services for children and adolescents