Yoni (Jonathan) Zomick, Ph.D. on Clinical Psychologist and Postdoctoral Fellow

What is your job title, what do you do, and how long have you been working in this field? What is the path that led you to this job?

I am currently a Clinical Psychologist and postdoctoral fellow at My OCD Care and The Center for Child Behavioral Health, where I specialize in treating patients with various psychological disorders. My focus includes anxiety-related disorders, OCD, and PTSD, with additional experience addressing personality disorders, serious mental illness, and suicidality. I have been involved in the field of psychology since 2018. Utilizing a range of evidence-based psychotherapeutic approaches, I tailor treatments to meet the specific needs of each patient, drawing from Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT), Acceptance and Commitment Therapy (ACT), Dialectical Behavior Therapy (DBT), and Relational Therapy.

Can you explain what a professional in your field does?

There are a variety of different routes you can take with a PhD or PsyD in psychology. You can work as a clinical psychologist treating patients individually and in group settings. You can specialize and see specific presentations and demographics such as adults, children, couples, and families. A clinical psychologist may also devote their career to pursuing clinical research dedicated to expanding the science on how to best detect and treat psychological distress. Many clinical psychologists also work as educators in institutions of higher learning. Lastly, some psychologists choose careers as administrators running large clinics or overseeing hospital departments and interdisciplinary clinical teams.

In what area of study did you obtain a degree and how does it inform what you currently do? Can you offer insight into the variety of ways in which your degree can be used?

I earned my undergraduate degree in psychology and subsequently pursued master's and doctorate degrees. A PhD in psychology is versatile and opens doors to various career opportunities, ranging from clinical practice to research and education.

Why is a career in this industry valuable?

Psychologists are engaged in highly meaningful work and are blessed with opportunities to help alleviate suffering and facilitate clients in making purposeful change in their lives. Additionally, psychologists have the ability to work flexible hours and have a high earning potential. Lastly, since COVID, many clinical psychologists have embraced hybrid work conditions and are now seeing some of their patients via telehealth, which adds an additional level of flexibility as they balance life and work. 

What does a day-in-the-life look like?

The daily routine varies based on career direction. My days primarily involve clinical work, including patient sessions, consultations with colleagues, and professional development activities such as research, skill-building, and networking.

What are the skills necessary for success in this career and what type of characteristics would be a good fit for positions in this field?

Some of the most important characteristics to being a good psychologist include being open to new experiences, being a lifelong learner, being an attentive and empathic listener, having solid analytical skills, having excellent interpersonal skills and instincts, being super organized, and having a good amount of patience. 

What is the most rewarding part of the job and the most challenging aspect?

The most rewarding part of the job is knowing that you are doing deeply meaningful work helping people recover and lead productive lives. The most challenging aspect is exposing yourself to a lot of suffering and pain on a fairly daily basis. Staying connected to why you are engaged in this work and being present for people who count on you is an important aspect of effectively managing your own burnout and fatigue. 

What is the job market like? Are jobs easy to obtain, flexible, and well-paying?

Jobs for clinical psychologists are readily available due to a high demand for well-trained mental health professionals. Specialization and establishing a reputation as a skilled practitioner can lead to increased opportunities. 

Can you give an idea of starting salaries in the industry and how one moves up? How is success defined in this field?

Compensation varies, but typically ranges between $50,000 and $250,000. Variability for starting salaries depends on a range of factors such as whether you are prelicensure or postlicensure as well as the setting you are working in. Psychologists in private practice tend to earn higher salaries, but often pay for health insurance and other benefits on their own. Psychologists working for hospitals and universities tend to be paid on the lower end of the spectrum, but usually have more job security and valuable benefits such as pensions, unpaid sick leave, and health insurance. Success in the field is defined by professional growth, specialization, and reputation.

Would you recommend this career to frum women and men? Why or why not? What advice can you give to people interested in this field?

Recommending this career depends on individual circumstances. Considerations include the cost of tuition, the duration of schooling before full salary earning, exposure to secular university cultures, family obligations, and determination. Seek guidance and carefully evaluate personal priorities and goals before pursuing a career in psychology.