The focus of clinical psychology is emotional, behavioral, or mental disorders. In this field of study, you might encounter short-term issues caused by normal developmental issues or more severe issues, such as clinical depression and schizophrenia. This field, along with counseling psychology, focuses on the assessment and treatment of these disorders.
Cognitive/perceptual psychology focuses on perception and memory. The study of language and how we acquire it would fall under the area of cognitive psychology.
Counseling psychology shares some of the focus of clinical psychology. However, counseling psychologists tend to spend more time in such outpatient settings as schools and private practice. Counseling psychologists usually work more with clients who are not suffering from the more severe disorders that would result in hospitalization.
The focus of developmental psychology is on natural human development over the full-life span. Within this area, you may choose a focus such as child development or the psychology of aging.
Educational psychology focuses on how we learn. Educational psychologists often work in schools and can help design teaching tools to enhance student learning.
Experimental psychologists work with humans and animals in laboratory settings to conduct research experiments to find answers to a wide range of questions about behavior. This includes empirical study of the variables that influence behavior.
Forensic psychologists work with law enforcement and are often called upon to testify as expert witnesses or to help determine if a defendant is competent to stand trial.
Neuropsychology focuses on the brain and how it connects to behavior. Neuropsychologists often use such brain imaging technologies as MRI and PET scans to identify the differences between normal brain functioning and impaired functioning.
In industrial/organizational psychology, psychologists apply their learning to the workplace in order to improve productivity, general organizational functioning and morale. Organizational psychologists often work in human resource departments or as management consultants.
School psychologists work with schools to offer assessment, counseling and consultation with parents, students and school staff. They are often the ones who diagnose learning differences and offer treatment plans.
Social psychology focuses on how the individual is shaped by interactions with others and how groups function and impact individual behavior. Understanding the impact of peer pressure is a subject of study in social psychology.
Sports psychology focuses on working with athletes to address such challenges as fear of failure, motivation, and anxiety.