Psychologist
Education Required
Most states require licensure for those who provide psychology services or use the title “psychologist.” All states and the District of Columbia require that psychologists who practice independently be licensed where they work. Licensing laws vary by state and by type of position. For more information, contact your state’s licensing board. Clinical and counseling psychologists are licensed in every state. School psychologists also typically need a credential, such as a license or certification from their state’s board of education. Licensure typically requires applicants to have earned a master’s or doctoral degree and completed supervised experience. They also may need to have passed the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).
All states require psychologists to complete continuing education to maintain licensure. For more information about specific state requirements, visit the ASPPB.
Certification, which may be optional or may be required by employers, is available from professional associations. For example, the American Board of Professional Psychology offers certification in areas such as clinical health psychology, couple and family psychology, and rehabilitation psychology. The American Board of Clinical Neuropsychology offers certification in neuropsychology. Board certification typically requires candidates to have a doctoral degree and pass an examination.
Career Setting
- Ambulatory Healthcare Services, Counseling Offices, Hospitals, School, Self-Employed
What is this job like?
A psychologist is a licensed healthcare professional who specializes in the assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. They provide therapy, conduct research, and offer counseling to individuals, couples, families, and groups. Click to explore more occupational details:
