How to Become a Military Psychologist

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Syracuse University : Master of Social Work (CSWE accredited. Standard and Advanced Standing tracks. No GRE required.)

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Northwestern University : Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (Complete your COAMFTE-accredited MFT online program in as few as 21 months. No GRE required.)

University of Southern California : Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling (No GRE required)

Capella University : Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accreditation. Master's and PhD options avaialble. )

Fordham University : Master of Social Work (Earn an MSW online. Traditional and advanced standing online MSW options are available. Accredited by the CSWE.)

Northwestern University : Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Pepperdine University : Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees (GRE scores are not required to apply, and you can earn your degree in as few as 27 months. LPC/MFT emphases available.)

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What Is Military Psychology?

Military psychology focuses on active members of the military and veterans who’ve returned to civilian life. Military psychologists may also treat family members of veterans since the psychological strain of service can significantly affect veterans’ loved ones. Additionally, psychologists can provide family members with support tools for veterans who may be suffering from trauma or depression.

Every branch of the U.S. military has its own group of designated psychologists, such as Army psychologists, Navy psychologists, and Air Force psychologists.

What Does a Military Psychologist Do?

Duties and specifics may vary based on what branch of military psychology you work in. No matter which service branch you choose, however, your duties may entail any of the following:

Assessing new recruits, ensuring that they’re mentally fit for service and helping pair them with the right jobs or posts

Guiding and counseling deployed soldiers through the challenges of service

Helping soldiers readjust to civilian life

Counseling military couples and families through various challenges

Diagnosing and treating mental health disorders, including post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD), which can be common among veterans

Referring patients to psychiatrists or to inpatient care, as needed

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University of Southern California Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling Prepares you for school counseling credential	✔ Live, online classes No GRE requirement	Bachelor’s degree and minimum 2.5 GPA required Learn More
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Pepperdine University Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees LPC/MFT emphases available.	✔ Online No GRE Required. Bachelor's Degree Required.	Choose your path at Pepperdine: pursue licensure as either an LMFT or LPC and serve diverse clients with our online master’s in clinical psychology. GRE scores are not required to apply, and you can earn your degree in as few as 27 months. Take the next step toward creating a positive social impact today. Learn More

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Those wondering how to become military psychologists should know that there are specific educational requirements for practicing psychology. In addition to earning undergraduate and master’s-level degrees — typically in fields related to mental health — military psychologists must also earn PhDs. This can be in general or clinical psychology or in counseling. Students should enroll in programs that the American Psychological Association (APA) has accredited.

Though it’s not required, you can pursue your psychology degree from a military school. There are some potential advantages to doing so. First, in exchange for your service, the military may cover the cost of your tuition. Additionally, earning a psychology degree from a military school can provide training that’s more focused on issues impacting service members, military families, and veterans.

Following the completion of a PhD, a one-year clinical internship is required in one of the branches of the military. Becoming a military psychologist also requires a valid license or certification to practice psychology, which can be obtained by passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and meeting other related requirements. The specific requirements for licensure can vary depending on the state.

You can also choose from the following: enlisting as an active member of the military, doubling as a practicing psychologist, or serving in a civilian role.

Military Career Resources

According to Psychology Today, the military provides numerous financial resources for those who wish to pursue careers in military psychology. A few examples are as follows:

The Uniformed Services University of the Health Sciences (USUHS) allows you to pursue your education without the requirement to pay tuition. However, you’ll be required to complete seven years of active service after completing your training.

The military’s Health Professions Scholarship Program (HPSP) provides financial aid to those who are attending civilian programs but who wish to one day join the military.

The Army’s Financial Assistance Program (FAP) provides grant money to aspiring military psychology professionals who’ve been accepted into civilian internships.

The Department of Veterans Affairs also offers many career resources for veterans, including online networking and job training opportunities. These resources may be valuable to those seeking work in the counseling profession, whether in the military or in post-military life.

These are just a few examples of resources to consider as you contemplate how to become a military psychologist.

Key Skills in Military Psychology

A primary goal of advanced education is honing the skills required for success in military psychology. A few examples of essential military psychology skills are as follows:

Active listening. Psychologists must be prepared to fully listen to what their patients are saying and to extend empathy and compassion.
Familiarity with PTSD. Military psychology professionals should also have specific familiarity addressing mental health conditions that are common to service members, especially trauma and depression.
Communication. Psychologists should be able to convey the details of a diagnosis or a treatment plan in a clear, understandable way.
Critical thinking. Military psychology professionals may need to piece together details to arrive at a clinical diagnosis.
Collaboration. Success in this field often depends on the ability to cooperate with other clinical professionals.

Bachelor's Degree in Counseling Program at Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University - Bachelor's Degree in Counseling (HLC Accredited)

Master of Social Work Program at Syracuse University

Syracuse University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)

Master's Degree in Counseling Program at Grand Canyon University

Grand Canyon University - Master's Degree in Counseling (NASAC Accredited)

Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Northwestern University

Northwestern University - Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy (COAMFTE Accredited)

Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling Program at University of Southern California

University of Southern California - Online Master of Education (ME) in School Counseling ( Accredited)

Counseling & Therapy Program at Capella University

Capella University - Counseling & Therapy (CACREP Accredited)

Master of Social Work Program at Fordham University

Fordham University - Master of Social Work (CSWE Accredited)

Online MA in Counseling Program at Northwestern University

Northwestern University - Online MA in Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees Program at Pepperdine University

Pepperdine University - Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology Degrees ( Accredited)

Discover the Path to Becoming a Military Psychologist

If you’re passionate about military life and also long for a chance to serve people in their hour of need, a career in military psychology may be just the thing. There are many ways to become a military psychologist and make a difference in the lives of veterans and their families. Explore some of the available resources, and find out which educational path is right for you.

Sources:

American Board of Professional Psychology
American Psychological Association
BetterHelp, “What Is a Military Psychologist and How to Become One”
Mayo Clinic, Post-Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD)
Military.com, “How to Recognize PTSD in Your Spouse”
Psychology Today, “Becoming an Active Duty Military Psychologist”
U.S. Air Force, Clinical Psychologist
U.S. Army, Clinical Psychologist
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists
U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs, Veterans Employment Toolkit
U.S. Navy, Clinical Psychologist

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