How to Become a Psychologist: A Step By Step Guide for 2024

Programs Currently Accepting Applicants

Walden University : MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited, five specializations to choose from)

Walden University : MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from)

Walden University : MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited, six specializations to choose from)

Liberty University : MA: Addiction Counseling (100% online, 8-week courses)

Grand Canyon University : Master's Degree in Counseling (Affordable Program with No Out of State Tuition)

Capella University : PsyD in School Psychology (CAEP accredited; Capella University is HLC accredited)

Liberty University : MSW: Social Work (100% online, 8-week courses)

Liberty University : MED: School Counseling (Online with required intensives)

Liberty University : MA: Marriage and Family Therapy (Online with required intensives)

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Psychologist Job Description

Psychologists observe and interpret their clients’ attitudes and behaviors by studying their emotional, cognitive, and social processes. Professionals within this field also work to understand why clients feel, think, and behave the way they do and look for behavioral patterns that may be linked to certain events, such as stress at work or at home, or the loss of a job or a loved one.
A psychologist’s job description can vary greatly depending on whether the psychologist works in private practice or at a hospital, or is employed by a school district. Job duties can also vary depending on whether the psychologist works as a counseling psychologist or clinical psychologist. Common daily tasks may include the following:

Interviewing clients to assess their needs

Developing treatment plans

Talking to clients to assess their progress

Helping clients develop strategies to improve their mental health and foster personal growth

Providing individual or group counseling sessions

Providing referral services to other medical professionals, such as post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) or sexual assault trauma counselors or psychiatrists, as needed

Completing administrative tasks, such as billing, case management, and client file updates

Consider a Featured Online Counseling Program

School and Program Information	Online Program? Entry Requirements	Course Information
Walden University MS in School Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE scores not required	School counselors help students overcome obstacles and shape successful futures. Walden’s online MS in School Counseling program will give you a solid foundation in school counseling theories, approaches, and best practices while enabling you to gain hands-on experience. Learn More
Walden University MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE scores not required	The counseling field is in need of qualified, compassionate professionals like you to meet the demand for services. In Walden's clinical mental health counseling and school counseling dual degree program, you’ll gain the insights and hands-on training to positively impact the lives of children, adults, and families. Learn More
Walden University MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online GRE scores not required	Mental health counselors play a valuable role in helping people cope with life’s challenges. Walden’s online MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling program can help you become the competent, compassionate counselor you know you can be. Learn More
Liberty University MA: Addiction Counseling SACSCOC	✔ Online 100% online, 8-week courses	Our graduate degree in addiction counseling is designed to fulfill or exceed the requirements for many national and state board organizations. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More
Grand Canyon University Master's Degree in Counseling HLC and NASAC Accredited	✔ 100% Online Over 14 Specializations Available	Affordable with No Out of State Tuition Learn More
Capella University PsyD in School Psychology	✔ Online No GRE or GMAT. Master's and minimum 3.0 GPA	Deepen your understanding of human behavior and advance your skills to help others with a degree in clinical psychology. Capella offers PsyD programs to help you develop leadership skills for your career. No GRE required. Learn More
Liberty University MSW: Social Work SACSCOC	✔ Online 100% online, 8-week courses	This program offers a general cognate and an individual and family clinical cognate. No matter which option you choose, you’ll receive advanced generalist training in social policy, research, and practice — as well as the opportunity to apply what you’ve learned in your field. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More
Liberty University MED: School Counseling CACREP Accredited	✔ Online Online with required intensives	Liberty University’s CACREP-accredited Master of Education (M.Ed.) in School Counseling can help equip you to work as a school counselor in Christian, public, and private schools. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More
Liberty University MA: Marriage and Family Therapy SACSCOC	✔ Online Online with required intensives	A Liberty University marriage and family therapy master’s program online can prepare you to help individuals, couples, and families find healing through counseling. Online and on campus. Training Champions for Christ since 1971. Learn More

*Sponsored Counseling Programs

☰ For detailed degree information, view the guides to:
Online CACREP Accredited programs | Online MPCAC Accredited programs

MS in School Counseling Program at Walden University

Walden University - MS in School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling Program at Walden University

Walden University - MS Dual Degree in Clinical Mental Health Counseling and School Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling Program at Walden University

Walden University - MS in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (CACREP Accredited)

MA: Addiction Counseling Program at Liberty University

Liberty University - MA: Addiction Counseling (SACSCOC Accredited)

Master's Degree in Counseling Program at Grand Canyon University

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

PsyD in School Psychology Program at Capella University

Capella University - PsyD in School Psychology (Capella University is HLC Accredited)

MSW: Social Work Program at Liberty University

Liberty University - MSW: Social Work (SACSCOC Accredited)

MED: School Counseling Program at Liberty University

Liberty University - MED: School Counseling (CACREP and NCATE through CAEP Accredited)

MA: Marriage and Family Therapy Program at Liberty University

Liberty University - MA: Marriage and Family Therapy (SACSCOC Accredited)

Types of Psychologists

Counseling Psychologist Job Description

Counseling psychologists help patients address emotional concerns relating to their personal, social, and professional life and their general mental well-being. They also help clients overcome difficult experiences, such as the breakup of a relationship or the loss of a family member, and emotional stressors, such as anxiety. A counseling psychologist’s primary role is to provide patient consultations and develop individualized treatment plans. Other job duties may include the following:

Building trust and rapport with patients
Developing individualized mental health treatment plans
Meeting with clients of all ages, ethnicities, and socioeconomic backgrounds
Tracking patients’ progress

Counseling Psychologist Education Options

Clinical Psychologist Job Description

Similar to counseling psychologists, clinical psychologists work with patients of all ages and backgrounds to help them identify and diagnose various emotional, behavioral, and psychological issues. The primary difference between the two specialties is that clinical psychologists often work with patients seeking treatment for more serious issues, such as borderline personality disorder, obsessive compulsive disorder, and severe cases of agoraphobia. Common job duties may include the following:

Collaborating with patients’ other health care providers, such as doctors and psychiatrists, to develop holistic treatment plans
Assessing clients’ behavioral, emotional, and psychological state
Using various treatment methods, such as talk therapy, psychotherapy, and behavior modification therapy, depending on their clients’ needs
Maintaining client records
Monitoring the effectiveness of treatment plans and making modifications as needed

Additional Types of Psychologists

Psychologist Education Requirements

The educational requirements to become a psychologist vary based on the type of position you’re interested in. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that most states require counseling, clinical, and research psychologists to hold a doctoral degree in psychology, such as a Ph.D. in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.).

The primary difference between these degree programs is in their focus: Ph.D. programs place a greater emphasis on research, and Psy.D. programs emphasize clinical work. Consequently, students interested in conducting and overseeing research studies as part of their professional career may find that Ph.D. programs align best with their goals. Students drawn toward practical, hands-on work, such as counseling patients, may find Psy.D. programs to be a better fit.

Students researching online master’s in psychology programs, however, may be interested to learn that upon completion of their program, they’ll be eligible to pursue numerous positions within the mental health field. Sample positions may include the following:

Substance abuse counselor
Behavioral counselor
Mental health counselor
Marriage and family therapist
Private practice therapist
School counselor

Psychologist Educational Resources

Possible Work Environments for Psychologists

The BLS reports that in 2020, 27% of psychologists were self-employed, and 25% worked for public and private elementary and secondary schools. A total of 20% were employed by ambulatory health care services; 10% by governmental institutions; and 6% by state, local, and private hospitals.

The work environment largely depends on the patient population a psychologist works with. For example, those who provide services to students may work Monday through Friday in a school setting and have extended time off in the summer and during holiday periods. On the other hand, individuals working in hospitals or health care facilities may need to work nights, holidays, and weekends. Psychologists in private practice may have the most flexible schedules, as they often set their own hours. Lastly, some psychologists may also offer telehealth appointments, which they can conduct from their workplace or home office.

How to Become a Licensed Psychologist

The first step in becoming a licensed psychologist is to earn a degree from an accredited institution, as colleges and universities that are accredited have demonstrated that their degree programs meet or exceed certain educational standards. A database of accredited institutions can be found on the Education Department’s Office of Postsecondary Education’s website.

Ensuring that your program is accredited is crucial: Students who don’t have an accredited bachelor’s degree will be unable to apply to an accredited master’s program; students who don’t hold an accredited master’s degree will be unable to apply to an accredited doctoral program; and graduates who hold an unaccredited master’s or doctoral degree will not be permitted to sit for the psychologist licensing exam.

Upon completing the required degree programs and the specified number of supervised clinical training hours required, you’ll be eligible to sit for the state licensing exam. Individuals who receive a passing grade will be granted their licensed psychologist credential.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist?

Some states license psychologists after they’ve completed a master’s degree in a related field, such as a master’s in psychology, master’s in counseling, or master’s in behavioral analysis, while other states require aspiring psychologists to hold a doctorate. Additionally, each state has its own requirements for the number of supervised clinical training hours an individual must complete before sitting for a licensing exam.

Consequently, the time it takes to become a psychologist varies and includes factors such as whether a student enrolls in full- or part-time coursework. For example, students taking a full-time course load can often finish a bachelor’s degree within four years and complete a master’s degree in two to three years, depending on the program. If a doctoral degree is required, that can add an additional four to seven years of coursework.

Additionally, the clinical hours requirement varies widely by state. For example, while New York requires that candidates participate in 2,000 hours of predoctoral training and log an additional 1,750 hours in postdoctoral training, Texas requires that applicants complete a minimum of 1,750 supervised clinical hours both during and after their doctoral program, for a total of 3,500 hours. Due to these differences, some students can become licensed psychologists in as few as eight years, but for others, the process can take up to 12.

How to Become a Counseling Psychologist

Students interested in working with patients who are healthier and have less serious pathological problems may find themselves drawn to this career path. As for other types of licensed psychologists, students will need to earn at least a master’s degree in a related field, complete a set number of supervised clinical hours, and pass a state licensing exam.

In addition to becoming licensed, counseling psychologists can pursue various certifications through the National Board for Certified Counselors (NBCC), such as National Certified Counselor (NCC), Certified Clinical Mental Health Counselor (CCMHC), Master Addictions Counselor (MAC), and National Certified School Counselor (NCSC). Credentialing prerequisites for each certification can be found on the NCC website. While certification isn’t required, it can help psychologists specialize their practice.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Counseling Psychologist?

The amount of time it takes to become a counseling psychologist can vary widely, based on whether you’re enrolled in a part-time, a full-time, or an accelerated program; the number of hours you’re enrolled in; and the number of supervised clinical hours you’re required to complete before you can sit for your state’s licensing exam.

Some students find that they can complete their licensing prerequisites in as few as eight years, whereas others require 12.

How to Become a Clinical Psychologist

Clinical psychologists often work with patients who have serious long-term issues, such as obsessive compulsive disorder, eating disorders, borderline personality disorder, and PTSD.

The steps to become a clinical psychologist are parallel to those for becoming a counseling psychologist: at least a master’s degree in psychology or a related field, and in some states, a doctorate; a set number of supervised clinical hours, specified by the state; and a licensing exam.

Clinical psychologists can further pursue various specialty certifications through the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP), such as Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology specialist, Behavioral and Cognitive specialist, and Clinical Health specialist. Credentialing prerequisites can be found on the ABPP website.

How Long Does It Take to Become a Clinical Psychologist?

The amount of time it takes to become a clinical psychologist depends on your state’s licensing requirements. Clinical psychologists in some states can become licensed in as few as eight years, while those in other states take up to 12.

Other factors include whether you’re enrolled as a part-time or full-time student, whether you take time off between your degrees, and whether you enroll in an accelerated program.

Skills Needed to Be a Psychologist

Students interested in becoming psychologists should develop various skills.

Analytical and Observational Skills

Psychologists work with numerous patients, and they must understand how to collect and examine the information they receive from each client. They must evaluate patients’ facial expressions, body language, and tone of voice to draw conclusions and develop treatment plans.

Communication Skills

Professionals in this field work with patients of various ages, ethnicities, socioeconomic statuses, gender identities, and educational backgrounds. A key element of the job is listening, and those with strong verbal and nonverbal communication skills who are able to successfully receive and relay information to clients of a wide variety of backgrounds are likely to be most successful.

Interpersonal Skills

Psychologists with strong interpersonal skills are often viewed as caring, comforting, empathic, reliable and aware. This skill set is highly important as it helps professionals build rapport with their clients.

Integrity

Patients seeking help for mental health issues, such as anxiety, depression, stress, or psychological trauma, or who are struggling to cope with the loss of a loved one or relationship, must feel comfortable discussing their feelings, fears, and emotions with their psychologist. Consequently, professionals within this field must maintain the highest levels of professional integrity

Further Your Education to Become a Licensed Psychologist

Are you interested in pursuing a career as a licensed psychologist? Explore some of the most popular online master’s in psychology degree programs, including the following:

On each page, you’ll find detailed information about each program, including their application and admissions requirements, curriculum and coursework information, the number of credit hours you’ll need to graduate, and which programs that are currently accepting applicants.

Sources

Betterteam, Counseling Psychologist Job Description
GoodTherapy, “What’s the Difference Between a PsyD and a PhD?”
Indeed, Clinical Psychologist Job Description: Top Duties and Qualifications
Monster, Psychologist Job Description Template
The Balance Careers, “What Does a Psychologist Do?”
The Boston Globe, “It’s Becoming Impossible to Find a Therapist”
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors

Still Looking for a Counseling Degree?

Here are some of the most popular online counseling programs. On each page you will find a detailed write-up of the program, specific courses, and schools that offer that program that are currently accepting applicants.