Clinical Psychologist – Career, Salary & State Licensure
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“PhD programs in clinical psychology are geared toward high-level training in research and clinical work. A genuine desire to engage in research and develop novel research is important, in my opinion, for a student to feel genuinely fulfilled in a clinical psychology PhD program.”
Christopher Barry, PhD, Professor of Psychology, Washington State University
Clinical psychologists are licensed mental health professionals who assess, diagnose, and treat emotional, behavioral, and mental health conditions. Using tools such as clinical interviews, psychological testing, and evidence-based psychotherapy, they help people better understand their thoughts, emotions, and behaviors while developing strategies to manage challenges and improve overall well-being.
The scope of clinical psychology is broad, and practitioners may work with individuals across the lifespan, including children, adults, couples, families, and groups. Clients seek support for concerns ranging from everyday stress and life transitions to more complex or chronic mental health disorders. In addition to therapy, clinical psychologists may conduct psychological assessments, collaborate with other healthcare professionals, or contribute to research, consultation, and program development.
Clinical psychologists practice in a wide range of settings. Many work in private practice or group clinics, while others are employed in hospitals, community mental health centers, schools, government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or academic institutions. Some specialize in particular populations or areas of focus, such as child and adolescent psychology, health psychology, or neuropsychology, reflecting the field’s versatility and demand across sectors.
Entering the profession requires extensive education and training. In the United States, clinical psychologists typically earn a doctoral degree in psychology, most commonly a doctor of psychology (PsyD) or a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in psychology, followed by supervised clinical experience and state licensure. PhD programs generally emphasize research alongside clinical training, while PsyD programs focus more heavily on applied practice, but both pathways prepare graduates to provide psychological services at the highest level of care.
Meet the Expert: Chris Barry, PhD
Dr. Christopher Barry is a professor of psychology at Washington State University whose work focuses on personality development and behavioral adjustment in children and adolescents. He studies topics such as narcissism, self esteem, psychopathy related traits, social media behavior, and risk and protective factors associated with youth conduct problems.
Dr. Barry leads research examining how self perception and personality influence mental health and social functioning across development. His scholarship contributes to understanding adolescent behavior and informs assessment and prevention efforts related to youth behavioral and emotional challenges.
CounselingSchools.com: What do you wish the public understood about clinical psychology degree programs?
Dr. Barry: There is a misconception, I think, that a clinical psychology degree or one that allows someone to provide clinical mental health services automatically means a doctoral degree in clinical psychology.
Many degree programs at the master’s level allow students to fulfill their career goals in clinical psychology or even related fields (e.g., counseling psychology, school psychology, social work). Doing clinical work (assessment, intervention) does not necessarily equal a degree in clinical psychology.
PhD programs in clinical psychology are geared toward high-level training in research and clinical work. A genuine desire to engage in research and develop novel research is important, in my opinion, for a student to feel genuinely fulfilled in a clinical psychology PhD program.
CounselingSchools.com: What advice would you give to aspiring clinical psychology students?
Dr. Barry: Give careful thought to what your goals are (what do you want to do career-wise in 10 to 15 years). That answer will then provide a road map to the types of graduate programs and then practicum experiences that are a good fit or not a good fit for you.
CounselingSchools.com: What do you love about clinical psychology?
Dr. Barry: In my role as a faculty member, I love that every day is different, and that I get to watch firsthand students’ growth in the roles as clinical psychologists. I also love the opportunity to integrate what we know scientifically about development and clinical assessment and intervention into the care for individual clients, keeping in mind that each client brings their own unique history and story to our interactions with them.
How to Become a Clinical Psychologist
Becoming a clinical psychologist requires a significant investment of time, education, and supervised clinical training. While specific requirements vary by state, the overall pathway is similar across the United States and is designed to ensure practitioners develop both strong scientific knowledge and advanced clinical skills. Below is a step-by-step overview of the typical process.
Step 1: Graduate from High School or Obtain a GED (Four Years)
The journey begins with earning a high school diploma or GED. Students interested in clinical psychology can benefit from taking courses in psychology, biology, social sciences, and statistics, as well as developing strong writing and communication skills. Volunteer work or internships in mental health or community service settings can also provide early exposure to the field.
Step 2: Complete a Bachelor’s Degree (Four Years)
Aspiring clinical psychologists must earn a bachelor’s degree, typically in psychology, though related majors such as sociology, human development, or neuroscience may also be appropriate. Undergraduate programs introduce foundational topics such as abnormal psychology, research methods, and human development. Gaining research experience, internships, or relevant work experience during this stage can strengthen graduate school applications.
Step 3: Obtain an Advanced Degree (Four to Seven Years)
A doctoral degree is required to practice as a clinical psychologist. Most candidates pursue either a doctor of philosophy (PhD) in psychology or a doctor of psychology (PsyD). PhD programs generally emphasize research and can take five to seven years to complete, while PsyD programs are more practice-focused and typically take four to six years. Both pathways include advanced coursework, clinical training, and a predoctoral internship.
Step 4: Apply for Initial State Licensure (Timeline Varies)
After completing a doctoral program, graduates begin the licensure process by submitting an application to their state psychology board. Requirements vary, but applicants generally must provide transcripts, documentation of clinical training hours, and verification of their internship experience. You can see the state by state requirements below.
Step 5: Complete Supervised Practice (Two to Three Years)
Most states require postdoctoral supervised experience before full licensure. During this period, candidates work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist, gaining hands-on experience in assessment, diagnosis, and treatment. The number of required hours varies by jurisdiction but often ranges from about 1,500 to 3,000 hours.
Step 6: Pass State Licensing Exam (Timeline Varies)
Candidates must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), the national licensing exam used by most states. Some states also require an additional jurisprudence or ethics exam covering local laws and professional standards.
Step 7: Apply for State Licensure (Timeline Varies)
Once all education, supervised experience, and exam requirements are met, candidates submit a final application for full licensure. After approval, they can legally practice as clinical psychologists. To maintain licensure, psychologists must complete continuing education throughout their careers, ensuring they remain current with research, ethics, and best practices.
Licensing & Certification Requirements By State for Clinical Psychologists
| State | Licensing Authority | Eligibility & Details | Renewal Requirements |
|---|---|---|---|
| Virginia |
The Vermont Board of Psychological Examiners oversees the licensure of doctoral-level psychologists. To qualify, applicants must:
|
Vermont psychology licenses renew on a fixed biennial cycle in January. Continuing education hours are required and must total 60 hours per two-year period, of which no fewer than 6 hours must be devoted specifically to professional ethics, no more than 24 hours may come from individual (self-directed) activities, and no more than 30 hours may be dedicated to any single topic. Beginning with the January 2026 renewal, licensees must also complete 1 hour of CE related to systematic oppression and anti-oppressive practice. |
How Much Do Clinical Psychologists Make?
According to the United States Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS, May 2024), clinical psychologists earned an average of $106,850 per year—the latest data available as of April 2026. Earnings vary based on education, industry, state of employment, and job duties. The percentiles for wages are:
Substance Abuse, Behavioral Disorder, and Mental Health Counselors
- 10th percentile: $50,470
- 25th percentile: $67,470
- 50th percentile (median): $95,830
- 75th percentile: $131,510
- 90th percentile: $170,150
Clinical Psychologist Professional Associations & Resources
- American Psychological Association (APA)
- Association for Psychological Science (APS)
- National Register of Health Service Psychologists
- American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP)
- Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB)
- Society of Clinical Psychology
- American Academy of Clinical Psychology
- Society of Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology
- American Arab, Middle Eastern, and North African Psychological Association
- National Latinx Psychological Association
- Asian American Psychological Association
- Association of Black Psychologists
- FreedomFromED.com
Kimmy Gustafson
WriterAt CounselingSchools.com, Kimmy Gustafson’s expertly crafted articles delve into the world of counseling and mental health, providing valuable insights and guidance to readers since 2020. In addition to feature pieces and interviews, she keeps the state licensing tables current. Kimmy has been a freelance writer for more than a decade, writing hundreds of articles on a wide variety of topics such as startups, nonprofits, healthcare, kiteboarding, the outdoors, and higher education. She is passionate about seeing the world and has traveled to over 27 countries. She holds a bachelor’s degree in journalism from the University of Oregon. When not working, she can be found outdoors, parenting, kiteboarding, or cooking.