How to Become a Psychologist

Mental health is important to our wellness. It shapes how we think, feel and engage with others and ourselves. But sometimes, mental health challenges arise. And when they do, it’s not always easy to manage or cope with them alone. According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, more than 1 in 5 U.S. adults experience mental illness each year. 

Psychologists play a critical role in broadening our understanding of human behavior and building a support system for the individuals and communities who need it the most. Caring for your mental health is an ongoing process, but psychologists can guide the way. Interested in a career in psychology or learning how to become a clinical psychologist? First, get familiar with career options and job responsibilities and then map out the education and training requirements for your desired role. 

Starting a career in psychology might seem daunting for some, but it is possible with adequate research and planning. There are a number of areas where psychologists help people regulate their emotions and cope with struggles, which creates opportunities for meaningful impact and drives change. Psychology can challenge you to think compassionately, problem-solve, maintain healthy relationships and communicate effectively. 

Once you’ve decided to become a psychologist, the next question is how? There are different types of psychology you can explore. While everyone’s path is different, here is one example of a pathway to become a psychologist:

While certain positions (those in schools and organizations) often only call for a master’s degree, the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) states that clinical, counseling and research psychologists typically need a doctoral degree.  

Not all psychologists study psychology at the baccalaureate level. Some earn a bachelor’s degree in related disciplines like social work or education. The American Psychological Association (APA) notes that studying psychology in college or university allows candidates to grasp the fundamentals of the field in preparation for a career in clinical psychology. The APA also states that psychology majors learn how to think critically and exercise ethical judgment (PDF, 1.07 MB). 

With an undergraduate degree in psychology, aspiring psychologists are able to learn about different areas of the field, such as health psychology or counseling psychology. Depending on the school and program, there may be opportunities to specialize. That means students can focus on certain populations and work toward a career in a specific setting, such as a school or hospital, or dedicate their time to treating specific disorders. 

A master’s degree is not always required to become a psychologist; you may be able to directly enter a doctoral degree program. However, some PhD or PsyD programs require a master’s degree for admission.

A master’s degree prepares students for roles like care coordinator, executive coach, market research analyst and research assistant. 

Admissions requirements for master’s programs vary. Some schools encourage prospective students to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology, while others accept applicants with bachelor’s degrees in other subjects with certain prerequisites.

There are a number of benefits to earning a master’s degree in psychology, the first being that students gain a deeper understanding of the field. On top of that, the knowledge acquired in a master’s degree program can enhance individuals’ application to doctoral study, should they choose to pursue that path. Master’s degree programs may also provide an opportunity to gain field experience through an internship while developing their professional network.

A master’s degree program in psychology covers a variety of topics, from emotional disorders to abnormal behavior. Here are some other areas candidates might study:

To obtain a license and be a psychologist, you’ll need a doctoral degree (PDF, 471 KB). Aspiring professionals can pick between the Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degrees based on their interests and career goals. Per the APA, the PhD is geared to professionals with an interest in scientific research, while the PsyD degree is designed for those with an interest in providing psychological services. 

Students in a doctoral program will also need to accrue supervised hours via a practicum and an internship. The number of required supervised hours varies by jurisdiction.

Master’s in psychology students may complete an internship as part of their program or directly after, prior to pursuing a career in the field. It’s important to note, however, that those who go on to pursue a doctoral degree must complete an internship as part of their program because internships are part of the requirements to become a licensed psychologist. 

Internships may be found in clinical, counseling, school or health service settings. Other internship sites include research labs, mental health centers, hospitals, college and university counseling centers and cognitive and development labs. 

Practicum training is when students start applying therapy techniques and other approaches and lessons from their coursework to real clients in their communities under supervision. These practicum experiences can help students cultivate their professional identity as a psychologist and build a rapport with their supervisors while accruing required clinical hours.

The final step in becoming a psychologist is obtaining a license through your state. Each state has its own specific licensing requirements for a psychologist, however they are generally as follows:

Then, you must be approved by your state licensing board. Fees for licensure range according to the state.

Still have questions about how to become a psychologist? Here are some FAQs about the process.