How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist?

Eager to begin your journey to help others heal and grow mentally, behaviorally and emotionally? The steps required to become a clinical psychologist involve adequate educational preparation and, in most states, licensure. To some, the multiple years this journey can take may appear daunting, as some programs require a great deal of credit hours. For those who feel the call to help resolve even the most complex of human problems, the journey ahead provokes great excitement and anticipation. Plus, there are specialized programs that balance valuing your time with exceptional training to alleviate the stress of the process.

What is Clinical Psychology?

Clinical psychology and its commonly paired counterpart, applied psychology, often share similar areas of focus, such as ethics, research and development. However, clinical psychology sets itself apart through specialization in psychological assessments and diagnostics, treatment plans, and more face-to-face experiences. Applied psychology studies human behavior less in a therapeutic context and most often is utilized for teaching and consulting purposes. Clinical psychologists can work in private practices, mental health facilities, treatment centers, or various roles in social work or counseling.

Clinical psychology degree programs, like the APA-Accredited Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology program at Regent University, prepare aspiring psychologists for licensure. Oftentimes, universities, like Regent University, ensure students have copious opportunities for internships and practicum hours that can assist with the licensure journey and open doors for their future careers.

How Does Clinical Psychology Benefit Society?

Clinical psychologists have the opportunity to make a tremendous impact on society. Modern clinical psychology programs now train professionals in a wide range of skills, specialties, and theories, ensuring psychologists are prepared for any field or opportunity in which they find themselves. What is the importance of a well-rounded clinical psychologist? In the world of psychology, one must consider the multiple factors that affect a patient's current state of being: biological, behavioral, psychological, social and spiritual factors. Psychologists who approach situations holistically can provide sustainable, complete solutions so those affected may experience quality of life in all areas of their lives.

Clinical psychologists with holistic approaches begin to change the world one client at a time. Through their expertise in testing, researching, diagnosing, creating treatment plans, and offering treatments, people can discover relief from the burden of their short-term or long-term psychological stressors affecting all areas that make up who the person is. A clinical psychologist's commitment to integrating holistic and scientific psychological principles with effective treatment methods is key to change occurring not only for clients but, responsively, for those who personally interact with the client on a daily basis.

What Degrees Do You Need to Become a Psychologist?

In seeking a degree program that best fits your goals in psychology, it is crucial to look out for these attributes. First, if studying in the United States, the program should be accredited. Accreditation ensures the program not only meets educational standards but also adequately prepares you for necessary licensure requirements.

Here are the steps to becoming a clinical psychologist:

Step 1: Bachelor's Degree

You will need to receive a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field. Undergraduate psychology programs provide the necessary, fundamental knowledge needed for postgraduate degrees in the psychology field.

Step 2: Master's Degree

A master's degree is crucial for both those who did and did not earn a bachelor's in psychology. Considering we are on the path to a doctorate degree, as required for clinical psychologists, a master's degree is often required first. Make sure to spend time researching the admission requirements of the doctorate program you are interested in before beginning your master's program to ensure you meet all the prerequisites.

Step 3: Doctorate Degree

At this stage, make sure you select a doctorate program that not only provides an outcome of becoming a clinical psychologist, but also is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). Your doctorate degree is the last educational stage before pursuing licensure, so if the program is APA-accredited, the program should encompass all of your academic requirements. The main two types of programs that provide a path to becoming a licensed clinical psychologist are a Ph.D. or a Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology).

Step 4: Supervised Experience

Similar to those in medical school, students should pursue internship opportunities during their doctoral program to observe the operations of a clinical psychologist. Some programs require internships.

Students must then complete a residency, or, simply, supervised practice, for a set amount of hours. The number of hours may vary depending on state licensure requirements.

Step 5: Apply for Licensure

After completing the required amount of supervised hours, one must apply for their licensure according to the standards set by each state. If accepted, make sure to research what the requirements are for maintaining licensure throughout the years, as some states require a certain amount of continuing education credits. Other than that, welcome to the world of clinical psychology!

As seen above, this multi-step process of practicing as a clinical psychologist can take some people close to a decade to complete. To maximize a student's time in the field, Regent University uniquely offers a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology, encompassing both the master's level and doctorate level requirements for licensure in less time than earning the degree separately. Additionally, Regent's Psy.D. program is APA-accredited, and our Psy.D. in Clinical Psychology students have earned a 100 percent internship match rate for seven consecutive years (2016-2023). Regent's uniquely holistic approach to psychology ensures psychologists are trained to view a human being from biological, behavioral, psychological, social and spiritual angles.

Get ready for versatile clinical psychology skills that can position you for not only a career as a psychologist but also to make a tremendous societal impact one client at a time.

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