Georgia pays psychologists some of the highest wages in the country. Clinical psychologists in the 90th percentile earn a median annual wage of $149,070 in the state, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Still, the Empire State of the South needs more mental health workers. Georgia ranks near the bottom of the list for states with poor access to mental health care, particularly in rural areas, as shown by Mental Health America data.
This page breaks down Georgia psychologist salary information and how to get licensed in the state.
| Job Title | Lowest 10% | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | $29,600 | $62,460 | $149,070 |
| School psychologists | $60,500 | $78,870 | $100,260 |
| Industrial-organizational psychologists | Not available | Not available | Not available |
| Psychologists, all other | $64,650 | $101,340 | $119,700 |
Source: BLS
Online Doctorate Programs in Psychology
Psychologist Licensing in Georgia
Georgia's secretary of state oversees the licensing process for psychologists. Before submitting an application to the secretary of state, applicants must meet the educational and postdoctoral requirements.
Prospective psychologists in Georgia must complete a doctoral degree approved by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) program. Qualified candidates also must have completed an APA- or CPA-accredited internship and 1,500 hours of postdoctoral supervised work.
State guidelines are not particularly stringent. Candidates can apply for licensure by examination, licensure by exam waiver, or by endorsement. Graduates may also apply for a provisional permit while they complete their postdoctoral supervised work or a temporary license while they apply for a permanent licensure. Licenses, which can be renewed online, expire every two years.
While Georgia does not have a license reciprocity agreement for licensed psychologists from other states, it does offer a license by endorsement.
License Requirements
Complete a bachelor's degree. Earn a master's degree. Finish a doctoral degree in psychology. Gain 1,500 hours of postdoctoral supervised experience. File an application with the secretary of state. Submit payment to the Georgia State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Register with the board. Take the computer-based national licensing exam. Pass the second exam, a multiple choice test by the board. Complete an oral exam administered by the board or their representatives.
Demand for Psychology in Georgia
The need for mental health professionals in Georgia will only grow. About 830 clinical and counseling psychologists, 830 school psychologists, and 310 all other psychologists work in Georgia. According to the Mental Health America's Adult Data from 2021, Georgia ranks as one of the worst states in terms of its limited access to mental health care. Rural areas in Georgia especially need mental health professionals.
To address the mental health care shortage, state legislators in 2022 introduced the Mental Health Parity Act that will — among other measures — create a loan forgiveness program to train mental health care workers, including psychologists. The bill also proposes creating parity in Georgia, which essentially pressures insurance providers to cover mental health services and treatments.