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For psychologist licensing in Maryland, the state offers some distinct advantages, including temporary licensing while waiting for a reciprocal license. Veterans and their spouses who apply for a license within one year of discharge (except for dishonorable discharge) receive expedited psychology license processing.
This guide explains psychologist license requirements in Maryland and outlines typical Maryland psychologist salary ranges. Read on for more information about practicing as a psychologist in the state.
| Job Title | Lowest 10% | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | $47,850 | $82,710 | $147,340 |
| School psychologists | $61,010 | $94,460 | $118,720 |
| Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary | $50,080 | $78,270 | $129,240 |
| Psychologists, all other | $52,170 | $114,050 | $159,700 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Online Doctorate Programs in Psychology
Psychologist Licensing in Maryland
The organization responsible for psychologist licensing, Maryland's Board of Examiners of Psychologists is part of the state board of health. Like most states, Maryland requires a doctorate from an accredited program, a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), a passing score on a Maryland jurisprudence examination, and a clean criminal background check. Effective April 1, 2022, all new and renewing licensees must complete an approved implicit bias training program. (This is a one-time licensing requirement.)
Applicants who graduated from a practice-oriented program must have a minimum 3,250 hours of supervised professional experience (SPE), including 1,750 hours of an internship. At least 2,438 of these hours must be under the supervision of a qualified psychologist. If you graduated from a program other than a practice-oriented program, you need at least two years of SPE and t 3,250 hours of professional experience in psychology research, assessment, or related fields, under the supervision of a qualified psychologist.
For psychologists from other states in good standing seeking psychologist licensing in the state, Maryland offers limited reciprocity. These applicants can receive a temporary license while waiting to take the Maryland jurisprudence examination.
License Requirements
Doctorate in psychology At least 3,250 hours of supervised practice or supervised research experience Passing score (500) on the EPPP Passing score (75%) on the Maryland jurisprudence examination One-time completion of an approved course in implicit bias Clear criminal background check or written explanation of circumstances behind any criminal convictions (note that not all convictions would lead to automatic rejection of the application)
Demand for Psychology in Maryland
Only 21.9% of the state's population lives in an area with enough mental health professionals to meet needs, according to the Kaiser Family Foundation. Almost 1.3 million residents live in an area without enough professional providers. Working in a designated shortage area may make you eligible for loan forgiveness, while still allowing you to live closer to urban amenities than in other states with extensive shortage areas.
To earn or renew a psychology license, Maryland requires training in implicit bias. Maryland, especially Baltimore, is a diverse state, economically as well as racially. While it has less economic inequality than many states, the average income among the top 20% of households is $280,115, while the average income among the bottom 20% of households is just $18,902, accounting for 3.3% of all earnings statewide.