Psychology in Massachusetts

Updated August 16, 2022 · 1 Min Read

Considering becoming a psychologist in the Bay State? Learn about psychologist licensing requirements in Massachusetts and typical salaries for the profession.

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Massachusetts has some of the most prestigious psychology programs in the United States. The Bay State ranks among the few states where school psychologists earn a higher median income than counseling psychologists. It also has more industrial-organizational psychologists per capita than most states.

This guide describes psychologist license requirements in Massachusetts and typical salaries for different specialties. Keep reading for information on practicing psychology in Massachusetts.

Psychologist Salaries in Massachusetts
Job Title Lowest 10% Median Annual Salary Highest 10%
Clinical and counseling psychologists $50,730 $80,840 $135,650
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary $49,450 $79,260 $163,520
Industrial-organizational psychologists $64,760 $64,760 $82,090
Psychologists, all other $49,170 $112,860 $133,370

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Psychologist Licensing in Massachusetts

For psychologist licensing in Massachusetts, applicants must file with the Board of Registration of Psychologists, part of the Division of Occupational Licensure. Massachusetts requires a doctorate, supervised experience, a passing grade on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), and a passing grade on a state jurisprudence examination.

The state does not have license reciprocity, but unlike many states, Massachusetts does not require a year of post-doctoral experience for psychology licensing. Instead, it requires 3,200 hours of qualifying supervised professional experience (SPE). The remainder can be post-internship hours or advanced practicum hours that meet state regulatory requirements.

License Requirements

  • Doctorate in psychology
  • At least 3,200 hours of SPE, with at least 1,600 hours in a training/internship program, with both 1,600-hour periods occurring over at least 10 months
  • Passing grade (500) on the EPPP
  • Passing grade on a state jurisprudence examination
  • Passing grade on the state's free online domestic violence course
  • At least three professional references
  • A completed application to be a fully participating or non-billing provider with MassHealth
  • Sealed transcripts
  • A clean criminal background check, though not all criminal convictions would cause an automatic rejection of the application

Demand for Psychology in Massachusetts

The demand for psychologists in Massachusetts appears strong. State government data reveals a projected 15% employment growth for these professionals from 2018-2028, indicating continued growth in the sector. Massachusetts psychologist salaries are also high to meet this demand at an annual median of $112,860.

While Massachusetts does have a shortage of mental health professionals, it is less severe than in other states. A report by the Kaiser Family Foundation indicates that, while the state is home to 56 areas experiencing a shortage of health professionals, this need could be filled by adding just 17 more practitioners.

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