Nebraska has a high demand for psychologists and other mental health professionals, especially behavioral health professionals. Demand is particularly high in rural areas.
This guide to psychology in Nebraska outlines requirements for psychologist licensing in Nebraska, typical Nebraska psychologist salary ranges, and the demand for mental healthcare in the state. Keep reading for the information you need to get or use a psychology license in Nebraska.
| Job Title | Lowest 10% | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | $47,270 | $81,570 | $113,790 |
| School psychologists | $59,100 | $78,220 | $103,590 |
| Industrial-organizational psychologists | Data not available | Data not available | Data not available |
| Psychologists, all other | Data not available | Data not available | Data not available |
Source: BLS
Online Doctorate Programs in Psychology
Psychologist Licensing in Nebraska
The state Department of Health and Human Services oversees psychology licensing in Nebraska. Nebraska offers reciprocity to licensed professionals from participating in the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards Reciprocity Agreement.
The Cornhusker State also grants reciprocal licensure to individuals with licenses in other states who possess current certification of professional qualification through the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards. These professionals must also maintain registration as health service providers with the National Register of Health Service Providers. Nurses seeking reciprocal licenses must still pass the state jurisprudence examination to earn a psychologist license in Nebraska.
License Requirements
A doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association or that meets equivalent standards An internship accredited by the Association of Psychology Postdoctoral and Internship Centers or that meets equivalent standards, with at least 1,500 hours over at least 12 months but not longer than 24 months At least one year of postdoctoral experience consisting of at least 1,500 hours (including at least 1,000 direct service hours) and lasting no more than 48 months A passing grade of 500 on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology or the Enhanced Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology At least an 80% score on the Nebraska jurisprudence examination Criminal background check with fingerprinting
Demand for Psychology in Nebraska
Demand for mental health care is especially high in rural areas in Nebraska, particularly for behavioral health. Nearly one-third of counties in Nebraska have no behavioral health professionals, and 88 out of 93 counties are mental health professional shortage areas.
In 2021, a mental health emergency service based in Lincoln, Nebraska, had a record number of patients seeking treatment. Members of the LGBTQ+ community and Hispanic Americans need culturally appropriate care in the state.
From 2017-2019, 50.5% of adult Nebraskans with any mental illness received mental health care. This rate was higher than the national figure of 43.6%, but the COVID-19 pandemic, along with the opioid and other substance abuse crises, continue to drive the rise in unmet needs. The state seeks to expand mental health telehealth services in response.
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