Key Takeaways
Clinical psychologists can earn six-figure salaries while building meaningful careers in assessment, treatment, and specialized mental health care.
The path can take 8-13 years, but licensure opens the door to specialized clinical roles and greater independence in practice.
Accredited doctoral programs, financial aid, and structured clinical placements can help you move through each requirement toward state licensure.
Becoming a clinical psychologist is no easy feat. It takes years of education, supervised training, and professional preparation, but the path can lead to a meaningful and rewarding career. Understanding each stage of the process, from earning the right degree all the way to passing licensing exams, can help ensure you take the most efficient path to becoming a clinical psychologist.
Whether you're just exploring the profession or ready to begin your journey, read on to learn how to become a clinical psychologist with confidence.
Education and Experience Required to Become a Clinical Psychologist
Minimum degree required: Doctorate degree
Typical experience required: Varies significantly by state, but typically between 1,500-6,000 hours of supervised training
Licensure required (Y/N): Yes
6 Key Steps to Becoming a Clinical Psychologist
Becoming a licensed clinical psychologist requires a lot of effort and time, but it can lead to a fulfilling career helping others improve their emotional health and well-being. The journey begins with earning a bachelor's degree and ends with getting your state license before you can open a private practice or apply for roles in various settings.
Step 1: Complete a Bachelor's Degree Program
Your educational journey begins with earning a bachelor's degree from an accredited institution, which typically takes about four years. A bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field prepares you for graduate studies in clinical psychology. Academic requirements usually include a minimum of 120 credits of core coursework and electives in your major, along with general education classes.
Step 2: Consider Earning a Master's Degree
Earning a master's degree is an optional step, as accredited doctoral programs in psychology often accept students with only a bachelor's degree. However, a master's degree in clinical psychology also provides advanced training in theory, research, and practice, allowing you to specialize in your studies.
If you pursue a master's degree, expect to spend an average of 2-3 years completing your requirements. You can also consider dual-degree graduate programs, which combine master's and doctoral degrees into a single academic track.
Step 3: Complete an Accredited Doctoral Degree Program
You need a doctorate in psychology to qualify for a license and practice as a clinical psychologist. Many states require that your doctoral degree be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or equivalent. These programs typically range from 4-8 years and generally involve clinical field training, independent research, and a dissertation.
The APA accredits both doctor of philosophy (Ph.D.) and doctor of psychology (Psy.D.)programs. While both degrees can prepare you for licensure, the Ph.D. generally emphasizes scientific inquiry and research, while the Psy.D. emphasizes hands-on clinical training.
You may qualify for some doctoral programs in psychology with a bachelor's degree in another field. However, you will likely need to meet intensive coursework requirements covering psychology fundamentals, research methods, and statistical analysis.
Step 4: Complete Supervised Clinical Requirements
In addition to your education, you must meet your state's supervised clinical requirements. These intensive clinical experiences, which are required in all U.S. states, build advanced skills in the field under the guidance of licensed professionals.
According to the APA, you will need 1,500-6,000 hours of supervised training, depending on your state. As a general guideline, the APA advises psychologists in training to expect to complete about 2,000 hours during a doctoral program and an additional 2,000 hours as a postdoctoral candidate. For specific details about your clinical requirements, consult your state's licensing board.
Step 5: Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
All U.S. states require clinical psychologist candidates to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The EPPP is a 225-question multiple-choice exam covering core psychology topics, including assessment, diagnosis, and the biological and social bases of behavior.
You need official approval from your state to sit for the EPPP. Rules for additional exam attempts vary among states, but you will also need clearance to take the exam again if you do not pass on your initial attempt.
In addition, you may need to pass an oral examination issued by your state's licensing board. Some jurisdictions also require jurisprudence exams that test your knowledge of professional ethics for clinical psychologists.
Step 6: Apply for State Licensure
Once you have satisfied your state's education, experience, and examination requirements, you can submit your formal licensure application. During this stage, licensing officials will:
Ensure your application is complete
Review and verify your credentials
Make a final decision on your licensing application
Exact processes — and completion timelines — vary by state. On the short end, you may receive a decision in about two weeks, but in some states, the application review process can take several months.
Once you receive official licensing approval, you can start to seek clinical psychologist positions or start your own practice. The American Academy of Clinical Psychology's job board is a helpful resource for launching your search.
Popular Online Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
What Does a Clinical Psychologist Do?
Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental, emotional, and behavioral health conditions using evidence-based therapies and testing. They work with individuals, families, couples, and groups in a variety of settings.
They may focus on child psychology, neuropsychology, trauma, addiction, or forensic psychology. Each field requires different skills to work with different populations.
Key skills for a clinical psychologist include:
Strong communication and listening skills
Critical thinking and problem solving
Ethical decision-making and professionalism
Empathy and emotional intelligence
Common Work Settings
As a clinical psychologist, you may work in settings such as:
Hospitals
Inpatient or outpatient care facilities
Educational institutions
Government agencies
You can also start a private practice or work in various settings on a contract or consultant basis. As a licensed psychologist, you may also choose to offer telehealth services.
Career Outlook for Clinical Psychologists
Clinical psychologists earn a national median salary of $100,580, and jobs are projected to grow faster than average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). It's important to keep in mind that your earning potential varies by state and depends on factors including your experience and work setting.
Median Annual Salary
$100,580
Projected Job Growth, 2024-2034
+6%
Source: BLS, May 2025
Clinical Psychologist Licensure and Certification
Clinical psychologists must be licensed by the psychology board in the state or jurisdiction where they practice. Although requirements vary, most jurisdictions require a doctoral degree, supervised clinical experience, and passing the national licensing exam. Each state sets its own application and renewal requirements. Board certification is separate from licensure and is generally optional.
Professional organizations for clinical psychologists include:
Expert Tip
As you research how to become a clinical psychologist, it's important to hear directly from those in the field. The following insights come from North Carolina-based clinical psychologist Sandra Wartski, Psy.D., who specializes in clinical therapies and psychoeducational evaluations:
What advice would you offer a student considering a career in psychology?
"Psychology is a broad, interesting, varied, and complex field. If someone is considering a career in psychology, getting involved in human service organizations or a psychology research lab can be really valuable for learning more and helping to target possible specialization or specific population interests. Knowing more about behind-the-scenes work in psychology before going to graduate school can be immensely helpful."
What is something you wish someone had told you when you were on the path to becoming a psychologist?
"Working in clinical psychology does involve sometimes being with and supporting people during some of the worst moments of their lives. It can be scary and hard, but it is also so satisfying to be able to make a significant difference in some people's lives through relationships, teaching, sharing, compassion, encouragement and skill building. Taking care of our own mental health is critical."
Become a Psychologist in Your State
The steps to become a clinical psychologist can vary depending on the state where you plan to practice. Learn more about specific requirements in some of the top states for psychologists:
Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Psychologists
For most candidates, becoming a licensed clinical psychologist takes about 8-13 years. This estimate includes all required education, experiential training, and examinations. Specific details vary by state, but you will need a doctoral degree in psychology plus 1,500-6,000 hours of supervised experience.
