How to Become a Health Psychologist
Health psychology explores the relationship between mental and physical health. Find out what it takes to become a health psychologist.
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If you’re interested in the intersection of mental and physical health, a career in health psychology may appeal to you. Learn about the steps to becoming a health psychologist, along with educational and licensing requirements, career paths, and potential salaries.
Steps to Become a Health Psychologist
Health psychologists devote years to the following steps to develop analytical, communication, observational, and problem-solving skills.
- Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree
A bachelor’s degree typically takes four years to complete and requires 120 credits. While majoring in health psychology or a related field is not mandatory at this level, this degree, if available, provides a strong foundation for graduate study in the field. A bachelor’s in psychology ranks as one of the most popular undergraduate majors. Psychology majors develop skills in analysis, critical thinking, and research.
- Step 2: Earn a Master’s Degree
The minimum pathway into the health psychology field is a master’s degree in psychology. A master’s in health psychology prepares graduates for doctoral programs. A doctorate opens doors to licensure and independent clinical psychology practice.
A health psychology master’s degree takes 2-4 years to earn 60 credits. Coursework includes community health, promotion of healthy behaviors, stress and coping, and social psychology. Programs often include supervised clinical experience and culminate with a research thesis or capstone project.
- Step 3: Earn a Doctoral Degree
State licensure boards require a doctoral degree in psychology to practice psychology independently and use the title of “psychologist.” Doctor degrees include a Ph.D. in health psychology, which emphasizes teaching and research, or a more clinically focused doctor of psychology (Psy.D.). Psychology doctorate programs span roughly 4-7 years. Ph.D. programs are about the same length, but may take longer due to dissertation requirements.
- Step 4: Satisfy Internship and Supervised Clinical Requirements
State psychology licensure requires supervised clinical experience. Most clinical postdoctoral internships last 1-2 years and typically include training in case presentation, consultation, documentation, and direct face-to-face client services.
Health psychologists pursuing careers in academia can opt for postdoctoral research experience. While these postdocs are not required, they hone skills in grant writing and research publication. Research postdocs can give candidates a leg up in the highly competitive university hiring environment.
- Step 5: Pursue State Licensure
Each state has its own licensing requirements for psychologists. These requirements typically include a doctorate from an American Psychological Association accredited program, specific courses and content areas, and passing scores on the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and state jurisprudence exams.
How Long Will It Take to Become a Health Psychologist?
Becoming a health psychologist can take up to 12 years. This timeframe includes earning a bachelor’s degree, master’s degree, doctorate, and completing postdoctoral experience, if you’re interested in licensure.
| Job | Time to Become |
|---|---|
| School Psychologist (only master’s required for licensure) | 6-7 years |
| Clinical Psychologist | 8-12 years |
| Child Psychologist | 8-12 years |
| Counseling Psychologist | 8-12 years |
How Much Does a Health Psychologist Make?
The median annual salary for all psychologists is $94,310, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). The lowest 10% of earners made less than $54,860, and the highest 10% exceeded $157,330. Clinical and counseling psychologists earn a slightly higher median annual salary of $95,830.
Frequently Asked Questions About Becoming a Health Psychologist
Health psychologists study how physical health influences patients’ mental health and vice versa. Their work helps healthcare professionals better communicate with patients and manage their pain and discomfort. It also increases the likelihood that patients will follow medical advice.
