Online clinical psychology programs offer you the chance to work in a challenging but rewarding field.
A bachelor's degree can prepare you to pursue entry-level positions, a master's helps you become a mental health counselor, and a doctorate can qualify you for clinical psychology licensure. Explore various online clinical psychology programs and how to become a clinical psychologist.
What Does a Clinical Psychologist Do?
Clinical psychologists provide services to individuals, families, and groups with mental, behavioral, and emotional disorders. These psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat people with acute concerns and chronic conditions. Clinical psychologists also:
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Interview patients -
Administer diagnostic tests -
Provide therapy to families and individuals
Although clinical psychologists may treat patients, they are not physicians and cannot prescribe medication in most states.
Clinical psychologists work in healthcare, education, research, and social services. Some clinical psychologists provide general psychological treatment, while others focus on specific conditions or populations such as children, adults, and patients with physical health problems.
In addition to direct care, clinical psychologists may also provide consultation services to other health professionals and organizations. These professionals work with vulnerable populations, so clinical psychologists must possess
- Compassion
- Patience
- Understanding
- Strong communication skills
What Is the Difference Between Clinical and Counseling Psychology?
Clinical and counseling psychology have similar focuses within the field. Both counseling and clinical psychologists assist clients with emotional difficulties that affect their daily lives. They also study, identify, and manage psychological disorders.
Counseling psychologists work with individuals to address communication, decision-making, and behavioral issues within settings such as healthcare offices, schools, private practices, or major companies. Required coursework consists of social psychology, abnormal psychology, and statistics. Specialty areas include couples, workplace stress, college life, and family issues.
Clinical psychologists analyze and treat mental conditions by providing counseling and conducting psychological assessments. Their required coursework leans toward psychopathology, which is the study of mental conditions.
Clinical psychologists practice in hospitals, healthcare settings, social services, residential communities, or research facilities.
Popular Online Bachelor's in Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Frequently Asked Questions About Clinical Psychology
What degree is needed for clinical psychology?
To become a clinical psychologist, you need at least a doctorate. Master's degree holders can become counselors or therapists. If you earn a doctoral degree in clinical psychology, you can pursue more specialized and advanced career opportunities.
How many years does it take to become a clinical psychologist?
You may take anywhere from 8-12 years to become a clinical psychologist, depending on your degree path, state licensure regulations, and required supervised hours.
Becoming a clinical psychologist involves earning a doctorate and completing 1-2 years of supervised clinical experience. Sometimes, students may enter a doctorate program directly after undergraduate studies.
What do clinical psychologists do?
Clinical psychologists diagnose psychological issues and provide treatment. These psychologists collaborate with other medical professionals to ensure patients receive quality care. Clinical psychologists provide individual and group therapy.
What can you do with a bachelor's degree in clinical psychology?
Earning a bachelor's degree in clinical psychology can prepare graduates for many entry-level careers in psychology. Some common job titles include correctional treatment specialists, labor relations managers, and community organization workers.
Can a clinical psychologist prescribe medicine?
In many states, a clinical psychologist does not have the necessary credentials to prescribe medication. However, New Mexico, Louisiana, Iowa, Illinois, and Idaho permit psychologists to prescribe medication if they fulfill specific education and testing requirements in psychopharmacology and complete a supervised experience.
Can You Get a Degree in Clinical Psychology Online?
Students can choose from dozens of online programs when pursuing bachelor's, master's, or doctoral degrees in clinical psychology. Online programs generally include the same core curriculum as campus-based programs, so distance learners become just as prepared to enter the workforce as their on-campus peers.
Online programs offer several advantages for learners who require flexibility. Students can access class materials whenever and wherever is most convenient for them. This allows enrollees with work, family, and other responsibilities to complete schoolwork when convenient.
Some online programs also have several different start dates throughout the year. Online learners can typically choose whether to complete their studies part-time or full-time.
Clinical psychology students may also save money by earning their degrees online. Some institutions give distance learners tuition discounts or charge flat rates for in-state and out-of-state residents. Online schools sometimes have shorter terms than traditional programs, allowing degree-seekers to graduate sooner and incur fewer costs.
Are Practicums and Internships Required in an Online Clinical Psychology Program?
Depending on the program and degree level, an online clinical psychology student may need to complete a practicum, internship, or both. Undergraduate programs do not always require students to complete field experiences.
Clinical psychology graduate programs typically include a mandatory practicum and internship component to prepare students for licensure or further education. Students can usually complete this field experience at approved locations within their communities.
Most states require each licensed, practicing clinical psychologist to earn a doctoral degree. Every state sets specific internship and education requirements, so aspiring psychologists should check with the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) and your state’s licensure laws to determine requirements.
ASPPB can also inform students whether they need to graduate from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) to receive licensure in their state.
The APA only accredits doctoral programs. Currently, it does not accredit online programs. However, some APA-accredited programs may offer certain courses online or use a hybrid format, which allows students to take classes online and attend practicums or internships in person.
Students should learn their state's requirements before enrolling. Program websites usually specify whether they prepare students for licensure, including the type of licensure and for which states. These sites should also specify internship and practicum requirements.
Popular Online Master's in Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
How Do I Become a Clinical Psychologist?
Becoming a clinical psychologist involves several steps. Students must:
- Earn a bachelor's degree.
- Earn a master's degree.
- Complete a doctorate program that is either APA-accredited or from a regionally accredited college.
- Complete 1-2 years of clinical experience under the supervision of a licensed clinical psychologist.
- Apply for state licensure and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
These steps can take anywhere from 8-12 years.
Prospective clinical psychologists must complete a specific number of supervised hours in a clinical setting. The number of required hours varies by state and helps ensure that students are prepared for licensure. This process takes between one and two years to complete.
Online Bachelor's Degree in Clinical Psychology
Earning a bachelor's degree is the first step to becoming a clinical psychologist. Schools do not typically have undergraduate programs in clinical psychology. Instead, they offer a bachelor's degree in psychology with a clinical or counseling concentration. These degrees prepare students to pursue master's degrees in clinical psychology, counseling psychology, or social work.
Some online programs also offer dual-degree options, allowing undergraduates to begin coursework for their master's degree. Some online clinical psychology Ph.D. programs accept applicants with bachelor's degrees, potentially saving students a significant amount of time and money.
Example Courses
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Physiological Psychology: Learners explore the biology behind human behavior, including emotions, motivation, learning, and memory. -
Human Development in Childhood and Adolescence: This class examines developmental theories for infants, children, and adolescents at the social, biological, and cognitive levels. Topics include attachment issues and temperament, personality development, and puberty and sexual development. -
Cognitive Psychology: Students learn the fundamentals of human thought processing, including perception, learning and memory, problem-solving, and decision-making. -
Abnormal Psychology: This course explores behavioral disorders and how society defines, explains, and treats these behaviors. -
Health Psychology: Students learn the relationships between the biological, cultural, environmental, and psychological factors critical to physical health and preventing illnesses.
Online Master's Degree in Clinical Psychology
After earning an undergraduate degree, clinical psychology students may pursue a master's degree in psychology.
Students interested in an online master's in clinical psychology may choose either a master of arts degree, which generally includes a stronger emphasis on a liberal arts curriculum, or a master of science degree, which is more focused on research. Some clinical psychology master's programs include specializations.
Potential concentrations include clinical counseling, forensic psychology, child and adolescent therapy, couples and family therapy, and applied research. Colleges typically deliver online master's programs through full-time enrollment, but some offer part-time schedules. Online master's students complete any required practicums or internships at approved agencies in their communities.
Example Courses
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Introduction to Psychopathology: This course focuses on assessing, diagnosing, and treating psychopathology. Students also explore theories of psychopathology, along with the politics of mental disorders, contemporary diagnoses, and ethical and multicultural issues within the field. -
Ethics and Standards of Professional Practice: Students learn the principles of conduct, ethics, and standards of practice for psychologists. They also review guidelines for practice in certain psychological services and with specific populations. Topics include informed consent, confidentiality, mandated reporting, recordkeeping, and duty to warn. -
Personality Assessment: Students learn about psychological evaluations and assessments specific to their application. This course also provides instruction on conducting and scoring psychological tests, evaluating behavioral elements, and discerning societal factors that might influence testing outcomes. -
Group Process and Dynamics: This course covers group counseling methods and perspectives, including how to lead groups. Students explore the phases and elements of the group model, plus theories and practices within group counseling. -
Multicultural Counseling: Students review how race, socioeconomic status, spirituality, sexual orientation, gender, and ability affect individual, couple, and family counseling. This course helps aspiring psychologists stay mindful and sensitive to all patients and their backgrounds.
Online Doctorate in Clinical Psychology
Earning a doctorate in clinical psychology is necessary to apply for licensure in most states. Students can earn a Ph.D. in clinical psychology or a Psy.D. in clinical psychology.
A Ph.D. typically focuses on research and pedagogy and requires students to write dissertations based on original research. In contrast, a Psy.D. emphasizes practical work for students who want to pursue clinical practice.
All accredited psychology doctoral programs require field experience, which may include clinical hours or an in-person internship. Online students can typically complete these field experiences near their residences. However, some clinical psychology Ph.D. programs require distance learners to attend residencies on campus.
After you graduate and complete the licensure requirements set by your state, you can practice as a general clinical psychologist or pursue a specialty, such as:
- Clinical neuropsychology
- Health psychology
- Child psychology
- Forensic psychology
- Geropsychology
Example Courses
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Strategies of Clinical Supervision and Consultation: This class reviews theories, functions, and methods of clinical supervision, consultation, and advocacy. Students learn about contractual, ethical, and legal issues involved in providing these services. These skills prepare students for careers as clinical supervisors. -
Psychology and Social Change: This course delves into important topics such as power and social inequalities, ethnic inequalities, gender and sexism. Students learn how social change theories can affect children, families, and communities. Future psychologists learn how they can serve as change agents. -
Psychopharmacology: Students in this class review the neuroanatomy, neurophysiology, and biological actions of medical drugs. They learn the indications for prescribing medication, potential side effects, and considerations when referring patients for medication evaluation. -
Biopsychology: In a biopsychology class, students learn about the connection between the human body's physical and mental functions. The curriculum also covers the biological factors affecting psychological operations, including genetics, neurological issues, and brain activity. -
Advanced Psychopathology: Degree-seekers delve into differential diagnosis, etiology, prognosis, and treatments for mental illness. Students also explore how culture, human diversity, and legal and ethical factors relate to treating illnesses. Learners review the Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders.
Required Licenses and Internships to Become a Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists must receive state licensure to practice. Requirements vary, but most states require you to:
- Hold a doctorate in psychology
- Complete an internship
- Perform 1-2 years of postdoctoral supervised clinical work
- Pass the examination for professional practice in psychology, a licensing exam administered by ASPPB
Depending on the state, students will need to accrue 1,500-6,000 total hours of supervised experience.
You must correctly answer about 70% of the questions to pass the licensing exam. Candidates pay a $600 exam fee and a fee to the testing center, which varies by state. Some states also charge extra administrative fees.
The total cost after submitting the application, fees, and taking the exam can reach $500-$1,000. Psychology students should refer to the ASPPB to learn the specific requirements for their state.
Popular Online Doctorate in Psychology Programs
Learn about start dates, transferring credits, availability of financial aid, and more by contacting the universities below.
Careers for Clinical Psychology Degree-Holders
After graduating from a doctoral program and earning licensure in their state, clinical psychologists may work in hospitals, private healthcare practices, mental health facilities, and schools. They can practice as general clinical psychologists or pursue specialties in the field.
The APA recognizes specialties such as clinical neuropsychology, clinical health psychology, clinical child and adolescent psychology, and geropsychology.
Common traits of successful psychologists include analytical, interpersonal, observational, and problem-solving skills. They must also possess integrity and patience because patients need to trust them to treat sensitive problems.
Clinical Psychologist
These psychologists evaluate, diagnose, and treat patients with psychological issues. They commonly see patients with depression, anxiety, and behavioral issues. Clinical psychologists provide therapy to individuals and groups. Aspiring psychologists should earn doctoral degrees in clinical or counseling psychology from APA-accredited organizations.
Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychologist
Clinical child and adolescent psychologists focus on children's emotional well-being and mental fitness. Within the developmental stages, these psychologists work with children and their parents to identify and treat psychological conditions and administer therapy.
Professionals can work in schools, healthcare organizations, and private practices. Degree requirements for clinical child and adolescent psychologists include a doctorate.
Clinical Therapist
Clinical therapists assess and treat clients with mental disorders through evaluations, therapy, and case management. They typically see patients with severe and persistent mental conditions and individuals with personality or behavioral issues.
Clinical therapists can practice multiple forms of therapy, including groups, couples, and families. Work settings include hospitals, private practice, and community mental health offices. A master's degree with licensure is the base education level required for clinical therapy.
Health Psychologist
Health psychologists help develop strategies for patients to foster emotional and physical well-being, study how patients handle illness, and analyze compliance with medical recommendations. Health psychologists can specialize in four areas: clinical health, community health, occupational health, and public health psychology.
Health psychologists most often work in hospitals and clinic settings, community outreach programs, private corporations, or specialty wellness providers.
Geropsychologist
Geropsychologists specialize in providing mental healthcare to people 65 years and older. They provide support for individuals transitioning to retirement, losing their independence as they age, or coping with the death of a loved one. A geropsychologist may also work with family members when illness triggers role changes that cause conflict in the family.
Geropsychologists provide services across several inpatient and outpatient settings, including hospitals, the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), long-term care, or residential mental health facilities.
What Does a Clinical Psychologist Make in a Year?
Clinical psychologists earned a median annual wage of $90,130, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). Health practitioner offices employ the most clinical psychologists and offer one of the highest average annual salaries for clinical psychologists.
The annual salary for clinical psychologists can range from $42,760-$168,790 per year. Their salary depends on several factors, such as geographical location, experience, and specialization.
For example, clinical psychologists working in another healthcare practitioner's office are typically paid more than those working in general medical and surgical hospitals.
In addition to offices of other healthcare practitioners, other top-paying industries include employment services, insurance companies, and home healthcare services.
Compare the following clinical psychologist salary figures and career opportunities to better understand possible options in the field.
Page last reviewed on November 27, 2023.