How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist in Connecticut?

State rules require your doctoral program to include at least three years of graduate-level courses. However, most doctorate programs 5-7 years. After graduation, you must complete one year of supervised work before applying for your license. Some psychology doctorate programs admit students with bachelor's degrees, though most students earn a master's degree first.

Are Online Psychology Classes Hard?

Online courses offer the same rigor as campus-based courses. Online classes often include assigned readings followed by online discussions, individual research projects, and collaborative presentations. Because most online classes do not include specific class times, students need excellent time management skills and discipline to complete their assignments on time.

What Skills Are Needed to Be a Psychologist?

Psychologists need keen observational skills to evaluate and assess their clients, patience and compassion to help individuals dealing with difficult situations, and strong communication skills. They also need analytical skills to carefully evaluate patients' needs to draw logical conclusions and develop treatment plans.

What Schools Are Best for Psychology in Connecticut?

Twelve universities offer a master's or advanced psychology degree in Connecticut. When choosing one, consider the academic program offered, any specializations available, and the affordability of the school. Always ensure your school holds regional accreditation. Also, look for programmatic accreditations in school psychology, education, or general psychology.

Is a BA or a BS in Psychology Better?

Again, the degree you choose will depend on your interests and goals. A BA provides a greater focus on liberal arts and social science, while a BS will integrate more math, statistics, and science. The BA offers more opportunities to take electives in areas of social work, child development, or law. Both degrees require about four years to complete.

Psychology in Connecticut

Updated August 17, 2022

Explore the average salaries of psychologists in Connecticut, the requirements to obtain a psychology license, and the areas in most need of therapy and counseling services.

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According to 2020 data from Kaiser Family Foundation, almost one-third of Connecticut residents experience some form of anxiety or depression. However, less than half (46%) of those polled are able to access mental health services.

Psychologist Salaries in Connecticut
Job Title	Lowest 10%	Median Annual Salary	Highest 10%
Clinical and counseling psychologists	$60,820	$104,940	N/A
School psychologists	$61,000	$83,010	$123,230
Psychologists, all other	$42,180	$113,570	$133,760

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

Online Doctorate Programs

Psychologist Licensing in Connecticut

For psychologist licensing in Connecticut, you must hold a doctoral degree in psychology and take the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The state board considers a passing score to be 500.

You also need to meet other state requirements, which includes one year of supervised clinical experience. Supervised experience should be completed on a 35-40-hour, per-week schedule for at least 46 weeks within a 12 month period, or a cumulative of 1,800 hours within 24 months.

Once you've completed the educational and practical requirements, you must also supply transcripts from your doctoral program and be prepared to pay the application fee of $565. Applications can be completed online and are reviewed by Connecticut's Department of Public Health.

Psychologists in Connecticut must complete 10 continuing education hours every 12 months to maintain licensure.

Connecticut is in the process of becoming a Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) member. Once the legislation has been put into effect, psychologists licensed in the state will be able to offer therapy to clients in other PSYPACT-member jurisdictions.

License Requirements

To obtain licensure in psychology in Connecticut, applicants must meet the following requirements:

Hold a doctoral degree from an APA-accredited psychology program (must seek approval for a non-APA accredited program)
Completion of one year of supervised clinical experience (completed 35-40 hours per week for at least 46 weeks within a 12 month period, or a cumulative of 1,800 hours within 24 months)
Passing scores on the EPPP

Demand for Psychology in Connecticut

While Connecticut is not one of the highest populated states in the U.S., it is one of the most densely populated. For psychologists interested in working in Connecticut, this means that demand for therapy is present throughout the state.

According to the BLS, Connecticut's location quotient for clinical and counseling psychologists is .85, meaning it has a lower than average presence of psychologists compared to other states. Less than half of the state's residents who experience mental illness are able to access care.

Similarly to other areas of the country, people of color in Connecticut are less likely to receive adequate healthcare, including mental health care, compared to the state's white population. According to data collected during the onset of the pandemic, Connecticut residents who identify as Hispanic or multiracial have been experiencing a significantly higher rate of symptoms of depression compared to other ethnic groups.

The state's Hispanic and Latino residents are concentrated mostly in Hartford, New Britain, and Bridgeport. Towns with the highest share of Black residents are Bloomfield, Hartford, Windsor, Bridgeport, and New Haven. These areas need more therapists to address the minority groups' gap in access to care.