Psychology in Connecticut
| Nina Chamlou Modified on May 11, 2022
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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.
| 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
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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.