Demand for psychologists in Kentucky is high, and Kentucky psychologist salaries are more than twice the salary for all workers. The need for psychologists with a background in culturally competent care and in treating prescription drug disorders is especially strong.
This guide explores psychologist licensing in Kentucky and outlines typical salaries.
| Job Title | Lowest 10% | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | $35,820 | $77,190 | $161,610 |
| School psychologists | $48,770 | $62,070 | $81,590 |
| Psychologists, all other | $64,270 | $104,420 | $121,330 |
Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics
Online Doctorate Programs in Psychology
Psychologist Licensing in Kentucky
The Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology is responsible for enforcing psychology licensing Kentucky regulations. For psychologist licensing, Kentucky requires a doctorate in psychology, but unlike many states, it also accepts a doctorate in education, provided the graduate completed the required curriculum. The state also requires a passing grade on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). You may be eligible for a temporary license while you finish your supervised professional experience and wait to take the exams.
If you are already licensed in another state and are certified by the National Register of Health Service Psychologists or have a Certificate of Professional Qualification (CPQ) from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB), Kentucky psychology licensing regulations make you eligible for reciprocity.
If you have a master's degree, you may apply for licensing as a psychological associate, but this is not the same as a psychologist license.
License Requirements
A doctorate in psychology (either a Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D.) An application specifying how your coursework meets the educational requirements Official sealed transcripts for all college-level education Three letters of reference A $200 application fee At least 3,600 hours of supervised professional experience, including a one-year (1,800 hour) internship with at least 100 hours of supervision and at least 1,800 hours of post-doctoral supervised experience A passing grade on the EPPP Passing grades on an oral examination and a Kentucky jurisprudence (law) examination
Demand for Psychology in Kentucky
Nationally, the demand for mental health professionals who treat anxiety, depression, sleep-wake disorders, obsessive-compulsive disorders, and substance abuse and addiction is growing, according to the American Psychological Association. The Kaiser Family Foundation (KFF) reports that less than a quarter (24.9%) of the population of Kentucky has adequate access to mental health services. Almost three million Kentucky residents do not have sufficient access.
The need for treatment of prescription drug use disorders is also high. Many Kentucky counties rank well above the national rates for prescription drug disorders. This creates a high demand for psychologists with training and experience in substance abuse recovery.
Culturally competent care is a vital need in Kentucky. Spalding University offers a Collective Care Center that addresses the needs of people experiencing race-related stress. Steven Kniffley Jr., the center coordinator, notes that demand has grown during the COVID-19 pandemic and high-profile racial incidents, including the deaths of George Floyd and Breonna Taylor.