Psychology in Minnesota

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Updated August 17, 2022 · 1 Min Read

Explore our guide on psychologist licensing in Minnesota, average psychologist salaries in the state, and options on how to help Minnesota residents access psychological services.

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Minnesota stands out as an attractive state for psychologists due to its prime quality of living and second-place ranking as the happiest state in the nation.

The average Minnesota psychologist salary of $81,150 compares somewhat favorably to the national median of $102,900 for the profession. Although the state's salary is below the national average, Minnesota has a demand for school psychologists, per the Minnesota School Psychologists Association.

Psychologist Salaries in Minnesota
Job Title Lowest 10% Median Annual Salary Highest 10%
Clinical and counseling psychologists $47,630 $98,050 $127,160
School psychologists $49,400 $78,800 $103,540
Industrial-organizational psychologists N/A N/A N/A
Psychologists, all other $39,560 $64,500 $130,360

Source: BLS

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Psychologist Licensing in Minnesota

Psychologist licensing in Minnesota is administered by the Minnesota Board of Psychology. Obtaining a psychologist license in Minnesota is not particularly difficult. However, applicants must pass two exams and complete postdoctoral supervision hours to fulfill state licensure requirements.

License reciprocity is an agreement in which one state recognizes other states' licensure benefits. Presently, the Minnesota Board of Psychology allows out-of-state psychologists to apply for license reciprocity.

Minnesota's reciprocity requirements include a doctoral degree in psychology, five-year consecutive licensure with a clear disciplinary record, an application submission with a $500 fee, and the successful completion of a state exam.

License Requirements

  • Graduate from an American Psychological Association-accredited doctoral psychology program or equivalent per state standards
  • Complete 1,800 hours of postdoctoral hours
  • Pass the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology
  • Pass the state Professional Responsibility Examination
  • Fill out an online application form (includes a $500 fee) with the Minnesota Board of Psychology

Demand for Psychology in Minnesota

Minnesota meets one-third of its population's mental health needs, and the Kaiser Family Foundation identifies it as a health professional shortage area. School psychologists are a particularly pressing need in Minnesota, per local professionals.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, a Minnesota school psychologist shortage was already in effect. The suggested ratio is one school psychologist per 500 pupils, but in 2019, Minnesota had an average of one school psychologist per 1,700 pupils. Increased staff shortages have contributed to longer wait lists, which result in barriers to care.

The Minnesota School Psychologist Association suggests several ideas to address the Minnesota school psychologist shortage, including providing additional internship opportunities and supervisors for doctoral students. Minnesota State University helps pave the way for future Minnesota school psychologists, offering a school psychology doctoral program focusing on research and fieldwork.

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