Several universities in Nevada offer online psychology programs. The field has become a more popular discipline for online learners in recent years: The American Psychological Association reports a 43% growth in master's degrees awarded in clinical psychology between 2004 and 2013.
In Nevada, the Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 25.6% growth in clinical psychology and counseling positions by 2024. This projected growth is due to Nevada's new mental health initiatives, as well as the demand for highly qualified psychologists.
Mental Health Initiatives in Nevada
Nevada strives to improve its residents' mental health with programs aimed at suicide prevention, inpatient and outpatient behavioral health services, and mental health wellness planning. The state also holds a Substance Abuse Prevention Training Agency Block Grant that allows them to fund substance abuse treatment programs staffed with licensed mental health professionals. These initiatives seem to be paying off, as Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration's recent Behavioral Health Barometer reported that 63.6% of adults who utilized public mental health services in Nevada had improved functioning after treatment.
How do I Become a Psychologist in Nevada?
Becoming a psychologist requires earning a degree, passing exams, and applying for licensure in most states. The following list shows specific steps for becoming a psychologist in Nevada.
Choose the Path That's Right for you: Generally, a master's degree is the minimum degree required to pursue any career in psychology or mental health counseling. Earning a master's degree online in Nevada qualifies you as a behavior analyst, while a doctoral degree is required for anyone pursuing a career as a psychologist.
Earn Your Degree: After choosing a degree path, you'll have to decide whether to attend an on-campus program or pursue an online psychology degree in Nevada. Program prerequisites differ depending on which degree you're pursuing. Master's-level programs will require a bachelor's degree, while some doctoral programs require a bachelor's and master's degree. Many psychology programs also demand an internship or practicum hours that will have to be completed prior to graduation. All of these factors impact the length of time it will take you to complete your degree.
Earn Your License: Anyone seeking psychology licensure in Nevada must take and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and a state-based exam after earning a doctoral degree. These programs generally include state-required, supervised training hours throughout your time in school and during post doctorate years. The EPPP costs $600, and the state exam is $100. Licensure does not guarantee immediate employment.
Psychology Licensing in Nevada
Earning your online psychology degree qualifies you for a variety of career options. The state requires different licenses to practice in mental and behavioral health, each license varying by procedures, exams, and fees. The table below outlines psychology licenses in Nevada and the careers available to licensed professionals.
Licensed Psychologist
Prerequisites:
- Doctoral degree from APA-accredited program.
- Two years of supervised training; 1750 hours predoc, 1750 postdoc.
- Pass the EPPP.
- Pass state exam.
Careers Available With This License:
- Clinical Psychologist
- Therapist
Total Fees:
- EPPP - $600
- Nevada State Exam - $100
- Nevada State Application Fee - $100
- Total - $800
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Prerequisites:
- Master's degree in social work from Council on Social Work Education (CSWE)-accredited program.
- Pass Association of Social Work Boards' Advanced or Clinical Social Work Exam.
Careers Available With This License:
- Clinical Social Worker
- Independent Social Worker
Total Fees:
- ASWB Advanced or Clinical Exam - $260
- Nevada License and Application Fees - $215
- Total - $475
Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)
Prerequisites:
- Graduate degree in marriage and family therapy, psychology, or social work from a regionally accredited institution approved by the state board.
- Two years post-grad supervised training in marriage and family therapy.
- Minimum of 3,000 training hours with at least 1,500 hours of direct patient contact.
- Pass MFT examination.
Careers Available With This License:
- Marriage & Family Therapist
- Couples' Therapist
Total Fees:
- MFT examination - $355
- Nevada State Fees - $75
- Total - $430
LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)
Prerequisites: Graduate degree from CACREP-accredited institution/program and completed psychiatry residency or at least two years of postgraduate experience in practicing counseling, 3,000 supervised training hours in counseling, and passed NCMHCE exam.
Careers Available With This License: Clinical Professional Counselor
Total Fees:
- NCMHCE Exam Fee - $195
- Nevada State Fees - $75
- Total - $270
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Prerequisites: Graduate degree from CACREP-accredited institution/program and completed psychiatry residency or at least two years of postgraduate experience in practicing counseling, 3,000 supervised training hours in counseling, and passed NCMHCE exam.
Careers Available With This License: Clinical Professional Counselor
Total Fees:
- NCMHCE Exam Fee - $195
- Nevada State Fees - $75
- Total - $270
Psychology Internships and Fellowships in Nevada
Fellowships and internships provide supervised training hours for psychology students. These programs focus on enhancing research and postgraduate studies through experience. Fellowships are usually targeted towards graduate students, and are paid positions; internships may be paid or unpaid in exchange for course credit. The internships below are available specifically to psychology students in Nevada.
- Northern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services (NNAMHS): Based in Sparks, this internship is ideal for students who want to learn more about clinical psychology. Interns in this program train in treatment, diagnosis, and evaluation. The internship is paid and comes with benefits.
- Carson City Rural Clinical: Interns at this clinic work specifically with underserved rural communities in Nevada. This particular internship is based outside of Reno in Carson City. Interns work with patients dealing with severe mental illnesses, both in person and through Telehealth.
- Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services (SNAMHS): This internship offers tracks in both general and forensic psychology. Interns focus on building skills in clinical consultation and professional development. The forensic track emphasizes laws in relation to mental competence and health.
Psychology Careers in Nevada
Psychology jobs in Nevada are expected to grow over 25% by 2024, a higher rate than the projected national growth. Popular job website Glassdoor shows job openings in psychology from clinical psychologists to school psychologists. With so many career options, now is an ideal time to pursue an online psychology degree. The growing need for qualified professionals will likely continue due to Nevada's state mental health initiatives and dedication to improving the mental and behavioral health of its residents.
How Much do Psychologists Make in Nevada?
The experience and credentials psychologists hold contribute to the salary they earn. It's difficult to generalize earnings and salaries across all types of psychology employment, as even the specific title a professional holds can have an impact on their earnings. Where you live geographically within the state may also affect your earning potential. The table below compares the national salary averages for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists with what these professionals earn in Nevada.
| Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Nevada | 490 | $35.00 | $72,800 |
| United States | 122,310 | $38.77 | $80,640 |
Source: BLS
Mental Health Service Providers in Nevada
Once you've earned your degree and begin pursuing licensure, you'll want to search for job openings in your preferred field. Below are a few examples of the mental health service providers in Nevada.
- Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health: Backed by the Division of Public and Behavioral Health, this provider has locations around southern Nevada that provide inpatient and outpatient mental health services.
- Lake's Crossing Center: This is a government-run facility that houses maximum security individuals. Patients from around the state receive court ordered forensic evaluation and treatment for mental competency.
- Rural Clinics and Community Health Services: These 16 state-funded clinics provide services for underserved rural communities around Nevada. Both adults and children receive care in these facilities on an outpatient basis.
- H.O.P.E. Counseling Services: This clinic serves patients of all ages dealing with mental health concerns. Their primary mission is to provide healing and empowerment to clients.
- Family Counseling Service: Based in Reno, this organization provides mental health services, including pre- and post-bankruptcy financial counseling and youth treatment camps. They also offer assistance in applying for financial aid programs such as food stamps and Medicaid.
Mental Health Research Centers in Nevada
Many facilities in Nevada conduct clinical trials of new treatments and research manifestations and causes of mental health disorders. The centers and laboratories below are a few examples of research facilities in Nevada employing psychology professionals.
- Altea Research: Altea Research is based in Las Vegas and specializes in clinical trials on new medications and therapies to treat psychological and neurological disorders, including PTSD, bipolar disorder, major depressive disorders, and substance abuse/dependence.
- Psychophysiology of Emotion and Personality Laboratory: This lab in Las Vegas is affiliated with the University of Nevada. Led by Dr. Stephen Benning, research focus includes manifestations of psychological disorders and personality traits as factors of risky behaviors.
- Neuropsychology Research Program: Also associated with UNLV, this research lab, ran by Dr. David N. Allen, conducts research emphasizing neuropsychological function in people battling neurological disorders.
Professional Organizations for Mental Health Professionals
Joining a professional organization can be a great way to kickstart your career through valuable networking opportunities and professional development. These groups provide advocacy and services to members. Below are some of the most popular professional organizations in psychology and counseling open to professionals and students in Nevada.
- Nevada Psychology Association: The NPA is an official branch of the APA that aims to advance the science of psychology and represent those in the profession. Their members include both practicing psychologists and students. The NPA hosts workshops and offers internship opportunities.
- Nevada Association of School Psychologists: The NVASP not only offers opportunities for networking with other school psychologists, but also emphasizes the implementation of the NASP Practice Model.
- Nevada Counseling Association: The NCA advocates for best practices in counseling in Nevada. They hold an annual conference, offer professional development opportunities, and lead legislative initiatives.
Scholarships for Online Psychology Programs in Nevada
Jack Simon Graduate Scholarship
This scholarship is available to women pursuing a graduate degree at the University of Nevada, Reno. The applicant must be accepted for, or enrolled in, at least nine credit hours.
- Amount Offered: $500 - $8,000
- Scholarship Deadline: February 15
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a woman attending, or accepted to, a graduate program at UNR. Proof of enrollment required.
Gordon Lymbery Memorial Scholarship
This award is for graduates of a Northern Nebraska high school who are seeking an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree at a college or university in Nevada.
- Amount Offered: Up to $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: March 15
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a Nevada resident and provide proof of college enrollment. Must have graduated from a high school in Northern Nevada with a minimum 2.5 GPA.
Officer Mike Scofield Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship memorializes Mike Scofield, a Reno Police officer who died in a motorcycle accident. It is intended for graduates of northern Nevada high schools who attend a Bible-based church and are enrolled in a higher learning institution in Nevada.
- Amount Offered: Varies
- Scholarship Deadline: April 30
- Eligibility Requirements: Must provide proof of enrollment and transcripts and meet minimum GPA requirements. Must demonstrate financial need.
Ron and Linda Smith Family Scholarship
This award is for returning and nontraditional students seeking a higher degree. The award benefits students attending and seeking a degree at Truckee Meadows Community College, Western Nevada College, or Great Basin College.
- Amount Offered: Up to $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: April 30
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be attending specific school in Nevada. Must be a re-entering or nontraditional student.
Nevada Women's Fund Scholarship
This scholarship provided by the Nevada Women's Fund benefits female residents of northern Nevada attending higher learning institutions in the same area.
- Amount Offered: $500 - $5,000
- Scholarship Deadline: February 28
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a woman resident of northern Nevada and have a minimum 3.0 GPA. Must take a minimum of six to eight credits per semester.
Edward Lovinger Psychology Scholarship
Graduate students in psychology at the University of Nevada can apply for this scholarship. The award is meant for students who show financial need and academic strength.
- Amount Offered: Varies
- Scholarship Deadline: February 15
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be enrolled in at least six graduate hours in psychology at UNLV. Must submit FAFSA by February 15 to be considered.
Cobell Scholarship
This scholarship for students who are members of US Federally-Recognized Tribe can be applied toward any degree at a higher learning institution.
- Amount Offered: Varies
- Scholarship Deadline: February 1
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be verified member of federally recognized tribe. Must have minimum 2.25 GPA and have completed no more than 150 undergraduate credit hours.
AAC Behavioral Health Academic Scholarship Program
American Addiction Centers sponsor this scholarship for undergraduate and graduate students in behavioral health programs who demonstrate a passion for entering the mental health field.
- Amount Offered: $2,500 - $5,000
- Scholarship Deadline: May 31
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be high school graduate. Must be enrolled part or full time in undergraduate or graduate program.
Alpine Recovery Lodge Scholarship
This essay contest awards $1,000 bi-annually to two students who have written essays about how addiction has impacted their lives and who are residents of specific western states.
- Amount Offered: $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: July 1
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a resident of Utah, Colorado, Idaho, Wyoming, New Mexico, Arizona or Nevada. Must write and submit essay.
Boomer Benefits Scholarship
This scholarship award aids returning students aged 50 and older, seeking higher education to complete their degree or graduate education. Emphasis is placed on applicants who have participated in community service.
- Amount Offered: $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: January 15
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be enrolled in accredited higher learning institution with minimum 3.0 GPA.
Accreditation for Online Psychology Programs in Nevada
If you're looking to earn a master's in psychology online in Nevada, search for schools and programs that are properly accredited. Accreditation includes regional, national, and major/program-specific forms. Regional accreditation is most common and differs from national due to how credits can or cannot be transferred between schools and programs. Schools in Nevada are often accredited regionally by the Northwest Commission on Colleges and Universities.
Major or program-specific accreditation through agencies such as American Psychological Association (APA) are also important to consider, especially with psychology PhD programs in Nevada. Many state licensing boards will only accept degrees from APA-accredited programs.
Explore Psychology Careers
Program Database of Online Psychology Programs in Nevada
Now that you've gained some valuable insight about psychology in Nevada, you can start researching your online psychology degree. The following database provides a list of accredited programs in Nevada offered online.