Psychology in Nevada: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in NV
Learn about getting a psychologist license in Nevada, including education and training requirements, and discover potential salaries.
Nevada has a critical need for mental health professionals. A 2024 report from Mental Health America ranked Nevada 51st in the nation for having a high prevalence of mental disorders and a low rate of access to care.
Learn about obtaining a psychologist license in Nevada, including education and experience requirements.
Nevada Psychology Licensure Requirements
The State of Nevada Board of Psychological Examiners oversees psychology licensure. The board licenses psychologists and also registers psychological assistants, interns, and trainees in the process of becoming psychologists.
This section lists the requirements for licensed psychologists and registered psychological assistants, interns, and trainees.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychologist in Nevada?
Becoming a licensed psychologist in Nevada can take at least 10 years. Psychologists must first earn a bachelor’s degree, which usually takes four years, and then a doctorate in psychology–either a doctor of psychology (Psy.D.) or a Ph.D. in psychology. Doctoral degree programs take five to seven years to complete. Some students also earn master’s degrees in psychology before entering their doctoral programs, which typically adds two to three years to the process.
After completing a Psy.D. or Ph.D., the Nevada licensing board requires about a year of postgraduate supervised clinical training.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Nevada
Nevada’s Board of Psychological Examiners does not offer reciprocity to psychologists in other states but does provide an expedited license application process to qualified applicants. Psychologists with a Certificate of Professional Qualification in Psychology (CPQ), American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) certification, or National Register of Health Service Psychologists (NRHSPP) certification can apply for expedited licensing, along with psychologists who have been licensed for 20 years or more.
How to Renew a Psychology License in Nevada
Nevada psychologists renew their licenses at the end of every even-numbered year. Renewal requires 30 hours of continuing education (CE) during each two-year reporting cycle. The CE must include:
- Six hours of content in scientific and professional ethics and standards and common areas of professional misconduct
- Two hours of evidence-based suicide prevention and awareness
- Six hours of cultural competency
The board allows no more than 15 hours of CE from distance learning sources, with the exception of live online events held in real time.
Salary Expectations for Psychologists in Nevada
The table below lists the average annual and hourly salaries for Nevada psychologists, according to May 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) data. Nevada’s salaries for clinical and counseling psychologists and “psychologists, all other” in Nevada exceed the national average. However, school psychologists in Nevada earn less than the national average.
Nevada ranked fourth among the top-paying states in the U.S. for the “psychologist, all other” occupation in 2023, according to the BLS. Reno, Nevada, ranked fifth among metropolitan areas in this occupation, which includes industrial-organizational, forensic, and rehabilitation psychologists.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $110,520 | $53.13 |
| School Psychologists | $89,460 | $43.01 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $130,120 | $62.56 |
Professional Organizations for Psychologists in Nevada
- Nevada Psychological Association (NPA): The NPA supports, mentors, and advocates for Nevada psychologists and represents psychology as a science and profession. Benefits include a members-only listserv and social channels, early registration and discounts to its continuing education workshops, and committee leadership opportunities.
- Nevada Association of School Psychologists (NVASP): The NVASP prioritizes school safety, diversity, social justice, and community. Students can join free of charge, and regular membership costs only $30 per year. Member benefits include networking and volunteer opportunities, professional development, and legislative advocacy.
Frequently Asked Questions About Nevada Psychology Licensure
Nevada psychology licensure requires a doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited school and APA-accredited program, two years of supervised training, and passing scores on the EPPP and state jurisprudence examinations.
