The demand for psychologists in Nevada is high, and salaries in the state reach six figures, depending on the specialty. This guide explains the process of earning a psychologist license in the state, typical Nevada psychologist salaries, and factors affecting job demand. Keep reading for the information you need on psychology licensing in Nevada.
| Job Title | Lowest 10% | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | $19,440 | $94,480 | $164,110 |
| School psychologists | $49,260 | $78,780 | $100,810 |
| Psychologists, all other | $48,920 | $99,740 | $128,770 |
Source: BLS
Online Doctorate Programs in Psychology
Psychologist Licensing in Nevada
Like other states, earning a psychology license in Nevada requires a doctorate, either a Psy.D, Ph.D., or an Ed.D., from a program with American Psychological Association (APA) approval or meets equivalent standards. The State of Nevada Board of Psychological Examiners oversees psychologist licensing in Nevada. It can take several months to process a license request, depending on the timing of the next review meeting.
Nevada does not offer license reciprocity, but a psychologist with a license of 20 or more years standing, or credentials with the National Register of Health Science Psychologists, American Board of Professional Psychology, or Certificate of Professional Qualification, can qualify for expedited processing. The state participates in the Psychology Licensure Universal System®, a centralized program from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.
License Requirements
A doctorate (Psy.D., Ph.D., or E.D.) from an APA-approved program or a degree that meets equivalent requirements 2,000-hour pre-internship experience 1,750 post-doctoral hours of supervised practice Passing grade on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology Passing grade on state jurisprudence examination A clean professional and personal history, typically meaning no current or past findings of ethical, moral, legal, or malpractice action taken against you; criminal background other than minor traffic offenses; or negligence, professional misconduct, or academic dishonesty
Demand for Psychology in Nevada
Mental Health America reports that, as of 2022, Nevada ranks 39th among all states in unmet need for mental health care for adults. This is an improvement over its 2018 ranking, in which the state came in last place. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, just over one-third of its population has sufficient access to mental health care, with almost 2.5 million residents living in under-served areas.
The need for culturally competent care is also high. Approximately one-third of the population is Hispanic, 11% is Black, and 9% is Asian American, according to the U.S. Census Bureau. About 30% of the population speaks a language other than English at home.