Psychology in New York: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in NY

Updated August 22, 2022 · 1 Min Read

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

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Are you considering becoming a licensed psychologist in New York? This state offers an attractive atmosphere for licensed psychologists, with higher salaries than the national annual median. In addition, the National Alliance on Mental Illness reports that more than one-third of New Yorkers experienced depression and anxiety in 2021, creating a great need for mental health professionals.

Read on for more information about psychologist licensing in New York, the demand for psychology professionals, and expected salary ranges.

Psychologist Salaries in New York
Job Title Lowest 10% Median Annual Salary Highest 10%
Clinical and counseling psychologists $48,800 $104,070 N/A
School psychologists $61,000 $99,040 $131,050
Psychologists, all other $30,160 $110,550 $138,400

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics

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Psychologist Licensing in New York

Psychologist licensing in New York is regulated by the state's Office of the Professions. Obtaining a psychologist license in New York requires 3,500 supervisory hours and passing one exam. However, professionals seeking psychologist licensing in New York must also complete two hours of training concerning child abuse.

License reciprocity refers to a state's recognition of other states' licensure benefits. New York grants psychologist license reciprocity, provided candidates meet specific standards. These candidates must submit an application, provide proof of a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) or comparable exam, and present a five-year history of out-of-state licensure.

License Requirements

Applicants for psychologist licensing in New York must:

  • Be older than 21 years, and present with good moral character.
  • Graduate from an American Psychological Association-accredited doctoral program in psychology.
  • Complete 3,500 hours of supervised experience, with a maximum of 1,750 during the doctoral internship and the remaining during postdoctoral work.
  • Complete a two-hour child abuse identification course.
  • Pass the EPPP and pay a $687.50 fee.
  • Submit an application to the Office of the Professions and pay a $294 fee.

Demand for Psychology in New York

New York meets only 23% of its population's mental health needs. Consequently, the

Kaiser Family Foundation identifies the state as a health professional shortage area. Over 4 million New Yorkers reside in areas that contain licensed psychologist shortages, per the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

School-aged youth represent a large underserved population in New York. According to data from the New York State Comptroller, from 2018-2021, half of New York's school districts outside of New York City failed to adhere to the recommended student-to-school psychologist ratio of 500-to-1. Furthermore, 19 school districts outside of New York City reported having no school psychologist on staff.

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