Psychology in Oregon: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in OR

Updated August 22, 2022 · 1 Min Read

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

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Oregon is a culturally diverse state that boasts both urban and rural living options. Ranking fourth in the U.S. for best psychologist salaries, Oregon makes an attractive choice for licensed psychologists.

Keep reading for more on psychologist licensing in Oregon, the demand for psychology professionals, and expected Oregon psychologist salary ranges.

Psychologist Salaries in Oregon
Job Title Lowest 10% Median Annual Salary Highest 10%
Clinical and counseling psychologists $60,820 $119,180 $205,440
School psychologists $62,270 $81,580 $105,530
Industrial-organizational psychologists $50,580 $105,630 $163,360
Psychologists, all other $49,190 $108,160 $169,260

Source: BLS

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Psychologist Licensing in Oregon

Psychologist licensing in Oregon is regulated by the Oregon Board of Psychology. Obtaining a psychologist license in Oregon requires the completion of 1,500 postdoctoral supervisory hours and passing one national exam and one state Jurisprudence exam.

Oregon honors license reciprocity for out-of-state psychologists in good standing.

Psychologists who have been licensed for more than 15 years must submit an Endorsement Reference and a License Verification Request. Psychologists who have been licensed for less than 15 years must submit these forms, plus a Supervisor Reference.

License Requirements

To obtain psychologist licensing in Oregon, applicants must meet the following criteria:

  • Graduate from an American Psychological Association-accredited doctoral psychology program, or a comparably accredited doctoral program.
  • Complete at least 1,500 hours of postdoctoral supervised experience in the previous year.
  • Submit fingerprints to the state.
  • Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and pay a $687.50 fee.
  • Pass the Oregon Jurisprudence Examination and pay a $155 fee.
  • Submit an application to the Oregon Board of Psychology, along with three professional references and a $365 fee.

Demand for Psychology in Oregon

Oregon meets only 26% of its population's mental health care needs, identifying the state as a health professional shortage area by the Kaiser Family Foundation. Over 1.5 million Oregon residents live in communities that lack adequate mental health professionals, according to a February 2021 study from the National Alliance on Mental Illness.

Individuals experiencing substance abuse conditions comprise an underserved population in Oregon. In recent years, Oregon's substance abuse-related reports have soared. As of 2020, Oregon climbed to the number one spot in the nation regarding rates of methamphetamine use.

Compounded with mental health issues, Oregon's substance abuse crisis has contributed to increased traffic within the state's legal system. State officials cite a scarcity of treatment as the main contributor to repeat patients at Oregon State Hospital. The addition of licensed psychologists, particularly with a specialization in addictions counseling, can help fill the state's need for mental health care.

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