Psychology in Pennsylvania: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in PA

Updated August 22, 2022 · 1 Min Read

This guide provides information about online psychology degree programs in Pennsylvania for prospective students. Explore everything from online course descriptions to job salaries & outlooks.

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Pennsylvania, home to the University of Pennsylvania, is an ideal setting for prospective psychologists. UPenn offers the number two-ranked clinical psychology doctoral program in the U.S., along with four additional top-ten-ranked doctoral psychology programs.

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

Psychologist Salaries in Pennsylvania
Job Title Lowest 10% Median Annual Salary Highest 10%
Clinical and counseling psychologists $38,150 $69,930 $111,110
School psychologists $55,550 $77,530 $104,650
Psychologists, all other $50,520 $107.540 $130,210

Source: BLS

Online Doctorate Programs in Psychology

Psychologist Licensing in Psychology

Psychologist licensing in Pennsylvania is managed by the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology. In addition to passing the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), applicants must pass a state-specific exam, and the Pennsylvania Psychology Law Examination (PPLE). This exam comprises 30 multiple choice questions, and study materials may be retrieved from the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology's website.

License reciprocity refers to a state's recognition of other states' licensure benefits. Pennsylvania honors license reciprocity for out-of-state psychologists through a simple application process and fee. Candidates must also demonstrate knowledge of Pennsylvania laws by passing the PPLE.

License Requirements

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

  • Graduate from an American Psychological Association or Canadian Psychological Association accredited doctoral psychology program.
  • Complete 1,750 hours of postdoctoral supervised experience.
  • Pass the EPPP and pay a $687.50 fee.
  • Pass the PPLE with a minimum score of 75% and pay a $170 fee.
  • Submit an application to the Pennsylvania State Board of Psychology, along with a $105 fee.

Demand for Psychology in Pennsylvania

According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, Pennsylvania meets the definition of a health professional shortage area with just over 40% of its population's mental health needs being met. With almost 2 million Pennsylvanians communities experiencing a shortage of mental health professionals, licensed psychologists in the Keystone state can find abundant job opportunities.

Pennsylvania's high school-aged students make up one of the largest underserved populations, according to a 2019 Pennsylvania Youth Survey. About one-fifth of the state's high school students reported contemplating suicide in 2018, and over one-third reported experiencing feelings of sadness and depression.

Pennsylvania State University has taken the lead in assisting the state's youth through a team called Evidence-based Implementation Support (EPIS) specialists. EPIS specialists study the contributing elements to feelings of depression and more within teens, in order to create specialized programs that help Pennsylvania teens manage these issues. Additional licensed psychologists in Pennsylvania can assist in this effort.

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