Psychology in Texas: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in TX

Updated October 17, 2023 · 1 Min Read

The growing population in the Lone Star State offers in-demand job opportunities for psychologists. Texas psychologists can also expect salaries equal to the national average or above in metropolitan areas.

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According to the U.S. Census Bureau, Texas topped the list for numeric population growth during 2020-2021. The Texas Demographic Center projects an 88% population increase from 2010-2050, which could intensify the need for mental health services. As of 2022, Texas could only meet the treatment needs of 32.5% of its population.

Across the Lone Star State between 2020-2030, Projections Central anticipates a 15% employment growth for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists and a 9% growth for all other psychologists. These statistics point to myriad opportunities for Texas psychologists.

Psychologist Salaries in Texas
Job Title Lowest 10% Median Annual Salary Highest 10%
Clinical and counseling psychologists $36,010 $80,370 $138,710
School psychologists $57,990 $73,100 $101,330
Psychologists, all other $48,820 $112,280 $141,420

Source: BLS, May 2022

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Psychologist Licensing in Texas

The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists issues psychologist licenses in the state. Texas participates in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), which enables professionals to practice telepsychology and temporary in-person services in other PSYPACT states. Neighboring Arkansas and Oklahoma are also PSYPACT members.

Applicants for psychologist licenses in Texas need to meet education, exam, and supervised experience requirements that are similar to other states. The board waives the supervised practice requirement for doctoral-level psychologists licensed in another jurisdiction for at least five years or with proof of completion of 3,000 hours of supervised experience in their state.

In addition, psychologists holding active specialty certification from the American Board of Professional Psychology need only meet the examination requirements. The section below lists the requirements for licensure.

License Requirements

Requirements for licensed psychologists:

  • Doctoral degree in psychology
  • Passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
  • Passing score on the state's jurisprudence examination
  • 1,750 supervised experience hours as a doctoral program intern
  • 1,750 post-doctoral supervised practice hours
  • Completion of a state-approved or accredited school psychology training program or a graduate degree in psychology with specified school psychology coursework
  • 1,200-hour internship, including 600 hours in a public school
  • Passing score on the Praxis School Psychology Examination
  • Passing score on the state's jurisprudence examination

Demand for Psychology in Texas

Texas needs psychologists. According to the Kaiser Family Foundation, the state includes 435 mental health care Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSA). HPSA designations identify low numbers of mental health care providers serving the state's populations of high-need patients. The population-to-provider ratio must be at least 30,000-to-1 (20,000-to-1 in areas with unusually high needs). Texas currently falls short, with the current number of providers able to serve only 32.5% of the population.

According to the National Alliance on Mental Illness, 43% of Texas adults reported anxiety and depression symptoms in February 2021, but 26% were unable to obtain counseling. Texas youths ages 12-17 suffering from depression did not fare much better with only 65% receiving care. More than 15 million Texans live in communities with inadequate mental health providers.

Psychologists can help by offering telepsychology services to patients in underserved areas and can consider working in rural areas in exchange for student loan repayment assistance.

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