In spite of its small size and 624,000 person population, Vermont’s colleges and universities offer degrees at all levels. For students hoping to earn an online psychology degree, Vermont offers several school and program options. According to the BLS, the state’s projected job growth for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists will rise 23.1% by 2024. Health employers in Vermont seek out qualified candidates in hopes of fulfilling the state’s ongoing health initiatives, including a statewide suicide prevention plan. Below, readers will find insights into the psychology programs available throughout the state, guidance regarding the scholarship process, and salary outlooks.
Mental Health Initiatives in Vermont
Vermont ranks seventh in the nation for the number of deaths by suicide, prompting government officials to implement new mental health initiatives across the state. Vermont works with private mental health providers, including primary care facilities and hospitals, to prepare designated agencies for incoming residents. Each major locale in the state has at least one designated agency. Vermont also offers a crisis phone and text line as part of its suicide prevention initiative. The a href=”http://mentalhealth.vermont.gov/suicide-preventions” target=”_blank”>Vermont Gun Shop Project informs the public about gun safety and keeps gun shop owners informed about the correlation between gun ownership and suicide. The Zero Suicide Project raises public awareness by offering guidance regarding services and resources in the state.
How do I Become a Psychologist in Vermont?
Every state requires specific educational accomplishments and corresponding licenses to practice. Below are some of Vermont’s specific requirements.
Choose the Path That’s Right for you: Vermont requires a master’s degree and a minimum number of hours of supervised training/practice to become a licensed psychologist. Some career choices, however, require a Psy.D or Ph.D–for example, to teach college to psychology students.
Earn Your Degree: Generally, students need a bachelor’s degree in order to enter a graduate program of any kind. For students who have already earned their online psychology degree, Vermont requires an internship and/or supervised training hours before earning a license. Sometimes these hours are included during your degree program; other times, they may need to be fulfilled afterward. The time it takes to complete a particular program depends on the specific degree and school.
Earn Your License: In Vermont, students must take and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), as well as an open-book jurisprudence exam based on the state’s specific regulations in psychological study. The state exam is free, and the EPPP costs $600. Both the coursework and the independent study tools prepare students for the EPPP. Graduates are not, however, guaranteed a job after licensure, so they often begin the job search prior to graduation.
Psychology Licensing in Vermont
Students can pursue a number careers with an online psychology degree. Vermont graduates will find that different types of licenses require different degree concentrations, specific exam requirements, and specific coursework requirements. The examples below list a few licenses available in Vermont and how to get them.
Licensed Psychologist
Prerequisites:
- Doctoral degree in psychology and 4,000 hours of supervised practice–of which at least 2,000 hours are completed after the doctoral degree is received.
- Master’s degree in psychology and 4,000 hours of supervised practice–of which at least 2,000 hours are completed after the master’s degree is received.
- Take and pass EPPP and jurisprudence examinations.
Careers Available With This License:
- Psychologist
- Counselor
- Therapist
Total Fees:
- EPPP – $600
- Application – $775
- Total – $775
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Prerequisites:
- Master’s degree or doctoral degree from an accredited social work education program
- Pass ASWB Advanced or Clinical Social Work Exam
- Jurisprudence exam.
- For independent status: complete 3,000 hours of supervised practice of independent clinical social work.
Careers Available With This License:
- Social Worker
- Independent Social Worker
- Counselor
Total Fees:
- ASWB Advanced or Clinical Exam – $260
- Application – $100
- Total – $360
Marriage & Family Therapist (MFT)
Prerequisites:
- Graduate degree in marriage and family therapy at an accredited institution.
- Graduate degree focusing on marriage and family therapy from an accredited institution.
- Minimum of two calendar years of supervised training.
- Pass MFT examination
Careers Available With This License:
- Therapist
- Counselor
- Family therapist
Total Fees:
- MFT Exam – $355
- Application – $125
- Total – $480
LMHC (Licensed Mental Health Counselor)
Prerequisites:
- Master’s degree or higher degree in counseling or a related field.
- Supervised practicum, internship, or field experience.
- Minimum of 3,000 hours of supervised work in clinical mental health counseling over a minimum of two years of post-master’s experience.
- Pass required exams (NCE and NCMHCE)
Careers Available With This License:
- Counselor
- Psychotherapist
Total Fees:
- NCE and NCMHCE – $390
- Application – $125
- Total – $515
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Prerequisites:
- Master’s degree in counseling with six semester hours of supervised field experience as well as coursework that covers required content areas.
- MInimum 100 hours postgrad counseling supervision over minimum two year period.
- Endorsement from professional colleague with graduate mental health degree.
- Minimum 3,000 postgrad counseling work experience over minimum of two years; this requirement is waived under certain circumstances.
- Pass NCE exam
Careers Available With This License:
- Certified counselor
- Mental health counselor
Total Fees:
- NCE and NCMHCE – $390
- Application – $125
- Total – $515
Psychology Internships and Fellowships in Vermont
Many psychology programs in Vermont have some kind of internship or fellowship requirement, both during and after completing coursework. Internships offer students important work experience, sometimes in exchange for pay and/or for course credit. Fellowships, on the other hand, enable students to research their field and get paid for it through a stipend or tuition benefits. Below is a list of some of the internship and fellowship programs available in Vermont.
- Brattleboro Retreat Internship: Intended for current doctoral candidates in a clinical psychology program, this internship gives interns experience at outpatient facilities that offer services to adults and to children; they also specialize in services for the LGBTQ+ community and substance abuse patients.
- UVM Clinical Psychology Program Internship: Pre-doctoral candidate interns work in the Vermont Center for Children, Youth and Families and in the university’s Behavior Therapy and Psychotherapy Center.
- Southern Vermont Doctoral Internship in Psychology: This internship works in collaboration with the Memory Clinic in Northern Vermont to offer interns valuable experience and skills. Applicants must have completed all coursework for doctoral degree.
Psychology Careers in Vermont
Several career options for psychologists are available in Vermont. Clinical psychology generally boasts the most job openings; however, more specialized options include school psychologists who work in educational settings and child psychologists who work specifically with children and young people. Marriage and family therapists may work independently or within a larger practice or facility. Positions in psychology continue to grow.
How Much do Psychologists Make in Vermont?
Salaries for graduates with psychology degrees vary according to career, location, and degree level. The type of facility at which a psychologist practices also affects earning potential, including whether they work at a public or a private institution. The table below compares the mean wage for psychologists in Vermont with the national mean wage.
| Employment | Hourly Mean Wage | Annual Mean Wage | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Vermont | 410 | $32.92 | $68,470 |
| United States | 122,310 | $38.77 | $80,640 |
Source: BLS
Mental Health Service Providers in Vermont
While earning an online psychology degree in Vermont, students will need to ensure that they familiarize themselves with the different mental health service providers around the state. These suppliers offer both supervised training options during the course degree and they offer employment opportunities to graduates and license holders. Below is a list of some of the mental health service providers in the state.
- Vermont Psychiatric Care Hospital: This 25-bed inpatient facility treats adults–primarily on an involuntary basis–and provides staff with support through continuing education, training, and professional development.
- UVM Medical Center: The university’s medical center is home to an extensive list of mental health services, including pediatric psychiatry, geriatric psychiatry, and partial psychiatric hospitalization. It includes both inpatient and outpatient services and 24/7 crisis response management.
- United Counseling Services: UCS’ facilities offer several services to patients, including counseling and therapy to children, teens, and adults, as well as recovery assistance for substance abusers.
- Northwestern Counseling and Support Services (NCSS): Based in St. Albans, NCSS works specifically with clients from Franklin and Grand Isle counties. This nonprofit organization provides counseling services to people of all ages dealing with multiple mental health issues.
- Lamoille County Mental Health Services (LCMHS): As a Designated Agency in the state, LCMHS provides outpatient and acute psychological and psychiatric care to patients of all ages. They cooperate with government agencies and other hospitals, including law enforcement.
Mental Health Research Centers in Vermont
Research centers throughout the state offer a variety of opportunities to those pursuing a career in psychological research. Staying aware of the kinds of facilities and research opportunities available ensures that students and graduates get better jobs.
- Vermont Center for Children, Youth and Families: Housed within the University of Vermont’s College of Medicine, this facility provides patient services and conducts patient research. Areas and types of research depend on individual faculty members’ research interests.
- UVM Department of Psychiatry: Also housed in UVM’s College of Medicine, the psychiatry department emphasizes research in substance abuse, child and public psychiatry, and neuroscience. The department conducts research at a handful of different campus-based facilities.
- Middlebury College Psychology Labs: Middlebury faculty and students work at a few different research labs throughout the department, each emphasizing a different project. Labs include an addiction lab, adolescent identity lab, children’s memory lab, and sexuality lab.
Professional Organizations for Mental Health Professionals
The importance of keeping abreast of advances, new policies, and new research in psychology cannot be overstated. Associations and organizations offer conferences and professional development events as well as job board access. Below are a few examples of psychological organizations based in Vermont.
- Vermont Mental Health Counselors Association: Made up of clinical mental health counselors throughout Vermont, members benefit from biannual professional development workshops, an Ethics Committee, and monthly newsletters.
- Vermont Psychological Association: The VPA is an affiliate of the American Psychological Association which represents psychologists in Vermont. They improve access to mental health services for residents of the state and advocate for social justice and inclusion in psychological practice.
- Vermont Association for Psychoanalytic Studies: This group caters to professionals interested in psychological research. Members have access to new research studies and resources, as well as events like dinners and meetings.
Scholarships for Online Psychology Programs in Vermont
VSAC Board of Directors Scholarship
Created to honor VSAC Board member Virginia Cole-Levesque, this scholarship funds a student pursuing a degree in healthcare or science who shows both academic achievement and financial need.
- Amount Offered: $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: February 16
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be resident of Rutland or Windsor County, must have a minimum 3.0 GPA, and must be seeking a degree in healthcare or science.
Sister Elizabeth Candon Scholarship
Adult female students with custody of at least one child under 12 are eligible to apply for this renewable scholarship. The award honors Sister Elizabeth Candon’s contributions to higher education.
- Amount Offered: $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: February 16
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a single female with primary custody of at least one child age 12 or younger and must demonstrate financial need.
Alice C. Coapland Scholarship
Funded by the estate of Alice C. Coapland, this scholarship helps fund college tuition for female students of northeastern Vermont in need of financial support.
- Amount Offered: $3,000
- Scholarship Deadline: February 16
- Eligibility Requirements: Must reside in a town served by specific high schools in northeastern Vermont, must be a female, and must demonstrate financial need, academic achievement, and community involvement.
G. Jason and Marcia Vance Conway Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship honors the contributions of the Conway family and is intended for adult students facing some kind of significant barrier limiting their access to higher education.
- Amount Offered: $2,000
- Scholarship Deadline: February 16
- Eligibility Requirements: Must demonstrate financial need and be facing barriers that limit access to higher education.
Elizabeth J. Davis Scholarship of the VNAs of Vermont
This fund assists students seeking a degree in the health professions, including nursing, physical therapy, speech therapy pathology, occupational therapy, and social work.
- Amount Offered: $1,000 – $3,000
- Scholarship Deadline: February 16
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be seeking a degree in a health profession, must plan to work in Vermont for a minimum of two years, and must demonstrate financial need.
Hildegard Durfee Graduate Scholarship
This scholarship is intended for graduate students who are either currently earning their graduate degree or preparing to do so–and who demonstrate academic achievement.
- Amount Offered: $500 – $1,500
- Scholarship Deadline: February 16
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a resident of Windham County and must demonstrate financial need.
David A. Hicks Memorial Scholarship
This scholarship is meant for students who have overcome some kind of hardship, including illness, or who have limited or difficult access to higher education.
- Amount Offered: $1,800
- Scholarship Deadline: February 16
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a graduate of Mount Anthony Union High School or West Rutland High School, must be a seeking bachelor’s degree, and must demonstrate financial need.
Franklin H. Isham Memorial Scholarship
Established by Mrs. Olive Wilcox, this scholarship is intended for students who have graduated from a high school in Franklin County, Vermont.
- Amount Offered: $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: February 16
- Eligibility Requirements: Must be a resident of Franklin County, must have graduated from a Franklin County High School, and must demonstrate financial need and academic achievement.
Taini Mae Kinney Scholarship
The friends and family of Taini Mae Kinney established this scholarship in memory of Taini’s desire to always be kind to others. Residents of Vermont’s Northeast Kingdom may apply.
- Amount Offered: $1,000
- Scholarship Deadline: February 16
- Eligibility Requirements: Must reside in Caledonia, Essex, or Orleans County and must be seeking education or training in a healthcare field.
Jericho-Underhill Lions Club David Damkot Memorial Scholarship
The Jericho-Underhill Lions Club established this scholarship in order to help students in the Jericho-Underhill community develop ethical standards and serve their communities through education.
- Amount Offered: $1,500
- Scholarship Deadline: February 16
- Eligibility Requirements: Must reside in Bolton, Huntington, Jericho, Richmond, or Underhill and must demonstrate financial need and academic achievement–as well as community service and good citizenship.
Accreditation for Online Psychology Programs in Vermont
Many licensure requirements include a degree from an accredited program. Accreditation ensures that a particular program or institutions holds itself to high academic, research, and practice standards. Accrediting agencies ensure that schools and individual programs meet or exceeding these standards. Both regional and national accrediting bodies accredit schools. The difference between the two types of accreditation lies in the ability for students to transfer earned credits and degrees between differently-accredited institutions.
Many licenses require a degree from a program specifically accredited by this agency. In Vermont, many of the colleges and universities are regionally accredited by the New England Association of Schools and Colleges. Psychology-specific accreditation comes from the American Psychological Association.
Explore Psychology Careers
Program Database of Online Psychology Programs in Vermont
Being well-versed in the kinds of psychology degrees, programs, careers, and licenses available enables students to select a degree program that fits them. The database below includes all accredited online psychology programs in Vermont.