Psychology in West Virginia: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in WV

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Updated September 22, 2022 · 1 Min Read

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

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West Virginia offers a scenic and mountainous haven for residents. The state's critical shortage of mental health care professionals also provides ample work opportunities for licensed psychologists.

Learn more about the demand for psychology professionals, expected West Virginia psychologist salary ranges, and what it takes to attain psychologist licensing in West Virginia.

Psychologist Salaries in West Virginia
Job Title Lowest 10% Median Annual Salary Highest 10%
Clinical and counseling psychologists $32,250 $50,350 $101,780
School psychologists $39,330 $60,440 $83,930
Psychologists, all other $31,140 $40,730 $110,550

Source: BLS

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Psychologist Licensing in West Virginia

The West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists regulates psychology licensing in the state. Obtaining a psychologist license in West Virginia requires the fulfillment of 1,800 postdoctoral supervisory hours, unless this condition was completed during the predoctoral internship. Further, candidates must pass a national exam, as well as West Virginia's oral examination.

West Virginia participates in licensure by reciprocity, which is an option for out-of-state licensed psychologists in good standing. Candidates must submit an application and fee to the board, along with results from the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and West Virginia's oral examination.

License Requirements

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

  • Graduate from an American Psychological Association or regionally accredited institution.
  • Complete 1,800 hours of postdoctoral supervised hours, unless these hours were previously completed during the predoctoral internship.
  • Submit an application and a $120 fee to the West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists to the board's office. The board only sends these applications to candidates who meet educational and supervision criteria.
  • Pass the EPPP and pay a $687.50 fee.
  • Pass West Virginia's oral exam, including submitting samples that exhibit proficiency in areas of speciality.

Demand for Psychology in West Virginia

West Virginia meets a mere 12% of its residents' mental health needs. Plagued with a shortage of mental health care professionals, West Virginians consistently fall short of receiving needed services. Further, per the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration, West Virginia hosts more individuals who suffer from serious mental illnesses than most other U.S. states.

West Virginia residents struggle with poor mental health due to several factors, including high instances of poverty and substance abuse. For the past decade and a half, opioid pills and fentanyl have inundated West Virginia. This drug epidemic has caused rising death rates amongst residents. According to a Drug Enforcement Administration report, West Virginia tops overdose deaths across the United States.

Attracting licensed psychologists to West Virginia, particularly to the state's rural and isolated areas, is an essential step in improving the state's mental health and substance abuse crises.

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