Online Psychology Degrees in Wyoming

Due to the recent opioid epidemic and mental health crises in Wyoming, psychologists are in high demand. The state ranks first in the country for suicides and has a significant number of drug overdose deaths each year. The U.S. Department of Labor projects that job opportunities for psychologists will experience a 20% increase by 2024. As a result, psychology students in Wyoming are well-positioned to find jobs helping those in need.

Earning an online psychology degree in Wyoming has a number of benefits. Online programs are advantageous for students who would be unable to earn a traditional degree, including rural students and working professionals. Students are able to complete coursework on a flexible schedule that fits their obligations. This page outlines all of the relevant information for those interested in an online psychology degree in Wyoming, including licensing requirements, internships, scholarship opportunities, and psychology schools in the state.

Mental Health Initiatives in Wyoming

Wyoming’s Department of Health is working to improve the state through evidence-based, outcome-driven care which puts patients first. The Behavioral Health Division provides services to individuals, children, and families in need. Wyoming’s mental health initiatives address key issues such as problem gambling, housing, crisis support, and medication assisted treatment. Wyoming’s Department of Health also offers training courses in areas such as first episode psychosis. The state provides special assistance to active-duty military members, veterans, and their families.

Students who pursue an online psychology degree in Wyoming have many opportunities to become involved in these mental health initiatives. Students could offer to work directly with the Department of Health or may work with a partner organization such as Portland State University or Wyoming State Hospital. Students may also engage with the training and education opportunities provided by the state.

How Do I Become a Psychologist in Wyoming?

Like in any state, practicing psychology in Wyoming requires a license. Earning an online psychology degree in Wyoming will prepare you for licensing examinations, but you should still study on your own. If you already have a license from another state, you can become licensed to practice in Wyoming without taking another exam, as long as your previous license meets Wyoming’s standards.

Choose the Path That’s Right for You: There are a variety of degree options available to someone interested in mental health, and choosing the degree for you will depend on what kind of work you want to do. You will need at least a master’s degree in order to qualify for a license. Students who want to become a licensed psychologist must earn a Ph.D. Once you decide which career path is right for you, you should research the educational and professional requirements for that position.

Earn Your Degree: Once you know what degree you’re looking for, you need to find a school. You may choose to complete an on-campus or online psychology degree in Wyoming or another state. Certain licenses require specific kinds of accreditation. For example, to become a licensed clinical social worker, students must attend a graduate program accredited by the Council on Social Work Education (CSWE). Regardless of where you study, you should apply for internships, fellowships, and other opportunities for hands-on experience, especially since all psychology licenses require supervised training in the field.

Earn Your License: Most mental health licenses in Wyoming have a $350 fee attached, which covers the cost of the exam and the license itself. All licenses require students to pass a particular exam. Students and recent graduates must also complete 3,000 hours of supervised field experience. Once these requirements are met, candidates can receive their licenses and apply for jobs in their field.

Psychology Licensing in Wyoming

There are several different license options available for mental health professionals in Wyoming. Most have similar requirements and fee structures. Be sure to choose the correct license so that you can practice in your chosen field.

Psychology Internships and Fellowships in Wyoming

The difference between a fellowship and an internship can be hard to distinguish. Both are designed to be hands-on, educational opportunities where students complete professional work while still in school or just after graduation. Fellowships tend to be more academic and are awarded in recognition of specific achievements. Fellows usually receive a stipend or benefits. Internships are more common for undergraduate students. Interns complete entry-level tasks with the supervision of permanent employees. Interns may be paid or unpaid.

• Cheyenne VA Medical Center Internship: This APA-accredited doctoral internship focuses on training future psychologists in psychotherapy. Interns receive a stipend of $24,014. The Cheyenne VA Medical Center serves 71,611 veterans living in Wyoming, Nebraska, and Colorado.
• Clinical Psychology Internship Training Program: Hosted by the Sheridan VA Medical Center, this Veteran Affairs internship is focused on rural psychology. Rural areas have a high number of citizens in the armed forces and are usually underserved by the medical community.
• Elizabeth Munsterberg Koppitz Child Psychology Graduate Student Fellowship: This fellowship provides funding for a graduate student whose dissertation focuses on child psychology.

Psychology Careers in Wyoming

There are a variety of careers available to someone with a degree in psychology. Clinical psychologists, for example, investigate, diagnose, and treat mental illness. Forensic psychologists focus on individuals in the legal system, including victims and criminals. There are many possible careers in Wyoming, especially for those who are interested in working with rural communities. Many mental health professionals carve their own career path, making a name for themselves with their research and writing.

How Much Do Psychologists Make in Wyoming?

Salaries for psychologists vary across the country. Those living in Wyoming tend to make less than the national average due to the low cost of living. Salaries can also vary based on city, education, and years of experience.

Source: BLS

Mental Health Service Providers in Wyoming

Investigating mental health service providers in Wyoming is an important part of planning your career, especially if you plan on staying in the state after graduating. An internship or job with one of these organizations could advance your career by providing experience and networking opportunities. Having an idea of what such providers are focusing on can also give you an idea of where to focus your own studies.

• Yellowstone Behavioral Health Center: YBHC offers a wide variety of services for individuals, including suicide treatment, cognitive therapy, and family therapy. The center provides mental health care on a sliding fee scale in order to accommodate patients regardless of finances.
• Northern Wyoming Mental Health: Since 1966, NWMH has been providing mental health care services to individuals and families in Northeastern Wyoming. They offer a wide variety of services, including group therapy, medication management, couples therapy, opioid addiction treatment, and an after school program.
• Central Wyoming Counseling Center: One of the largest centers in Wyoming, CWCC helps thousands of people every year with a variety of services. Their large staff and open access intake process means that new patients can be seen as soon as they come in.
• Curran-Seeley Foundation: CSF has been providing mental health services since 1988, including anger management, interventions, and intensive outpatient treatment. This nonprofit organization focuses on person-centered treatment, even when dealing with groups.
• Southwest Counseling Service: SCS has been operating for over 40 years, providing patients with comprehensive care for both mental health and substance abuse issues. The center focuses on treatment for substance abuse.

Mental Health Research Centers in Wyoming

Research centers are an important part of psychology. Staying informed about the latest research developments can give you insight into the changing needs and directions of the field, as well as give you an idea of what to focus on when working on your own research. Below are three of the mental health research centers in Wyoming.

• UW Addictive Behaviors Lab: This lab focuses on addictive behaviors in college students, especially regarding cannabis, alcohol, and stimulants. Research looks to understand and change the cognitive mechanisms that lead to and sustain addiction.
• UW Trauma and Sexual Assault Prevention Lab: Research focuses on developing better treatment methods for survivors of sexual assault, as well as understanding the social mechanisms which perpetuate and excuse sexual assault.
• UW Psychology and Law Research Lab: Exploring a variety of subjects related to legal processes, this lab focuses on how psychology can inform jurisprudence. Topics include racial bias, constructing and deconstructing alibis, and jury selection.

Professional Organizations for Mental Health Professionals

Professional organizations can give you access to research, networking events, exclusive scholarships, and continuing education opportunities. There are many national organizations for professional health, including the famous American Psychological Association (APA). There are also organizations specific to the state of Wyoming. Below are three professional organizations for students pursuing a master’s in psychology online in Wyoming.

• Wyoming Counseling Association: A branch of the American Counseling Association, WCA represents all counselors in the state of Wyoming. Members include psychologists, school counselors, therapists, addiction specialists, and psychiatrists.
• Wyoming Psychological Association: The WPA works to promote psychology as both a profession and a science. The organization provides continuing education opportunities, information on licensing, and conferences.
• National Association of Social Workers: With over 120,000 members, NASW is the largest professional organization for social workers in the world. The organization advocates for policies that promote social health and wellbeing.

Scholarships for Online Psychology Programs in Wyoming

Accreditation for Online Psychology Programs in Wyoming

Accreditation is an important matter for any school, whether online or on campus. Accreditation is granted by national or regional accreditation bodies. Accredited schools must meet certain quality standards relating to academic programs and career preparation. Regional accreditation is considered more rigorous and prestigious. National accreditation is usually granted to vocational schools, trade schools, and religious institutions.

Some organizations offer their own accreditation of individual programs or departments. Psychology accreditation bodies include the APA, Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), and the Council for Accreditation of Counseling and Related Educational Programs (CACREP). Programmatic accreditation may be required to obtain certain licenses. For example, some states only grant counselor licenses to students who complete a program approved by CACREP, CAEP, or CORE.

Program Database of Online Psychology Programs in Wyoming

Searching for a psychology program can be daunting, especially for new students. This database contains information on concentrations, enrollment information, and tuition costs. Below are all of the accredited schools offering online psychology degrees in Wyoming.