Mental Health America recently ranked U.S. states for their prevalence of adults and children with mental illness and rates of access to care. Rankings 39-51 indicate states with high mental health issues and lower access to treatment. Wyoming ranks 50th for adults and 43rd for youth.
Despite being one of least populous states, 20% of Wyoming adults and 15% of children experience mental illness. But 65% of adults with mental illness and 57% of youth with major depression do not receive care.
| Job Title | Lowest 10% | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | $23,680 | $62,070 | $129,710 |
| School psychologists | $60,500 | $76,730 | $93,710 |
| Psychologists, all other | $26,230 | $113,630 | $169,620 |
Source: BLS
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Psychologist Licensing in Wyoming
The State Board of Psychology handles psychologist licensing in Wyoming under three categories: psychology license, school psychology specialist certification, and psychological practitioner certification. Licensure requires a doctoral degree, while the two certification options require master's degrees.
Psychologist licensure in Wyoming requirements equal those of other states in terms of education, experience, and exam scores. Unlike some jurisdictions, however, Wyoming does not require state jurisprudence exam scores. Certification options allow practitioners and school psychologists to provide services with less onerous requirements.
Qualified out-of-state license-holders can apply for temporary psychologist licenses in Wyoming and practice in the state for no more than 30 days while their credentials and exam scores are transferred.
License Requirements
Psychology Licensure:
- Application and $275 fee
- Proof of U.S. citizenship
- Criminal background check and $39 fee
- Initial $200 licensure fee
- Official transcripts evidencing a Ph.D. in psychology or a Psy.D. from an institution accredited by the American Psychological Association Commission on Accreditation
- 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience, including a pre-doctoral internship
- Passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
School Psychology Specialist Certification Requirements:
- Application and fees
- Official transcripts evidencing a master's degree in psychology
- Supervised internship verification form
- National Association of School Psychologist exam scores or certification
- Verification of Wyoming Professional Teachers Standards Board school psychologist certification
- Three professional references
Psychological Practitioner Certification Requirements:
- Application and fees
- Official transcripts evidencing a master's degree in psychology
- Supervised practicum or internship verification form
- EPPP scores
- Three professional references
Demand for Psychology in Wyoming
Psychologists are badly needed in Wyoming. According to the Health Resources & Services Administration, Wyoming has 28 Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs) for mental health care. HPSAs include geographic areas, populations, and facilities with a high need for mental health care services and a shortage of providers. Many of the HPSAs in Wyoming are in rural areas and tribal communities.
To help alleviate the shortage of mental health care, Wyoming legislature seeks to join psychology and counseling interstate compacts to draw more providers. Other potential solutions include allowing mental health care by unlicensed providers under the supervision of licensed practitioners and substance abuse programs that permit parents to bring their children.
Psychologists can help reach high-need patients by committing to work in HPSAs in exchange for student loan repayment and by offering telehealth services.