How to Become a Psychologist

In this article, we’ll go over the steps to become a psychologist, including timeframes, key steps, and some careers options!

How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychologist?
One of the things we ALL consider before choosing a path is: how long is this going to take?!

The short answer is: it takes 8-10 years to become a licensed psychologist, no matter if you want to be a clinical, forensic, criminal, sports psychologist, or any other specialty.

Key Steps to Becoming a Licensed Psychologist:
Step One: Bachelor’s Degree (4 years)
Your first step is going to be completing a bachelor’s degree majoring in psychology or a related field. This step helps you build foundational knowledge.

Step Two: Master’s Degree (2-3 years)
This is an optional step, but it’s common and sometimes included within doctoral programs.

Step Three: Doctoral Degree (4-7 years)
For a research focus, you’ll want to earn a Ph.D.; for clinical practice, you’ll want to get a Doctorate of Psychology (Psy.D). Deciding between the two comes down to whether you’d enjoy in-depth research or evidence-based care. The first leads to a life of studying, the second to more personal interactions and building relationships with clients.

Step Four: Supervised Experience (1-2 years)
After completing your degrees, your next goal will be to complete internships and post-doctoral supervised hours. 1,500–2,000 hours are typically required, but this also depends on the state.

Step Five: Licensure
The last step is to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and any state-specific jurisprudence exams.

Example: Licensure Requirements in Missouri
To practice as a licensed psychologist in Missouri, you must:

• Hold a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) from a board-approved program
• Complete two years of supervised professional experience
• Pass the EPPP
• Complete the Missouri-specific oral and jurisprudence exams

Careers That Require a Doctoral Degree (Ph.D or Psy.D)
Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists diagnose and treat mental health disorders, provide therapy, and often work in hospitals, clinics, or private practice. If you are passionate about mental health and find helping others fulfilling, becoming a clinical psychologist may be for you!

Counseling Psychologist
Similar to clinical psychologists but often focused on life transitions, wellness, and personal development. This specialization is usually suited for professionals who want to help others in a more holistic, broad way.

Neuropsychologist
Neuropsychologists study the relationship between the brain and behavior, often working with patients who have brain injuries, neurological disorders, or learning differences. For those who are fascinated by how the brain works, this career path allows you to really dive in and continually learn.

Forensic Psychologist
These psychologists work at the intersection of psychology and law. They are typically trained to evaluate defendants, do consulting on cases, or work in correctional settings.

Research Psychologist / University Professor
Research psychologists study topics like memory, learning, emotion, development, or social behavior. Many also teach at the college level.

Sports Psychologist
Sports psychologists help athletes improve performance, manage pressure, and build mental resilience. Individuals who have a love for sports but aren’t interested in becoming a professional athlete may find this the perfect fit.