How to Become a Clinical Psychologist

How to Become a Clinical Psychologist
By Chloe Dembski
Reviewed By Dr. James Barham
Updated:

As mental health awareness grows, clinical psychology becomes a sought-after career for students passionate about addressing mental health challenges. Accredited degrees make the degree more valuable.

The five top colleges students should consider for clinical psychology degree programs are listed below.

University NameLocationCost Per Credit (In-State/Out-of-State)Accreditation
Brenau UniversityGainesville, GA$785 / $785SACSCOC
University of TulsaTulsa, OK$1,442American Psychological Association (APA)
University Of Texas Rio Grande ValleyEdinburg, TX$1585/ $2662SACSCOC
New York UniversityNew York, NY$2157 / $2157MSCHE
Marquette UniversityMilwaukee, WI$1245 / $1245HLC

Key Takeaways

  • A doctorate degree is required to become a clinical psychologist.
  • Most states also require 1-2 years of supervised practice after graduation to get licensed.
  • Every state requires those pursuing a career in clinical psychology to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology in order to become licensed.

Many people struggle with mental health problems. Clinical psychology provides graduates with a fulfilling career that allows them to help others in times of uncertainty or crisis. We’ll help students explore how to become a clinical psychologist and what to expect from this career.

Couple discussing their problems while a therapist is listening

How to Become a Clinical Psychologist

Students must complete extensive education and training to work as a clinical psychologist. Although the specifics can differ by state, here are some common steps you can follow to become one:

Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

Students must earn a bachelor’s degree before proceeding to graduate studies. Many clinical psychologists start with a bachelor’s in psychology. However, learners can also study sociology, anthropology, or pre-medicine for their undergraduate degrees.

A bachelor’s degree in psychology can help students work as social service managers and probation officers. According to the Bureau Of Labor Statistics, they can earn a median pay of $61,800 annually.

Get a Master’s Degree

Next is a master’s degree in clinical psychology. It involves two years of full-time study and often includes coursework in advanced psychology, research, and practice.

A master’s can lead to better job prospects and higher pay. For example, school psychologists earn a median salary of $89,940. It’s also a stepping stone for doctoral studies.

Obtain a Doctoral Degree

Students can choose between two doctoral degrees to become clinical psychologists. A Ph.D. (Doctor of Philosophy) in psychology is for research and suits those who want to do research or teach. A Psy.D. (Doctor of Psychology) is for clinical work and is preferred by psychologists who want to work with patients directly.

Both programs take four to five years to finish. They involve coursework, a dissertation, and an internship for at least a year. Learners must ensure that the program they choose is accredited by the APA (American Psychological Association).

Get Pre-professional Training

Many doctoral programs need students to do part-time practicum for several years and a full-time internship for one year. Most states also require 1-2 years of supervised practice after graduation to get licensed.

Since rules for licensure vary by state, check with your state’s licensing board to know what’s needed.

Apply for Licensure

Before students apply for their license, they must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology. Every state requires it. Some states also require jurisprudence tests, which are about laws and rules specific to that state.

Here are a few common requirements for licensure:

  • A doctoral degree in psychology
  • Completion of an accredited internship program
  • A set number of supervised clinical hours under your belt
  • Pass your licensure exam
Man curling up in a sofa while a therapist looks over him
Back to Top

What is clinical psychology?

Clinical psychology is a branch of psychology that deals with mental health disorders. It uses science and therapy to understand, treat, and prevent these issues.

Clinical psychologists often engage in various activities, from psychotherapy to research. They work in hospitals, private practices, or schools, helping with problems like depression, anxiety, and severe psychiatric disorders.

When it comes to treating patients, clinical psychologists use different approaches, such as:

  • Psychoanalytic Approach: Introduced by Sigmund Freud, this approach looks deep into the hidden parts of the mind. It says early experiences affect how we feel now. Techniques like dream analysis and free association help uncover hidden thoughts and feelings.
  • Behaviorist Approach: Led by B.F. Skinner, this approach focuses on what we do and how the environment affects our actions. Psychologists using this method help change maladaptive behaviors through behavior modification and operant conditioning techniques.
  • Cognitive-Behavioral Approach (CBT): This approach combines behavioral and cognitive techniques to tackle mental issues. It believes thoughts affect how we feel and behave. Therapists help people challenge negative thoughts and learn better ways to cope.
  • Humanistic-Existential Approach: Developed by Abraham Maslow and Carl Rogers, this approach is about personal growth and understanding oneself. It values empathy and focuses on what’s happening now rather than the past.
  • Integrative Approach: This approach takes a bit from other theories. Psychologists who use it understand that no single theory can explain everything about people. They tailor their methods to fit each person’s needs, offering a flexible and holistic view of mental health.
Back to Top

What do clinical psychologists do?

Clinical psychologists work closely with people who face mental health issues that affect their well-being. These challenges can stem from various sources like mental disorders, stressful situations, or traumatic experiences.

Unlike psychiatrists, clinical psychologists don’t prescribe medication. Instead, they focus on talking therapies and counseling to help their patients. They might have their own practice, work with other psychologists, or be part of a hospital or clinic team.

Some of the responsibilities of a clinical psychologist include:

  • Identify and treat a range of emotional and behavioral conditions such as depression, anxiety, PTSD, and bipolar disorder.
  • Assess patients using psychological tests and observation to understand their background and problems.
  • Create personalized treatment plans, which may include behavior changes or counseling.
  • Help patients with physical or cognitive disabilities.
  • Work with individuals, families, couples, or even larger groups.
  • If needed, refer patients to other healthcare professionals for additional support.
Back to Top

Best Clinical Psychologist Degree Programs

Man reading a book outdoors
  1. #1

    Brenau University

    Gainesville , GA
    #3 Best Online Associate in Education #5 Best Online Associate Degrees in Georgia 2025 #7 Best Online MBA Programs in Georgia #16 Best Online Master's Programs in Georgia 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $33K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    46%

    Student body

    3K

    Career Outlook for degree at Brenau University

    Cost of Degree: $33,275
    Expenses: $16,740
    Starting Salary: $45,400
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Estimated Cost Per Credit: In-State $785; Out-of-State $785
    • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
    • Required Credits To Graduate: 62
    • Format: On-campus and Online

    Brenau University provides students with a one-of-a-kind master of science in clinical counseling psychology program. It prepares learners for careers as mental health therapists, researchers, and licensed professional counselors.

    Many graduates go on to pursue doctoral programs in clinical psychology. The curriculum blends coursework and a thesis with hands-on clinical practice and focuses on counseling, research, and psychological assessment.

    Full-time learners can finish the degree program in five to seven semesters. To apply, you need a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university, with a GPA of 2.7 or higher and a GRE score of 270 or above.

    Brenau University’s Online Degrees

    EdD in Abd Completion Pathway
    • Required Credits: 27
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdS in Elementary Education
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdS in Middle Grades Education
    • Required Credits: 31
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    EdD in Leadership In Higher Education
    • Required Credits: 54
    • Completion Time: None Reported
    • Format: Online
    Compare school
  2. #2

    University of Tulsa

    Tulsa , OK
    #1 Best Private Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #1 Best Small Colleges in Oklahoma 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Oklahoma 2025 #1 The Most Influential Universities and Colleges Ranked by State 2024

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    69%

    Graduation

    72%

    Student body

    4K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1214/25

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Tulsa

    Cost of Degree: $48,102
    Expenses: $18,086
    Starting Salary: $60,500
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Cost Per Credit: $1,442
    • Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)
    • Required Credits To Graduate: 90
    • Format: On-campus

    The University of Tulsa offers a comprehensive Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) in Clinical Psychology program. The program integrates academic study, supervised clinical experience, and research to provide a well-rounded education.

    Graduates of the program are prepared to work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, mental health clinics, and private practice. The curriculum emphasizes evidence-based practice, cultural competency, and ethical decision-making.

    The program typically takes five to six years to complete on a full-time basis. Applicants must have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution, relevant coursework in psychology, a minimum GPA of 3.0, and strong letters of recommendation.

    Compare school
  3. #3

    University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

    Edinburg , TX
    #1 Best Online MBA in Healthcare Management Ranked for Students in 2025 #2 Top 10 Best Online Bachelor's of Nursing (BSN) Programs 2025 #5 Best Online Master's in Healthcare Administration 2025 #5 Best Online Master’s in Health Science 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $10K

    Acceptance

    88%

    Graduation

    53%

    Student body

    44K

    Median SAT/ACT

    960/19

    Career Outlook for degree at University of Texas Rio Grande Valley

    Cost of Degree: $9,467
    Expenses: $14,618
    Starting Salary: $44,200
    Cost Recoup Time: 11 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Estimated Cost Per Credit: In-State $1585; Out-of-State $2662
    • Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges
    • Required Credits To Graduate: 48
    • Format: On-campus and Online

    University Of Texas Rio Grande Valley’s Master of Arts in Clinical Psychology gives students two paths: thesis or non-thesis. If a student is eyeing a Ph.D. later, they should choose the thesis track.

    However, a non-thesis option is better if you aim for licensing as a Psychological Associate or Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas.

    To apply, you need a bachelor’s in psychology or a related field from an accredited school with a GPA of 3.0 or higher. Having GRE scores of at least 144 on the Quantitative and 153 on the Verbal tests is helpful.

    Compare school
    4. Person writing on printed papers
  5. #4

    New York University

    New York , NY
    #8 50 Best Private Colleges and Universities for Undergrads 2025 #8 50 Best Private Grad Schools 2025 #10 50 Best Colleges and Universities Ranked for Undergrads in 2025 #10 Best Universities in the US Ranked for Prospective Students in 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $58K

    Acceptance

    12%

    Graduation

    87%

    Student body

    65K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1520/34

    Career Outlook for degree at New York University

    Cost of Degree: $60,438
    Expenses: $27,314
    Starting Salary: $78,600
    Cost Recoup Time: 17 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Estimated Cost Per Credit: In-State $2157; Out-of-State $2157
    • Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education
    • Required Credits To Graduate: 36
    • Format: On-campus and Online

    Students can take New York University’s M.A. in Psychology program focusing on clinical psychology. It prepares graduates for research or human services jobs or to pursue a Psy.D. or Ph.D. in counseling or clinical psychology.

    However, students won’t get the clinical practice hours needed for a license at this level. For admission, you don’t need an undergraduate psychology degree. Students with a 3.0 GPA and a ‘B’ or higher grade in introductory statistics and psychology can apply.

    The university is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education and is ranked #35 by U.S. News & World Report for Top National Universities.

    Compare school
  6. #5

    Marquette University

    Milwaukee , WI
    #14 50 Best Christian Colleges and Universities 2024 #1 Best Christian Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #1 Best Private Colleges in Wisconsin 2025 #2 Best Research Universities in Wisconsin 2025

    Tuition + fees

    $47K

    Acceptance

    87%

    Graduation

    83%

    Student body

    12K

    Median SAT/ACT

    1265/28

    Career Outlook for degree at Marquette University

    Cost of Degree: $48,700
    Expenses: $19,730
    Starting Salary: $70,700
    Cost Recoup Time: 16 years
    Paid back at 15% of annual salary
    • Estimated Cost Per Credit: In-State $1245; Out-of-State $1245
    • Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission
    • Required Credits To Graduate: 81
    • Format: On-campus

    The Ph.D. program in clinical psychology at Marquette University is offered on campus and spans five years, including a one-year internship. Students also get a master’s degree along the way.

    The program focuses on research and practical skills for careers in medical and educational settings. You need a bachelor’s degree from a recognized school with a 3.0 GPA and adequate psychology coursework to apply.

    Compare school

What are common clinical psychology careers?

Clinical psychology offers students a variety of career paths. Each focused on improving mental health and well-being in different populations and settings.

Here are some of the roles you could consider:

  • Child Psychologist: Child psychologists work with kids and teens to help them deal with feelings, handle trauma, and find coping mechanisms. They can also determine if someone has trouble learning or any mental health issues.
  • Forensic Psychologist: Forensic psychologists work within the justice and legal system. They create profiles of criminals and determine whether suspects are mentally fit for trial.
  • School Psychologist: Students don’t need a PhD to become school psychologists. These psychologists help assess students’ socioemotional and cognitive abilities within a school system and may also help students develop social skills and emotional management tools.
  • Substance Misuse Counselor: Substance misuse counselors help people dealing with addictions such as drugs or alcohol. They may run group or individual therapy sessions and work with a team to help people recover. Learners won’t require a PhD to become a substance misuse counselor.
  • Family and Marriage Counselor: A family and marriage counselor usually works in a private practice. They help families and couples deal with stress, changes, or conflict. The role requires you to finish a master’s program.

Related Questions

How many years does it take to become a clinical psychologist?

Students need 8-12 years of schooling to become clinical psychologists, including 1-2 years of supervised internship and postdoctoral work with a licensed psychologist. Each state has different rules for how much supervision is required. Plus, how long you’re in school depends on your program and whether you go full-time or part-time.

Do clinical psychologists make good money?

According to PayScale, clinical psychologists make around $91,190. The salary might change depending on where you work, how much experience you have, and who your employer is. People who work in education or for nonprofits may earn less than those in private practice.

What is the difference between a clinical psychologist and a regular psychologist?

While both clinical psychologists and regular psychologists focus on mental health, clinical psychologists have specialized training in assessing and treating mental health disorders. They also have expertise in designing therapeutic interventions to promote mental well-being.

Conclusion

A clinical psychologist helps diagnose and treat mental illness and psychological disorders. To become one, students must earn a bachelor’s, master’s, and doctorate, complete pre-professional training, and get licensed. Once they graduate, they can work in private practice, schools, or healthcare facilities and earn generous pay.

Do you have a question about this topic? Ask it here