Licensed Psychologist in Texas
Aspiring psychology professionals must complete a doctorate degree and pass licensing exams before they can practice in the state. A doctorate degree, also known as a PsyD or PhD, is the most common form of graduate education for psychologists and takes about six to eight years to earn.
To get a texas psychologist, you must complete an approved doctoral program that includes at least 60 credit hours. You must also complete 1,750 hours of supervised internship experience and at least half of these must be in an approved field.
If you plan to become a school psychologist, you must earn a school psychology doctorate from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). You will be required to complete an additional 1,200 hours of internship in a public school setting.
What is the Process for Becoming a Licensed Psychologist in Texas?
A stand-alone master’s in counseling, or a master’s with a specialized focus on a certain mental health discipline or field, must also be completed. This degree requires at least 60 credits of study, and includes coursework on counseling theory, assessment and a variety of other topics.
The Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council oversees the licensing process in the state, and it issues a license to those who meet its criteria. Initially, you will be required to practice as a Licensed Professional Counselor-Associate until you complete the supervised experience hours necessary to qualify for a full LPC license.
To be a licensed psychologist in Texas, you must have earned either a PhD or PsyD in psychology from an accredited university. A PhD focuses more on research and teaching, while a PsyD is more focused on treating patients directly. Both degrees are recognized by the American Psychological Association and are a prerequisite for licensure in Texas.
You must then pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). This test consists of 225 multiple-choice questions and costs $320 to take.
Once you pass the EPPP, you will be able to apply for your license from the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. You must submit an application with your fees, and you will be notified of the results of your application within 30 days.
If you have a master’s in counseling from another state, you can be licensed in Texas by endorsement as long as your degree meets the board’s requirements and you meet the supervised experience hours. However, you will be required to complete 3,000 supervised hours before you can receive your licensure in the state.
In addition, you must have passed the Texas Jurisprudence exam. You must pass this exam with a score of 75 or higher in three attempts.
Getting a license in Texas can be a lengthy process, but it is well worth the time and effort. With high salaries and fast job growth expected in the field, a career as a psychologist can be lucrative.