How to Become a Psychologist in Massachusetts

Online Psychology Education in Massachusetts

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Educational services, healthcare, and social assistance is the third largest industry in Massachusetts, accounting for $69.7 billion in revenue each year. As of May 2020, there were 4,330 clinical, counseling, and school psychologists working in the state. Their annual mean wage at the time was $89,170.

Earning a psychology degree will allow you to pursue a wide variety of careers in Massachusetts. While there are positions available at every level, and job expectations vary accordingly, professionals in this field tend to utilize psychological knowledge and research to address identified problems such as treating mental illness, instructing students, or conducting studies. In fact, many psychology experts work with scientists to conduct psychological research at top colleges and universities.

Generally, there are a few different types of psychology professionals: applied psychologists, research psychologists, and mental health psychologists. While they all stem from shared philosophies, each is unique and results in a wide variety of employment options. Applied psychologists tend to use psychological principles and research to solve real-world problems. Research psychologists, on the other hand, focus their efforts on conducting studies and experiments using humans and/or animals to advance knowledge in the field. Finally, mental health psychologists work with people experiencing mental disorders or psychological distress.

Employment expectations will vary depending on the type of position sought, but professionals in this field are commonly responsible for conducting scientific studies of behavior and brain function, observing individuals during surveys, identifying emotional patterns, and discussing possible treatment plans with clients. Other common tasks include writing articles, researching papers, and sharing important findings. As supervised internships and practicums are required for licensure, many of these professionals also supervise interns, clinicians, and other counseling professionals.

While many graduates choose to pursue employment as psychologists and counselors, other job opportunities are available. Depending on the level of degree attained, graduates may qualify for positions as social workers, human resource specialists, therapists, and more.

Those interested in becoming counselors and therapists typically select academic programs that allow them to focus their studies on a particular topic such as addiction, family, bereavement, or trauma. Counselors can also specialize in working with a specific population like children, teens, adults, or the elderly. They are trained to assist with a variety of social, emotional, and mental health problems, as well as serve as advocates, helping their patients manage the physical and psychological difficulties that can accompany ailments. Counselors cannot, however, prescribe medications of any kind. While there are many different types of psychologists and counselors, most professionals in this field are dedicated to helping other people live healthier, happier lives.

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Licensed psychologists and counselors in Massachusetts require, at minimum, master’s degrees. In some cases, however, a doctoral degree will be necessary. There are, however, also employment opportunities available to graduates with associate and bachelor’s degrees in psychology. Your ultimate career goals should dictate the level of formal psychology education you seek.

Become a Psychology Professional in Massachusetts

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If you want to become a psychology professional, the first step is identifying your ultimate career goals in the field. Because there are many different types of jobs available to graduates at all levels, knowing the specific type of work you want to perform is essential. Once you determine your ideal profession, it becomes much easier to select an applicable degree type and academic program.

Those seeking to become licensed counselors in Massachusetts require comprehensive and highly regulated training. Students matriculating after July 1, 2017 must have a master’s degree in mental health counseling with a minimum of 60 graduate-level semester hours.

These hours have to include the following subject areas:

Students must also pass the following elective courses:

Alternatively, candidates can earn doctoral degrees with the same course requirements. In both cases, prospective licensed counselors in Massachusetts also need to complete a practicum and an internship. Practicums must be seven weeks long and consist of 65 practicum hours. The internship consists of 285 hours of supervision.

After meeting all academic requirements, those seeking licensure will need to complete two years of clinical supervised experience, consisting of 3,360 hours of experience requirements and at least 130 hours of supervision. Applicants are also required to achieve a passing score on the National Counselors Examination of the National Board for Certified Counselors and the State Law Test.

Those seeking to become licensed psychologists in Massachusetts must obtain doctoral degrees in psychology or a closely related field. Doctoral programs must be accredited by the American Psychological Association.

The curriculum must demonstrate competence in the following core areas:

It’s important to note that individuals pursuing careers in school psychology only need master’s degrees with advanced practicums of at least 1,200 hours.

After earning a doctoral degree in psychology, licensure candidates will need to complete at least two years of supervised experience. Internships are acceptable forms of experience and can range from assisting professional psychologists to teaching. Additionally, licensure candidates must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and the State Jurisprudence Examination. Permission to take these two tests can only be granted by the licensing board after reviewing application packets.

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Careers for Psychology Graduates

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