How to Become a Psychologist in Texas

Online Psychology Education in Texas

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According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment for psychologists is expected to increase by 6% nationwide from 2021 to 2031. Professionals in the field can expect to see approximately 14,100 job openings a year, many of which will result from the need to replace workers transferring to different occupations or exiting the labor force altogether. Employment for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is likely to increase due to demand for psychological services in schools, hospitals, mental health centers, and social service agencies. The availability of school psychologist positions, in particular, will continue to grow because society is becoming more aware of the connection between mental health and learning. Additionally, demand for industrial-organizational psychologists will continue as companies and organizations depend on their help with selecting/retaining employees, implementing trainings, and improving office morale.

Not all who study psychology become psychologists, however. Some decide to pursue employment in community and social service jobs. While the projected rate of growth for psychologists is about as fast as the average for all occupations in the country, some opportunities in this field have better outlook. As a whole, employment for community and social service professions is expected to increase by 10% by 2031. Certain jobs, however, will do better than others. Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors, for example, are projected to see gains of 22% over the ten-year period. Employment for marriage and family therapists is also expected to grow by 14%.

Educational services, healthcare, and social assistance is the sixth largest industry in Texas, accounting for $123 billion in revenue each year. As of May 2021, the state employed 6,690 school psychologists, as well as 3,170 clinical and counseling psychologists. An additional 840 psychology workers were unclassified. The annual mean wages for these professionals ranged between $71,080 and $101,680, which is well above the state’s annual mean wage of $54,230. Additionally, there were 135,570 community and social service professionals working in Texas, making the state the third biggest employer for the field.

Texas is a large state, with many well-known colleges and universities that offer psychology degrees. While online learning options also exist, allowing students to study from anywhere with consistent internet access, those who plan to seek employment in the state may want to give preference to schools located in Texas. These institutions will be far more familiar with the certification and licensing requirements of psychologists in the region. As a result, graduates are often better prepared to satisfy state qualifications. Local colleges and universities also understand the needs and expectations of employers in the area better, which can help ensure students obtain the most coveted knowledge and skills. Additionally, higher education facilities often strive to establish relationships with nearby companies and organizations. This can make it easier for current students to secure internships and field experience, as well as professional employment after graduation.

Find Your Online Psychology Program

Prospective students interested in studying psychology will have many academic opportunities to consider in Texas. Several colleges and universities in the state offer majors and minors related to this field. Psychology programs exist at the associate, bachelor’s, master’s, and doctoral levels. However, undergraduate degrees may not meet the minimum qualifications for all psychologist positions. This is particularly important for those planning to seek licensure in Texas.

Become a Psychology Professional in Texas

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The first step to becoming a psychology professional in Texas is identifying your ultimate career goals. Determining what kind of psychologist you want to become, or whether you would prefer to pursue a community and social service occupation instead, is essential. Once you know your preferred profession, you will know how much higher education is necessary and it will become much easier to find appropriate academic program(s). It also helps you know what kind of additional knowledge, training, practicums, and licensing is required.

Notably, practicing psychologists must be licensed in Texas. This process is overseen by the Texas Behavioral Health and Executive Council of Psychologists. This council establishes the qualifications for licensure and renewal, as well as the ethical standards for the state.

There are three types of licenses available:

Requirements for obtaining licensure vary depending on the credential sought. It is most difficult to become a licensed psychologist. Generally, candidates for this credential must have a doctoral degree in psychology, a minimum of 1,750 hours of supervised experience during a formal internship, and a minimum of 1,750 hours of supervised experience following conferral of a doctoral degree. Applicants must also pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and the Jurisprudence Examination.

Those seeking to become licensed psychological associates do not need doctoral degrees. Instead, these candidates must possess graduate degrees in psychology that consist of at least 60 semester credit hours. They must also pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and the Jurisprudence Examination. Additionally, licensed psychological associates who want independent practice authority must have a minimum of 3,000 hours of post-graduate degree supervised experience and an approved independent practice authority application from the Texas Behavioral Health and Executive Council of Psychologists.

Becoming a licensed specialist in school psychology requires the completion of a training program in school psychology that is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). Alternatively, a graduate degree in psychology with specified coursework can suffice. Candidates also need to complete a formal internship of at least 1,200 hours, 600 of which must be in public schools. Additionally, applicants must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and the Jurisprudence Examination.

Careers for Psychology Graduates

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Earning a degree in psychology opens many doors. Graduates at every level will qualify for a wide variety of related careers in Rhode Island.

While responsibilities and salaries will vary, some of the most common professions available include the following.