How to Become a Clinical Psychologist
Clinical psychologists help people navigate some of the hardest moments of their lives — from anxiety and depression to trauma and relationship struggles. If you're drawn to understanding how people think, feel, and heal, here's what the path actually looks like.
Taylor Rupe
B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington — Seattle
Key Takeaways
- Clinical psychologists earn a median salary of $94,310 per year according to the most recent BLS data, with top earners exceeding $157,000.
- You'll need a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) plus supervised postdoctoral hours — expect roughly 10 to 12 years of training after high school.
- Employment is projected to grow 6% through 2034, with about 12,900 openings annually — driven largely by rising demand for mental health services.
- The EPPP licensing exam has an 80%+ first-time pass rate for candidates from accredited programs, though that number has dipped slightly since 2020.
- One in five U.S. adults lives with a mental illness, which is a big part of why this field isn't slowing down anytime soon.
What Does a Clinical Psychologist Do?
Clinical psychologists assess, diagnose, and treat mental health disorders using evidence-based therapeutic approaches. That's the textbook answer. In practice, the work is more nuanced than that — you're sitting across from someone who's struggling, and your job is to help them understand themselves better and develop real tools for change.
Unlike psychiatrists, clinical psychologists typically don't prescribe medication (though a growing number of states are granting prescriptive authority to specially trained psychologists). Instead, the focus is on psychotherapy — using approaches like CBT, DBT, psychodynamic therapy, and others to treat conditions ranging from generalized anxiety to severe psychopathology.
What sets clinical psychology apart from other mental health roles is the depth of training in both research and practice. You'll learn to think critically about treatment evidence, administer complex psychological assessments, and work with populations that other providers may not be trained to serve.
Key Duties & Responsibilities
- Conduct comprehensive psychological assessments using clinical interviews, standardized tests, and behavioral observation
- Diagnose mental health conditions using DSM-5-TR criteria — and understand the limitations of diagnostic categories
- Develop individualized treatment plans grounded in evidence-based modalities like CBT, DBT, ACT, or psychodynamic therapy
- Provide individual, couple, family, and group psychotherapy across diverse populations
- Administer and interpret neuropsychological and psychoeducational evaluations
- Collaborate with psychiatrists, social workers, and primary care providers on multidisciplinary teams
- Conduct or contribute to clinical research that advances how we understand and treat psychological disorders
- Supervise and mentor graduate students, interns, and postdoctoral fellows
Common Specializations
How to Become a Clinical Psychologist
I won't sugarcoat it: the path to becoming a clinical psychologist is long. We're talking about 10 to 12 years of training after high school. That's a real commitment, and it's worth being honest with yourself about whether this timeline fits your life.
That said, each stage of training builds meaningfully on the last. By the time you're licensed, you'll have a level of expertise in human behavior that very few professionals can match. Here's how the path typically unfolds:
Earn a Bachelor's Degree
4 years
Start with a four-year degree in psychology or a related field. Focus on building a strong foundation in research methods, statistics, abnormal psychology, and developmental psych. Get involved in research early — faculty mentorship and honors projects make a real difference when you're applying to doctoral programs later. Your GPA matters here, especially your psychology and science coursework.
Build Research and Clinical Experience
1–2 years
Most competitive doctoral programs want to see that you've tested this path before committing to it. Work as a research assistant, behavioral health technician, or crisis counselor. Published research (even as a co-author) significantly strengthens your application. This gap year or two is also a chance to figure out what population or clinical issue you're most drawn to.
Complete a Doctoral Program (Ph.D. or Psy.D.)
5–7 years
This is the core of your training. Ph.D. programs emphasize research alongside clinical work and typically offer full funding with stipends. Psy.D. programs focus more heavily on clinical practice but often require tuition payment — sometimes exceeding $200,000 total. Both degrees lead to licensure. Your coursework will cover psychopathology, assessment, evidence-based interventions, ethics, and cultural competency. You'll also begin seeing clients under supervision during your program.
Match for a Predoctoral Internship
1 year (part of doctoral training)
During your final year of doctoral training, you'll apply through the APPIC Match system for a year-long predoctoral internship. APA-accredited internships require at least 1,500 hours of supervised clinical experience across diverse settings and populations. The match process is competitive, and not everyone matches on their first attempt — but match rates have improved in recent years.
Complete Postdoctoral Supervised Hours
1–2 years
Most states require one to two years of supervised postdoctoral experience before you can practice independently. This is where you deepen your specialization and prepare for the licensing exam. Many postdoc positions are in the same types of settings where you'll eventually build your career — hospitals, community mental health, VA centers, or private practices.
Pass the EPPP and Obtain Licensure
3–6 months
The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is the standardized licensing exam required by all 66 U.S. and Canadian jurisdictions. It covers eight content domains — everything from biological bases of behavior to ethics. The first-time pass rate for doctoral-level candidates from accredited programs is above 80%, though recent ASPPB data shows a slight decline since 2020. Some states also require a jurisprudence exam on state-specific laws.
Clinical Psychologist Education Requirements
Clinical psychology has the highest educational bar of any non-medical mental health profession. A doctoral degree is the entry-level credential for independent practice — there's no shortcut around this.
The choice between a Ph.D. and Psy.D. is one of the first big decisions you'll face, and it genuinely depends on what you want your career to look like. If you're drawn to research and academic work alongside clinical practice, a Ph.D. is the better fit. If you know you want to focus primarily on direct patient care, a Psy.D. may make more sense — just go in with open eyes about the cost difference.
Whichever path you choose, make sure the program is accredited by the APA. Accreditation matters for internship eligibility, licensure, and employment opportunities.
- A doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in clinical psychology from an APA-accredited program
- Completion of an APA-accredited predoctoral internship (minimum 1,500 supervised hours)
- One to two years of postdoctoral supervised experience, as required by your state licensing board
- A passing score on the EPPP (scaled score of 500 or above)
- Ongoing continuing education credits to maintain licensure — typically 20 to 40 hours per renewal cycle
Recommended Degree Programs
Master's in Psychology
Can serve as a stepping stone to doctoral study or qualify you for limited-scope clinical roles in some states.
Doctorate in Clinical Psychology (Psy.D.)
Practice-focused training that prepares you for direct patient care across diverse settings.
Ph.D. in Psychology
Research-intensive training ideal for careers combining clinical practice with academia or research.
How Much Do Clinical Psychologists Make?
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for psychologists was $94,310 in May 2024. That's a solid income, but it comes with important context: you'll likely be in your early-to-mid 30s before you're earning at that level, and if you went the Psy.D. route, you may be carrying significant student debt.
The salary range is wide — from under $55,000 at the 10th percentile to over $157,000 at the 90th. Where you land depends heavily on your setting, specialization, geographic location, and whether you're salaried or in private practice.
10th Percentile
$54,860
Median
$94,310
90th Percentile
$157,330
Top-Paying Factors
- Federal employers (especially the VA system) pay among the highest base salaries, often exceeding $110,000 with full benefits
- Neuropsychology and forensic psychology specializations tend to command premium compensation
- Private practice income varies widely — established practitioners may earn $120,000 to $180,000+, but it takes time to build a full caseload
- Metropolitan areas in California, New Jersey, and Oregon consistently offer the highest average salaries
What's the Job Outlook for Clinical Psychologists?
Growth Rate
6%
Total Jobs
204,300
The BLS projects 6% employment growth for psychologists from 2024 to 2034, with roughly 12,900 openings each year. That growth is driven by something you can see in the data: more than one in five U.S. adults — 59.3 million people — live with a mental illness, and demand for psychological services continues to outpace the supply of licensed providers.
Several factors are sustaining this demand: expanded insurance coverage under federal parity laws, growing recognition that mental and physical health are inseparable, the ongoing effects of the COVID-19 pandemic on public mental health, and increasing acceptance of therapy across demographics that historically underutilized services. Telehealth has also opened access in rural and underserved areas, creating new opportunities for psychologists willing to work remotely.
The field isn't immune to challenges — reimbursement rates from insurance companies remain a pain point for many practitioners, and the administrative burden of managed care can be frustrating. But from a pure demand standpoint, clinical psychology is in a strong position.
Where Do Clinical Psychologists Work?
Private Practice
Many clinical psychologists eventually open or join a group practice. You set your own schedule, choose your caseload, and have control over the types of clients you see. The trade-off is managing the business side — billing, marketing, insurance credentialing.
Highly variable; established practitioners may earn $100,000–$180,000+
Hospitals & Health Systems
Hospital-based psychologists provide inpatient and outpatient care, conduct assessments, and serve on integrated behavioral health teams. These roles offer structured schedules and benefits but less autonomy.
Median approximately $95,000–$115,000
Universities & Academic Medical Centers
Academic positions split time between teaching, research, clinical supervision, and sometimes direct patient care. Tenure-track roles offer strong job security but can be hard to land.
Median approximately $85,000–$110,000 depending on rank and institution
VA Medical Centers & Government
The Department of Veterans Affairs is one of the largest employers of psychologists in the country. Federal positions offer competitive pay, excellent benefits, and loan repayment programs — a meaningful consideration given the cost of doctoral training.
Federal median approximately $105,000–$125,000 with full benefits
Community Mental Health Centers
Community-based organizations serve underserved and underinsured populations. The pay tends to be lower, but the work is deeply impactful — and some positions qualify for Public Service Loan Forgiveness.
Median approximately $72,000–$90,000
Pros & Cons of Being a Clinical Psychologist
Pros
- Deeply meaningful work — you're directly helping people through some of their most difficult moments
- Strong earning potential with a median above $94,000 and room for significantly more in private practice or specialized roles
- Genuine flexibility — private practice, hospitals, research, teaching, consulting, telehealth, or some combination
- Growing demand that isn't likely to slow down given the scale of unmet mental health needs in the U.S.
Cons
- The longest training pipeline of any non-medical mental health profession — 10 to 12 years is the reality
- Psy.D. programs can leave you with $200,000+ in debt, which significantly impacts your early-career finances
- Emotional toll is real — compassion fatigue and burnout are occupational hazards that require intentional self-care
- Licensing requirements vary by state, which can complicate relocating and limit geographic flexibility early in your career
A Day in the Life of a Clinical Psychologist
No two days look exactly the same, but here's a realistic snapshot of what a typical day might look like for a clinical psychologist in an outpatient practice. Most clinicians see between five and eight clients per day, with time built in for documentation, consultation, and — if you're lucky — lunch.
Typical Schedule
8:00 AM — Review clinical notes and prepare for the day's sessions
8:30 AM — Diagnostic intake with a new client presenting with persistent anxiety and sleep disruption
10:00 AM — Individual CBT session with a long-term client working through major depressive disorder
11:00 AM — Administer and score a neuropsychological screening battery for a referral case
12:00 PM — Lunch; catch up on clinical literature or respond to referral requests
1:00 PM — Group therapy session for clients with social anxiety
2:30 PM — Write assessment reports and complete insurance documentation (the part nobody loves)
4:00 PM — Multidisciplinary case consultation with a psychiatrist and clinical social worker
5:00 PM — Telehealth session with a client in a rural area who doesn't have access to local providers
Expert Insight
"The most rewarding part of clinical psychology is witnessing the moment a patient recognizes their own capacity for change. After years of training, you develop a deep toolbox of evidence-based interventions — but what truly drives outcomes is the therapeutic relationship. My advice to aspiring psychologists: invest as much in self-awareness and cultural humility as you do in technical skill. The science gives you the framework, but the relationship is where healing happens."
Dr. Rebecca Thornton, Ph.D., Licensed Clinical Psychologist
Director of Behavioral Health, Midwest Integrated Health Partners
Related Careers
Counselor
Provides mental health counseling for individuals navigating everyday stressors, life transitions, and relationship challenges — a master's-level credential with strong job growth.
Neuropsychologist
Specializes in understanding the relationship between the brain and behavior, assessing cognitive functioning after injuries, neurological conditions, or developmental disorders.
Licensed Clinical Social Worker
Provides therapy and case management, often in community mental health or hospital settings. Requires a master's degree (shorter training timeline).
School Psychologist
Works within educational settings to support students' academic, behavioral, and emotional wellbeing.
Ready to Get Started?
Explore top-ranked programs to begin your career path.
Sources
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics — Psychologists, Occupational Outlook Handbook (2024)
- APA Commission on Accreditation — Accredited Programs Database
- APPIC Match Statistics — 2025 Phase I
- ASPPB — Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
- NIMH — Mental Illness Statistics (2022 data)
- ASPPB — 2024 Psychology Licensing Exam Scores by Doctoral Program
Frequently Asked Questions
A Ph.D. emphasizes research training alongside clinical preparation — it's well-suited for people who want to do research, teach, or combine practice with academic work. Ph.D. programs are generally funded with stipends. A Psy.D. focuses primarily on clinical training and direct patient care, but typically requires tuition payment that can exceed $200,000. Both degrees qualify you for licensure and independent practice. The right choice depends on what you actually want your career to look like.
Plan for 10 to 12 years after high school: four years for a bachelor's degree, five to seven years for a doctoral program (which includes a year-long predoctoral internship), and one to two years of postdoctoral supervised experience before licensure. Some people complete it faster, some take longer — especially if you take time between undergrad and graduate school, which many successful applicants do.
In most states, no. However, a growing number of states — including Louisiana, New Mexico, Illinois, Iowa, Idaho, and Colorado — have passed prescriptive authority legislation allowing specially trained psychologists to prescribe psychotropic medications. This requires additional postdoctoral training in psychopharmacology beyond the standard doctoral curriculum.
The EPPP covers eight content domains and is required by all 66 U.S. and Canadian licensing jurisdictions. The first-time pass rate for doctoral-level candidates from accredited programs is above 80%, according to ASPPB data — though that rate has dipped by about 3% since 2020, possibly related to pandemic-era disruptions in training. Most candidates study for three to six months. A passing score is a 500 on the scaled scoring system.
That depends on what you value. The training is long, the cost can be high (especially for Psy.D. programs), and the early-career earnings don't always reflect the investment right away. But the median salary is above $94,000, job growth is strong, and the work itself is genuinely meaningful. If you're someone who finds deep satisfaction in helping people understand themselves and heal, the investment tends to feel worth it over the long run. Just go in with realistic expectations about the financial timeline — especially around student debt.