Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Alaska, Ranked (2026)
Alaska's sole APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral program for 2026, with cohort size, the 1,500 hours minimum supervised experience, EPPP plus the Alaska State Law and Ethics Examination, and Alaska's pending PSYPACT legislation (HB352).
Key Takeaways
- Alaska has only 1 APA-accredited doctoral psychology program: University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) PhD in Clinical-Community Psychology. Per UAA: "the Ph.D. Program in Clinical-Community Psychology is the only Ph.D. program in psychology and the only American Psychological Association accredited doctoral program in the state of Alaska." Historically jointly delivered with University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF); UAF has withdrawn in recent years, leaving program entirely with UAA faculty.
- UAA Clinical-Community PhD admits up to 5 students per cohort from ~50 applications per year. 5-year program (4 years coursework + 5th-year pre-doctoral internship); 115-credit program. GRE submission at applicant's discretion (typically submitted when GPA is right at the 3.0 level). Minimum 3.00 GPA required in major/psychology coursework. WRGP eligible: Students from AK, AZ, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY pay in-state rate. Application deadline December 15 (Fall admission only).
- Alaska Natives into Psychology (ANPsych) Program at UAA is federally funded by the US Indian Health Service. Provides full scholarships to qualified Alaska Native / American Indian (ANAI) students including monthly stipend, tuition, fees, books, research support. Directed by Dr. E.J.R. David. Scholars commit to ANAI-serving healthcare post-graduation. Major training pipeline for culturally-competent Alaska Native and American Indian clinical psychologists.
- Alaska licenses psychologists through the Alaska Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners (Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing) under AS 08.86 and 12 AAC 60. Required supervised experience is minimum 1,500 hours over 10 to 24 months. At least half of the credited experience must be direct service; at least half of the direct service must be in a face-to-face format. At least 80% of supervision must be provided by a psychologist.
- Exam sequence is the EPPP Part 1 ($600) plus EPPP Part 2 ($450) plus the Alaska State Law and Ethics Examination (state jurisprudence exam).
- Fees: Application $200 non-refundable + State examination fee $50 + Temporary license $150 + Initial license $500. Biennial renewal $500 if license issued on/before June 30; $250 if issued on/after July 1. 40 CE hours every 2 years (~20/year average) with minimum 3 hours in professional ethics per renewal period.
- Alaska is NOT a PSYPACT state as of 2026; one of the remaining holdouts (alongside CA, HI, IA, LA, MA, NM, NY, OR and territories). HB352 ("Healthcare Licensing Compacts") would authorize Alaska to join PSYPACT; heard during the 2026 Alaska Legislative session. Alaska Psychological Association (AK-PA) Board endorsed HB352. AK-PA member survey: 64% supportive, 11% neutral, 23% somewhat/strongly opposed.
- Alaska has no state income tax; one of nine states with no individual income tax. Alaska Native / Indigenous mental health is THE defining specialty. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) operates Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC), the largest tribal health organization in the United States. Southcentral Foundation's Nuka System of Care is a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient and internationally recognized integrated behavioral health model. Severe rural workforce shortages drive SHARP and NHSC loan repayment leverage.
Alaska runs an extraordinarily limited APA-accredited doctoral psychology training landscape: only 1 program statewide. University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA) PhD in Clinical-Community Psychology (Department of Psychology, College of Arts and Sciences; Social Sciences Building / SSB 3rd Floor, Suite 303; 3190 Alumni Drive, Anchorage, AK 99508) is per UAA "the only Ph.D. program in psychology and the only American Psychological Association accredited doctoral program in the state of Alaska." Historically jointly delivered with University of Alaska Fairbanks (UAF); UAF has withdrawn in recent years, leaving program entirely with UAA faculty.
5-year program (4 years coursework + 5th-year pre-doctoral internship); 115-credit program. UAA admits up to 5 students per cohort from ~50 applications per year. UAA tuition 2025-26: $513/credit in-state graduate + $1,079/credit out-of-state + $42.75 Consolidated Student Fee + $19 UA Infrastructure Fee per credit. WRGP eligible: students from AK, AZ, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY pay in-state rate. Assistantships include tuition remission up to 9 credits/semester + student health insurance. GRE submission at applicant's discretion (typically submitted when GPA is at the 3.0 level); minimum 3.00 GPA required in major/psychology coursework. Application deadline December 15 (Fall admission only). Integrated clinical-community model with rural and Indigenous emphasis.
UAA's Alaska Natives into Psychology (ANPsych) Program is a unique national asset. Federally funded by the US Indian Health Service. Provides full scholarships to qualified Alaska Native / American Indian (ANAI) students including monthly stipend, tuition, fees, books, research support. Directed by Dr. E.J.R. David. Scholars commit to ANAI-serving healthcare post-graduation. ANPsych is the major training pipeline for culturally-competent Alaska Native and American Indian clinical psychologists.
Affiliations: Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) / Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC), Southcentral Foundation (Nuka System of Care), Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API), Alaska VA Healthcare System, Indian Health Service. API is an APPIC consortium internship site through the Alaska Psychology Internship Consortium (AK-PIC).
What is NOT APA-accredited in Alaska: No other APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs exist in Alaska. No APA-accredited Counseling, School, or PsyD programs. UAA is the sole APA-accredited path in Alaska; out-of-state or hybrid programs are the only alternatives.
The Alaska Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners licensure path under AS 08.86 and 12 AAC 60 requires a doctoral degree (APA-accredited is the standard route), minimum 1,500 hours supervised experience over 10 to 24 months (at least half direct service; at least half of direct service in face-to-face format; at least 80% of supervision provided by a psychologist), the EPPP (Part 1 $600 + Part 2 $450), and the Alaska State Law and Ethics Examination. Application $200 + state exam fee $50 + temporary license $150 + initial license $500. Biennial renewal $500 (if license issued on/before June 30) or $250 (if issued on/after July 1). 40 CE hours every 2 years with minimum 3 hours in professional ethics per renewal period. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 10 to 11 years.
Alaska is NOT a PSYPACT state as of 2026. Alaska is one of the remaining holdouts alongside CA, HI, IA, LA, MA, NM, NY, OR and territories. HB352 ("Healthcare Licensing Compacts") would authorize Alaska to join PSYPACT; heard during the 2026 Alaska Legislative session. Alaska Psychological Association (AK-PA) Board endorsed HB352. AK-PA member survey: 64% supportive/strongly supportive, 11% neutral, 23% somewhat/strongly opposed; 50% cited continuity of care for relocating patients as the top benefit.
Alaska Native / Indigenous mental health is THE defining specialty in Alaska psychology. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) operates Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC); the largest tribal health organization in the United States; serves 175,000+ Alaska Native / American Indian people; actively hires clinical psychologists. Southcentral Foundation (SCF) Nuka System of Care is an Alaska Native-owned nonprofit serving ~65,000 ANAI people in Anchorage, Mat-Su, and 55 rural villages; Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient; internationally recognized integrated behavioral health model with Behavioral Health Consultants in primary care for 15+ years. Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API), the only public psychiatric hospital in Alaska, is a teaching hospital adjacent to UAA; competency restoration treatment site; APPIC consortium internship site through AK-PIC.
APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Alaska
All 1 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA Clinical-Community PhD) | $513/credit (in-state graduate, 2025-26) + $42.75 Consolidated Student Fee + $19 UA Infrastructure Fee per credit. WRGP eligible: AK, AZ, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY pay in-state rate. Assistantships include tuition remission up to 9 credits/semester + student health insurance | On-campus |
University of Alaska Anchorage (UAA Clinical-Community PhD)
In-State
$513/credit (in-state graduate, 2025-26) + $42.75 Consolidated Student Fee + $19 UA Infrastructure Fee per credit. WRGP eligible: AK, AZ, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY pay in-state rate. Assistantships include tuition remission up to 9 credits/semester + student health insurance
Out-of-State
$1,079/credit (out-of-state graduate); WRGP states pay in-state rate
Length
5-year program (4 years coursework + 5th-year pre-doctoral internship); 115-credit program
Field Hours
1,500 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium / ANMC, Southcentral Foundation (Nuka), Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API), Alaska VA Healthcare System, Indian Health Service
Concentrations
- The ONLY APA-accredited doctoral psychology program in Alaska
- Up to 5 admits per cohort from ~50 applications per year
- GRE submission at applicant's discretion (typically submitted when GPA at 3.0 level)
- WRGP eligible: students from 14 Western states pay in-state rate
- Alaska Natives into Psychology (ANPsych) Program: IHS-funded full scholarships (stipend + tuition + fees + books + research support) for ANAI scholars
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Alaska
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Alaska Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners
(907) 269-8160
Alaska regulates psychologists through the Alaska Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners within the Alaska Division of Corporations, Business and Professional Licensing, Department of Commerce, Community, and Economic Development. Governing statute: AS 08.86 and 12 AAC 60.
Education requirement is a doctoral degree (APA-accredited is the standard route; Alaska Statute permits regional accreditation pathways).
Required supervised experience is minimum 1,500 hours over 10 to 24 months. Verbatim: "At least half of the credited experience is to be direct service; at least half of the direct service must be in a face-to-face format. At least 80% of supervision is to be provided by a psychologist." One year of postdoctoral supervised experience approved by the board.
Exam sequence is the EPPP (Part 1 $600 + Part 2 $450) plus the Alaska State Law and Ethics Examination (state jurisprudence).
Fees: Application $200 non-refundable + state examination fee $50 + temporary license $150 + initial license $500. Biennial renewal $500 if license issued on/before June 30; $250 if issued on/after July 1. 40 CE hours every 2 years (~20/year average) with minimum 3 hours in professional ethics per renewal period. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 10 to 11 years.
Supervised pre-doctoral internship
Supervised practice during the doctoral program under faculty and site supervision; not a separate Board credential
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: Not applicable
Temporary License ($150)
Practice under supervision while completing post-doctoral hours, EPPP, or AK Law and Ethics Exam
Hours
N/A
Duration
Associate
Exam: EPPP/jurisprudence may be pending
Licensed Psychologist
Independent practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, psychological testing and assessment, supervision of trainees, expert testimony. Alaska is NOT a PSYPACT state.
Hours
1,500
Duration
Minimum 1,500 hours over 10 to 24 months; ≥50% direct service with ≥50% of direct service in face-to-face format; ≥80% of supervision by a psychologist
Exam: EPPP Part 1 ($600) + EPPP Part 2 ($450) + Alaska State Law and Ethics Examination
Alaska does not offer automatic reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must complete the Alaska State Law and Ethics Examination.
Alaska is NOT a PSYPACT state as of 2026. Alaska is one of the remaining holdouts alongside CA, HI, IA, LA, MA, NM, NY, OR and territories. HB352 ("Healthcare Licensing Compacts") would authorize Alaska to join multiple healthcare compacts including PSYPACT, enabling temporary in-person practice and telepractice via the E.Passport credential. Heard during the 2026 Alaska Legislative session. Alaska Psychological Association (AK-PA) Board endorsed HB352. AK-PA member survey: 64% supportive/strongly supportive, 11% neutral, 23% somewhat/strongly opposed; 50% cited continuity of care for relocating patients as the top benefit. Not enacted as of May 2026.
Clinical Psychologist Salary in Alaska
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Alaska ranks among the highest-paying states for psychologists (cited as ~27% above national median). The BLS Alaska OEWS data should be verified for SOC 19-3033. Alaska annual mean wage for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists ~$111,840 (secondary sources citing BLS Alaska data; verify exact figure with BLS state XLS). National median for SOC 19-3033 is $96,100; national mean ~$106,850. Alaska also has no state income tax, which increases take-home pay relative to nominal wage figures.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)
National median: $96,100
Top metro: Verify with BLS MSA pages (Anchorage, Fairbanks, Juneau)
School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)
National median: $84,940
Top metro: Verify with BLS (Anchorage School District (largest), Mat-Su Borough SD, Fairbanks North Star Borough SD, Juneau SD)
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists (SOC 19-3032)
National median: National mean ~$109,000-$139,000
Top metro: Data may be suppressed (Anchorage)
Alaska Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Alaska has a small psychology employment market dominated by Alaska Native / Tribal Health Systems, which is THE defining employer category for AK doctoral psychology. Major employers fall into five buckets.
Hospitals: Providence Alaska Medical Center (Anchorage), Alaska's largest hospital. Behavioral Health at 3200 Providence Drive. Inpatient adult mental health unit (4W); neuropsych/psychodiagnostic assessment services; outpatient Providence Medical Group Behavioral Health. Foundation Health Partners (Fairbanks): Tanana Valley Clinic + Fairbanks Memorial Hospital + Denali Center; behavioral health clinic staffs psychiatrists, psychologists, therapists. Bartlett Regional Hospital (Juneau): 12-bed adult inpatient psychiatric unit; Aurora Behavioral Health Center (crisis stabilization, 23-hour observation, up to 7-day crisis residential). Mat-Su Regional Medical Center (Palmer). Central Peninsula Hospital (Soldotna).
Alaska Native / Tribal Health Systems (THE defining employer category): Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) / Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) (Anchorage), the largest tribal health organization in the US; Alaska's second-largest health employer (3,100+ employees); serves 175,000+ Alaska Native / American Indian people; actively hires clinical psychologists. Southcentral Foundation (SCF) Nuka System of Care (Anchorage), Alaska Native-owned nonprofit serving ~65,000 ANAI people in Anchorage, Mat-Su, and 55 rural villages; Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient; internationally recognized integrated behavioral health model with Behavioral Health Consultants in primary care for 15+ years. Plus Norton Sound Health Corporation (Nome), Yukon-Kuskokwim Health Corporation (Bethel), Bristol Bay Area Health Corporation, Maniilaq Association (Kotzebue), Tanana Chiefs Conference (Fairbanks), SEARHC / SouthEast Alaska Regional Health Consortium (Sitka/Juneau).
State / Government: Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API) (Anchorage), the only public psychiatric hospital in Alaska; teaching hospital adjacent to UAA; competency restoration treatment site; APPIC consortium internship site through the Alaska Psychology Internship Consortium (AK-PIC); hires forensic psychologists and psychology associates. Alaska Department of Health (formerly DHSS, split into Department of Health and Department of Family and Community Services in 2022). Alaska Department of Corrections.
Federal / VA: Alaska VA Healthcare System (Anchorage).
K-12 school districts: Anchorage School District (largest in AK), Mat-Su Borough School District, Fairbanks North Star Borough School District, Juneau School District.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
SHARP (Alaska's Support for Health Care Practitioners): Operated by Alaska Department of Health. Three tiers (SHARP-1, SHARP-2, SHARP-3). SHARP-3 launched 2021 is the broadest program, covering medical, dental, and behavioral health disciplines (psychologists eligible). Award range: $15,000-$47,250 per year for full-time positions (tier-based); $7,500-$23,625 for half-time. Service commitment 2 years (SHARP-1) or 3 years (SHARP-3). Benefit type: education loan repayment OR direct incentive payment. Designed specifically to address Alaska's rural workforce shortage; tiers favor rural and Alaska Native-serving placements.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. Many Alaska sites qualify (particularly tribal health and rural community mental health). Standard NHSC LRP: up to $50,000 for 2-year full-time service at HPSA-approved site.
VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Alaska VA Healthcare System (Anchorage) employed psychologists can qualify for EDRP awards up to $200,000 over 5 years.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Available for psychologists employed by qualifying nonprofits (ANTHC, Southcentral Foundation, tribal health corporations, state/federal facilities, API). Tribal health employers are PSLF-eligible. 120 qualifying payments.
Alaska no state income tax: One of nine states with no individual income tax, materially increasing take-home pay compared to income-tax states.
How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in Alaska
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing an Alaska clinical psychology doctoral program is the simplest decision in the United States: there is only 1 APA-accredited doctoral psychology program (UAA Clinical-Community PhD in Anchorage). The real choice for Alaska residents is between the highly competitive UAA program (5 admits/year from ~50 applications) or relocating to an out-of-state APA-accredited program. Here is how to actually navigate the Alaska landscape.
If you want the only APA-accredited doctoral psychology program in Alaska: University of Alaska Anchorage PhD in Clinical-Community Psychology. The only Ph.D. program in psychology and the only APA-accredited doctoral program in the state of Alaska. Up to 5 admits per cohort from ~50 applications/year. 5-year program (4 years coursework + 5th-year pre-doctoral internship); 115 credits.
If you are an Alaska Native or American Indian student: Alaska Natives into Psychology (ANPsych) Program at UAA is federally funded by the US Indian Health Service. Provides full scholarships including monthly stipend, tuition, fees, books, research support. Directed by Dr. E.J.R. David. Scholars commit to ANAI-serving healthcare post-graduation. Major training pipeline for culturally-competent Alaska Native and American Indian clinical psychologists.
If you live in a Western state but want Alaska training: UAA is WRGP eligible: students from AK, AZ, CO, HI, ID, MT, NV, NM, ND, OR, SD, UT, WA, WY pay in-state rate ($513/credit instead of $1,079/credit). Major affordability advantage for Western Regional Graduate Program students.
If you want tribal mental health career trajectory: Alaska Native / Indigenous mental health is THE defining specialty. Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC) / Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) is the largest tribal health organization in the United States with 175,000+ AN/AI patients served. Southcentral Foundation's Nuka System of Care is a Malcolm Baldrige National Quality Award recipient and internationally recognized integrated behavioral health model. Regional tribal health corporations (Norton Sound, Yukon-Kuskokwim, Bristol Bay, Maniilaq, Tanana Chiefs, SEARHC) all hire doctoral psychologists.
If you want high-wage psychology employment with no state income tax: Alaska ranks among the highest-paying states for psychologists (~27% above national median; ~$111,840 annual mean for SOC 19-3033). Alaska has no state income tax, which increases take-home pay relative to nominal wage figures.
If you want rural HPSA loan repayment leverage: Severe rural workforce shortages drive generous SHARP awards (up to $47,250/year full-time for behavioral health providers in SHARP-3). NHSC LRP up to $50,000 for 2 years. Tiers favor rural and Alaska Native-serving placements.
If you want forensic psychology placement: Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API) is the only public psychiatric hospital in Alaska, a teaching hospital adjacent to UAA, competency restoration treatment site, and APPIC consortium internship site (AK-PIC).
Caveats worth knowing before applying: Alaska has only 1 APA-accredited doctoral psychology program. UAA Clinical-Community PhD is the ONLY APA-accredited path; out-of-state programs are the only alternative. Alaska is NOT a PSYPACT state as of 2026; HB352 pending in 2026 legislative session. UAF withdrew from the joint program in recent years (UAA-only now). Rural Alaska cost-of-living is high (partially offsets wage premium). Single internship cycle/year, Fall start only, December 15 application deadline.
Related Pages
Counseling Programs in Alaska
CACREP-accredited counseling programs and the Alaska LPC license, a master's alternative to the 6-7 year clinical psychology doctorate
MSW Programs in Alaska
CSWE-accredited social work programs and Alaska LCSW licensure
ABA Programs in Alaska
BACB-verified course sequences and Alaska BCBA practice for students considering applied behavior analysis
Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs by State
Browse APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD and PsyD) in every state
Sources
- APA Commission on Accreditation, Accredited Programs Directory
- Alaska Board of Psychologist and Psychological Associate Examiners
- PSYPACT, Compact Map
- PSYPACT State Legislation
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Alaska Estimates
- SHARP Program (Alaska's Support for Health Care Practitioners)
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program
- UAA PhD in Clinical-Community Psychology
- UAA Alaska Natives into Psychology (ANPsych)
- Alaska Native Tribal Health Consortium (ANTHC)
- Southcentral Foundation (Nuka System of Care)
- Alaska Psychiatric Institute (API)