Last updated: May 28, 2026

Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Kansas, Ranked (2026)

The 5 APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs in Kansas for 2026, with cohort sizes, the 3,600 supervised hours (1,800 internship + 1,800 post-doctoral), EPPP without a state jurisprudence exam, and Kansas's PSYPACT status (operational since January 2022).

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

B.A. in Psychology, University of Washington, Seattle

Key Takeaways

  • Kansas has 5 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs, concentrated at 2 institutions. University of Kansas (Lawrence) hosts 4 programs (Clinical Psychological Science PhD continuously since 1949 = one of the original Boulder programs, Clinical Child Psychology PhD CCPP since 2001 as independent department, Counseling Psychology PhD since 1971, School Psychology PhD APA + NASP + Kansas Department of Education approved). Wichita State University hosts 1 program (Clinical Psychology PhD with Community emphasis, continuously APA-accredited since 2005, reaccredited 2015).
  • Kansas State University does NOT hold APA accreditation for any doctoral program. KSU's PhD in Psychological Sciences (I/O, Cognitive/Human Factors, Behavioral Neuroscience, Social-Personality) is NOT APA-accredited. Fort Hays State has no doctoral psychology program (master's + EdS only). Kansas City University PsyD is in Missouri (1750 Independence Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64106), excluded as out-of-state.
  • Kansas licenses psychologists through the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (KSBSRB). Required supervised experience is 3,600 hours total: 1,800 hours as a formal pre-doctoral internship (1 hour individual clinical supervision per 10 hours direct patient contact) + 1,800 hours post-doctoral (≥900 hours direct client contact; supervisor must have been licensed ≥2 years post-licensure; must take ≥12 months).
  • Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing score 500 scaled, ~70%). NO Kansas jurisprudence exam is required at this time; this is unusual among US states and removes a common licensure hurdle.
  • Fees: Initial application fee $175 application + ~$1,000 in total initial fees when other components included; EPPP exam fee $600 (ASPPB); temporary license $100 to $150 available for practice under supervision while completing requirements; biennial renewal cycle per K.S.A. 74-5318; 50 continuing education hours per biennial cycle.
  • Kansas is a PSYPACT operational state. Kansas Senate Bill SB 170 enacted May 17, 2021; effective January 1, 2022. KSBSRB has posted information about PSYPACT Home State Privilege to Practice Fee for Licensed Psychologists. Practice authority allows interjurisdictional telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across 40+ participating PSYPACT jurisdictions.
  • KU Clinical Child Psychology Program (CCPP) is a leading clinical child program nationally. Independent department from main Psychology (located at 2010 Dole Human Development Center); achieved independent APA accreditation in 2001; reaccredited 2008 and 2015; next site visit Spring 2025 per program page. GRE NOT required and not considered. Specializations: pediatric psychology, developmental psychopathology, autism, child mental health.
  • Larned State Hospital is one of the largest dedicated forensic psychiatric facilities in the Midwest. 220-bed State Security Program with 200 designated for mentally ill forensic population; ~1,000 employees; serves western 2/3 of Kansas; statewide provider of inpatient forensic services; APA-accredited internships and forensic training opportunities.
Accredited Programs
5
Ranked in this guide
Kansas, Ranked Median
~$96,950 annual mean (KS); verify with BLS KS table
vs national $96,100 (About par; COL-adjusted favorable)
Independent License
Temporary License
Temporary License for practice under supervision while completing requirements
Supervised Hours
1,800
over Pre-doctoral internship completed min.

Kansas runs a small but high-quality APA-accredited doctoral psychology training landscape with 5 programs concentrated at 2 institutions: University of Kansas (4 programs in Lawrence) and Wichita State University (1 program). KU Clinical Psychological Science PhD has been continuously APA-accredited since 1949, making it one of the original Boulder-conference clinical psychology programs in the United States. Clinical Science model with broad clinical training in the first 2 to 3 years narrowing to specialization built around faculty research labs in years 3+. KU graduate tuition is $452 per credit (in-state) and $1,085 per credit (out-of-state). Most clinical PhD students are funded via TA/RA with tuition remission. GRE not required. Affiliations include KU Psychological Clinic (on-campus training), KU Medical Center (KUMC) Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences for internship and research, and many graduates place at VA hospitals, academic medical centers, and university psychology departments.

KU Clinical Child Psychology Program (CCPP) PhD is a separate department housed at 2010 Dole Human Development Center, distinct from the main Psychology department. Achieved independent APA accreditation in 2001; reaccredited 2008 and 2015; next site visit Spring 2025 per program page. Master's in Clinical Child Psychology granted en route to the PhD. GRE NOT required and not considered (per CCPP admissions page). Applications for Fall 2026 due December 3, 2025. Specializations include pediatric psychology, developmental psychopathology, autism, and child mental health. Affiliations: Edna A. Hill Child Development Center, KU Life Span Institute, KU Medical Center pediatrics.

KU Counseling Psychology PhD (Department of Educational Psychology, 621 J.R. Pearson Hall) has been continuously APA-accredited since 1971 per the department site (a secondary source cites 1955 in older archives; the program page lists 1971 as the official continuous accreditation date). Scientist-practitioner model with wellness and preventive interventions, multicultural and social justice, and career development emphases. GRE General required (50th percentile verbal, quantitative, writing within past 5 years). Typically 5 years + 1-year internship. APPIC-accredited internship placements; KU Counseling and Psychological Services practicum site. KU School Psychology PhD is APA-accredited + NASP-approved + Kansas Department of Education approved. Scientist-practitioner model with 4 years of full-time study + 1-year internship (5 years total). General GRE required.

Wichita State University Clinical Psychology PhD (Department of Psychology, Jabara Hall, 1845 Fairmount Street) has been continuously APA-accredited since 2005, reaccredited 2015. Clinical track within a Psychology PhD that also offers Community and Human Factors tracks; 90 to 101 credit hours with 9-year time limit (typical completion 5 to 6 years + internship). GRE NOT required for any of the three tracks (GRE scores accepted but not required). Clinical track uniquely integrates training in community psychology, providing a social-ecological/community perspective with emphasis on underserved populations and public service orientation. WSU Psychology Training Clinic (on-campus practicum site); affiliations with KU School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita Collaborative Psychology Internship Program (WCPIP), and regional Wichita metro mental health system partnerships.

The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (KSBSRB) licensure path requires a doctoral degree from an APA-accredited program in psychology, 3,600 total supervised hours (1,800 hours pre-doctoral internship + 1,800 hours post-doctoral with ≥900 hours direct client contact), the EPPP (passing score 500 scaled, ~70%), and NO state jurisprudence exam at this time. Initial application $175 (total initial fees ~$1,000); EPPP exam fee $600; temporary license $100 to $150 available. Biennial renewal cycle per K.S.A. 74-5318 with 50 CE hours per biennial cycle. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 7 to 9 years.

Kansas is a PSYPACT operational state since January 1, 2022 (Kansas SB 170 enacted May 17, 2021). KS LPs can practice telepsychology and temporary in-person services in 40+ other PSYPACT jurisdictions. Rural Kansas opportunity is substantial: 90+ of 105 Kansas counties have full or partial HPSA designations for mental health, making Kansas SLRP and federal NHSC loan-repayment leverage among the strongest in the country.

APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Kansas

All 5 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.

# School In-State Tuition Format
1 University of Kansas (Clinical Psychological Science PhD) ~$452/credit hour ($11,971/year full-time, in-state); most clinical PhD students funded via TA/RA with tuition remission On-campus
2 University of Kansas (Clinical Child Psychology Program / CCPP PhD) ~$452/credit ($11,971/year, in-state); doctoral students typically funded On-campus
3 University of Kansas (Counseling Psychology PhD) ~$452/credit (in-state); funding via assistantships On-campus
4 University of Kansas (School Psychology PhD) ~$452/credit (in-state) On-campus
5 Wichita State University WSU graduate ~$12,000/year (in-state, varies with credit load); clinical PhD students typically funded via TA/RA assistantships with tuition remission and stipend On-campus
1

University of Kansas (Clinical Psychological Science PhD)

Lawrence, KS On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

~$452/credit hour ($11,971/year full-time, in-state); most clinical PhD students funded via TA/RA with tuition remission

Out-of-State

~$1,085/credit hour ($27,146/year full-time, out-of-state); same with funding

Length

4 to 5 years coursework + 1-year pre-doctoral internship (5 to 6 years total)

Field Hours

1,800 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at KU Psychological Clinic and KU Medical Center (KUMC) Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences

Concentrations

Clinical Psychological Science (broad clinical training narrowing to specialization in years 3+ based on faculty research labs)
  • Continuously APA-accredited since 1949 (one of the original Boulder-conference clinical psychology programs in the US)
  • Clinical Science approach with broad early training narrowing to specialization in years 3+
  • GRE not required
  • Funded via TA/RA with tuition remission
  • Affiliations with KU Psychological Clinic (on-campus), KU Medical Center (KUMC) Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences for internship/research
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
Visit Program
2

University of Kansas (Clinical Child Psychology Program / CCPP PhD)

Lawrence, KS On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD with emphasis in Clinical Child and Adolescent Psychology

In-State

~$452/credit ($11,971/year, in-state); doctoral students typically funded

Out-of-State

~$1,085/credit ($27,146/year, out-of-state); same with funding

Length

~5 years + 1-year internship; MA in Clinical Child Psychology granted en route to PhD

Field Hours

1,800 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at Edna A. Hill Child Development Center, KU Life Span Institute, KU Medical Center pediatrics

Concentrations

Clinical Child Psychology PhD
  • Independent APA accreditation since 2001; reaccredited 2008 and 2015; next site visit Spring 2025
  • Separate department from main Psychology (located at 2010 Dole Human Development Center)
  • GRE NOT required and not considered
  • Applications for Fall 2026 due December 3, 2025
  • Affiliations with Edna A. Hill Child Development Center, KU Life Span Institute, KU Medical Center pediatrics
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
Visit Program
3

University of Kansas (Counseling Psychology PhD)

Lawrence, KS On-campus APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD

In-State

~$452/credit (in-state); funding via assistantships

Out-of-State

~$1,085/credit (out-of-state); same with funding

Length

Typically 5 years + 1-year internship

Field Hours

1,800 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at KU Counseling and Psychological Services

Concentrations

Counseling Psychology PhD (scientist-practitioner)
  • Continuously APA-accredited since 1971
  • General GRE required (50th percentile verbal, quantitative, writing within past 5 years)
  • Wellness/preventive interventions, multicultural/social justice, career development emphases
  • APPIC-accredited internship placements
  • Part of KU School of Education and Human Sciences
GRE: Required | Min GPA: 3.3
Visit Program
4

University of Kansas (School Psychology PhD)

Lawrence, KS On-campus APA-accredited School Psychology PhD

In-State

~$452/credit (in-state)

Out-of-State

~$1,085/credit (out-of-state)

Length

4 years full-time study + 1-year internship (5 years total)

Field Hours

1,800 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at KU Center for Research on Learning and Achievement and Assessment Institute

Concentrations

School Psychology PhD (scientist-practitioner)
  • APA-accredited School Psychology PhD with NASP approval and Kansas Department of Education approval
  • 4 years full-time + 1-year internship (5 years total)
  • General GRE required (scores no older than 5 years)
  • School-based health service psychology with pediatric school psychology, autism, MTSS, equity in education specializations
  • Affiliations with KU Center for Research on Learning and Achievement and Assessment Institute
GRE: Required | Min GPA: 3.3
Visit Program
5

Wichita State University

Wichita, KS On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD with Community emphasis

In-State

WSU graduate ~$12,000/year (in-state, varies with credit load); clinical PhD students typically funded via TA/RA assistantships with tuition remission and stipend

Out-of-State

WSU graduate ~$25,000/year (out-of-state); same with funding

Length

90 to 101 credit hours; 9-year time limit (typical completion 5 to 6 years + internship)

Field Hours

1,800 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at WSU Psychology Training Clinic

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PhD (Clinical track)
  • Continuously APA-accredited since 2005; reaccredited 2015
  • GRE NOT required for Clinical, Community, or Human Factors tracks (GRE optional)
  • Clinical track uniquely integrates training in community psychology (social-ecological/community perspective)
  • Emphasis on underserved populations and public service orientation
  • Affiliations with KU School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita Collaborative Psychology Internship Program (WCPIP), regional Wichita metro mental health system partnerships
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Kansas

The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.

Licensing Board

Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (KSBSRB)

(785) 296-3240

Board Website Verify a License

Kansas regulates psychologists through the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (KSBSRB).

Education requirement is a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-accredited program (or a program meeting equivalent standards under K.A.R. 102-1-12).

Required supervised experience is 3,600 hours total: 1,800 hours as a formal pre-doctoral internship (1 hour individual clinical supervision per 10 hours direct patient contact) + 1,800 hours of post-doctoral supervised experience (≥900 hours direct client contact; ≥180 hours general/non-clinical psychological services; 1 hour individual supervision per 20 hours direct patient contact; must take ≥12 months; supervisor must have been licensed ≥2 years post-licensure).

Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing score 500 scaled, ~70%). NO Kansas jurisprudence exam is required at this time; this is unusual among US states and removes a common licensure hurdle.

Fees: Initial application $175 + ~$1,000 in total initial fees when other components included; EPPP exam fee $600 paid to ASPPB; temporary license $100 to $150 available for practice under supervision while completing requirements. Biennial renewal cycle per K.S.A. 74-5318 with 50 continuing education hours per biennial cycle. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 7 to 9 years.

Doctoral Student/Intern

Supervised pre-doctoral internship (1,800 hours)

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

Temporary License for practice under supervision while completing requirements

Practice under supervision while completing post-doctoral hours, EPPP, or other requirements

Hours

1,800

Duration

Pre-doctoral internship completed

Exam: EPPP may be pending

Licensed Psychologist

Licensed Psychologist

Independent practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, psychological testing and assessment, supervision of trainees, expert testimony, telepsychology under PSYPACT for KS LPs holding APIT and/or TAP

Hours

3,600

Duration

1,800 hours pre-doctoral internship + 1,800 hours post-doctoral (must take ≥12 months)

Exam: EPPP (passing score 500 scaled, ~70%); NO Kansas jurisprudence exam required

Reciprocity & out-of-state licensing

Kansas does not offer automatic reciprocity but does not require a state jurisprudence exam, which simplifies the out-of-state transfer process compared to most states.

Kansas is a PSYPACT operational state since January 1, 2022. Kansas Senate Bill SB 170 enacted May 17, 2021. KSBSRB has posted information about the PSYPACT Home State Privilege to Practice Fee for Licensed Psychologists. Practice authority allows interjurisdictional telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across 40+ participating PSYPACT jurisdictions.

Clinical Psychologist Salary in Kansas

BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.

Kansas psychologist wages run roughly at or below national medians. The BLS Kansas OEWS data should be verified for SOC 19-3033 (state median + Kansas City KS metro and Wichita metro). National median for SOC 19-3033 is $96,100. Kansas annual mean (most recent retrievable) ~$96,950. School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034) Kansas annual mean ~$66,960 with ~220 employed (verify with BLS). Kansas Department of Labor projection (2024-2026): ~116 annual openings for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists combined.

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)

~$96,950 annual mean (KS); verify with BLS KS table About par; COL-adjusted favorable
State
U.S.

National median: $96,100

Top metro: Lawrence MSA ~$83,110 annual mean (verify with BLS) (Kansas City KS-MO and Wichita)

School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)

~$66,960 annual mean with ~220 employed (verify with BLS) Below national
State
U.S.

National median: $84,940

Top metro: Verify with BLS (Wichita USD 259 (largest), Olathe USD 233)

Psychologists, All Other (SOC 19-3039)

Typically suppressed Data may be suppressed
State
U.S.

National median: National mean ~$120,000

Top metro: Verify with BLS (Kansas City and Wichita)

Kansas Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers

Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.

Kansas has a deep psychology employment market concentrated in the Kansas City KS metro, Wichita, Topeka, and Lawrence. Rural Kansas opportunity is substantial: 90+ of 105 Kansas counties have full or partial HPSA designations for mental health, making KS SLRP and federal NHSC loan-repayment leverage among the strongest in the country. Major employers fall into five buckets.

Health systems and academic medical centers: University of Kansas Health System (Kansas City, KS; largest physician practice in Kansas with 1,000+ physicians; comprehensive Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences including health psychology, neuropsychology, addiction psychiatry, PEMI bariatric/transplant/cancer evaluations), University of Kansas Medical Center (KUMC) Department of Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences (Kansas City, KS; APA-accredited pre-doctoral internship; postdoctoral fellowships), Wesley Healthcare / Wesley Medical Center (Wichita), Ascension Via Christi (Wichita; multiple hospitals), Stormont Vail Health (Topeka), Olathe Health / Olathe Medical Center, Children's Mercy Hospital (Kansas City, MO but serves KS; pediatric psychology fellowships), and Shawnee Mission Health / AdventHealth Shawnee Mission.

Kansas Department for Aging and Disability Services (KDADS) state hospitals: Larned State Hospital (Larned, KS) is the largest psychiatric facility in Kansas with ~1,000 employees, serves the western 2/3 of the state, and is the statewide provider of inpatient forensic services. State Security Program: 220 beds, 200 designated for mentally ill forensic population. One of the major forensic psychiatric facilities in the Midwest. APA-accredited internships and forensic training opportunities. Other KDADS state hospitals: Osawatomie State Hospital (adult psychiatric, founded 1866; Psychological and Therapy Services Team), Adair Acute Care at Osawatomie (acute psychiatric care), Parsons State Hospital and Training Center (IDD services, opened 1903), Kansas Neurological Institute (Topeka; IDD residential care). Plus Kansas Department of Corrections (forensic and correctional psychology).

VA system (VHA VISN 15): Robert J. Dole VA Medical Center (Wichita; 5500 E Kellogg Drive; Joint Commission accredited, complexity level 2; serves 30,000 veterans across 59 counties; mental health includes CBT, DBT, telehealth), VA Eastern Kansas Health Care System (Colmery-O'Neil VAMC Topeka + Dwight D. Eisenhower VAMC Leavenworth), and Kansas City VA Medical Center (technically in Kansas City, MO but serves Kansas veterans).

K-12 school districts: Wichita Public Schools / USD 259 (largest district in Kansas), Olathe Public Schools / USD 233, Blue Valley School District / USD 229 (Overland Park), Shawnee Mission School District / USD 512, Topeka USD 501, Lawrence USD 497, and Kansas City KS USD 500.

Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs

Kansas State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): Administered by Kansas Department of Health and Environment (KDHE), Primary Care Office. Recruit/retain medical, nursing, dental, AND behavioral/mental health professionals in federally designated HPSAs. Award up to $50,000 for a 2-year full-time service commitment at an approved site. Work requirement minimum 20 hrs/week × 45 weeks/service year; ≥18 hrs/week direct patient care. Eligibility for psychologists: site must offer comprehensive primary behavioral and mental health services on-site or via formal affiliation. Applications year-round; contracts begin quarterly.

NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. Up to $50,000 for 2-year full-time service for eligible mental and behavioral health professionals (licensed psychologists qualify) at NHSC-approved HPSA sites in Kansas. Many Kansas FQHCs, CMHCs, and rural clinics are NHSC-approved sites.

VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Robert J. Dole VA (Wichita), VA Eastern Kansas (Topeka + Leavenworth), and Kansas City VA employed psychologists can qualify for EDRP awards up to $200,000 over 5 years.

Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Forgives remaining Direct Loan balance after 120 qualifying monthly payments while employed full-time by a qualifying public service employer (government, 501(c)(3) nonprofit). Kansas qualifying employers include all KDADS state hospitals, KS DOC, Kansas DCF, Kansas VA medical centers, Kansas public school districts, KU Medical Center, KU, K-State, Wichita State, county/city health departments, and nonprofit CMHCs.

Note: Kansas Bridging Plan (KBP) and Kansas Medical Student Loan Program do NOT cover psychologists. KBP is for primary care (14 slots/year), psychiatry (3 slots/year), and OB-GYN (3 slots/year) physicians only. Kansas Medical Student Loan is physician-focused. Kansas psychologists rely on KS SLRP, NHSC LRP, and PSLF.

How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in Kansas

Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.

Choosing a Kansas clinical psychology doctoral program comes down to four levers: the KU vs Wichita State institution choice (4 vs 1 program), training model (Clinical Science vs Clinical Child vs Counseling vs School vs Community-integrated Clinical), specialization (KU Clinical broad vs KU CCPP child vs KU Counseling vs KU School vs WSU Community), and Lawrence vs Wichita location. Here is how to actually narrow it down.

If you want a Boulder-original Clinical PhD: KU Clinical Psychological Science PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 1949, one of the original Boulder-conference programs in the United States, Clinical Science model with broad clinical training narrowing to specialization in years 3+, GRE not required, funded via TA/RA with tuition remission).

If you want a leading Clinical Child Psychology PhD: KU Clinical Child Psychology Program (CCPP). Independent department (NOT the main Psychology department; located at 2010 Dole Human Development Center). Independent APA accreditation since 2001; reaccredited 2008 and 2015; next site visit Spring 2025. GRE NOT required and NOT considered. Specializations: pediatric psychology, developmental psychopathology, autism, child mental health.

If you want a Counseling Psychology PhD: KU Counseling Psychology PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 1971, scientist-practitioner, wellness/preventive interventions, multicultural/social justice, career development emphases, APPIC-accredited internship placements). Note: General GRE required.

If you want a School Psychology PhD: KU School Psychology PhD (APA + NASP + Kansas Department of Education approved, 4 years full-time + 1-year internship = 5 years total, GRE required, specializations in pediatric school psychology, autism, MTSS, equity in education).

If you want a Clinical PhD with Community emphasis and zero GRE friction: Wichita State University Clinical PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 2005, reaccredited 2015, GRE NOT required for any track, Clinical track uniquely integrates community psychology with social-ecological/community perspective, emphasis on underserved populations and public service orientation).

If you want maximum PSYPACT leverage: Kansas has been PSYPACT operational since January 1, 2022. KS LPs holding APIT/TAP can practice telepsychology and temporary in-person services across 40+ PSYPACT jurisdictions.

If you want no jurisprudence exam: Kansas does NOT require a state jurisprudence exam at this time. This is unusual among US states and removes a common licensure hurdle.

If you want forensic psychology placement: Larned State Hospital is the largest psychiatric facility in Kansas with ~1,000 employees and one of the largest dedicated forensic psychiatric facilities in the Midwest (220-bed State Security Program with 200 designated for mentally ill forensic population; serves western 2/3 of KS; APA-accredited internships and forensic training opportunities).

Caveats worth knowing before applying: Kansas State University does NOT hold APA accreditation for any doctoral program (its PhD in Psychological Sciences covers I/O, Cognitive/Human Factors, Behavioral Neuroscience, Social-Personality, none APA-accredited). KSU offers a CACREP-accredited Counselor Education and Supervision PhD (counseling, not psychology). Fort Hays State has no doctoral psychology program (master's + EdS only). Kansas City University PsyD is in Missouri (1750 Independence Avenue, Kansas City, MO 64106), earned full 10-year APA accreditation in 2025; relevant as a regional option for KS residents but not a Kansas program. No APA-accredited PsyD in Kansas as of 2026.

Related Pages

Counseling Programs in Kansas

CACREP-accredited counseling programs and the Kansas LCPC license, a master's alternative to the 7-year clinical psychology doctorate

MSW Programs in Kansas

CSWE-accredited social work programs and Kansas LSCSW licensure

ABA Programs in Kansas

BACB-verified course sequences and Kansas 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

Frequently Asked Questions

Kansas has 5 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs at 2 institutions: University of Kansas (Lawrence) hosts 4 (Clinical Psychological Science PhD since 1949 = one of the original Boulder programs, Clinical Child Psychology PhD CCPP independent department since 2001, Counseling Psychology PhD since 1971, School Psychology PhD APA + NASP + KSDE approved) and Wichita State University hosts 1 (Clinical Psychology PhD with Community emphasis since 2005, reaccredited 2015). Kansas State University does NOT hold APA accreditation for any doctoral program. No APA-accredited PsyD in Kansas as of 2026.
Kansas requires: (1) a doctorate from an APA-accredited program in psychology (or equivalent under K.A.R. 102-1-12), (2) 3,600 total supervised hours (1,800 hours pre-doctoral internship + 1,800 hours post-doctoral with ≥900 hours direct client contact; must take ≥12 months), (3) passing the EPPP (scaled score 500, ~70%), and (4) paying $175 application fee (~$1,000 total initial fees) + $600 EPPP fee. NO Kansas jurisprudence exam required at this time; this is unusual among US states. Biennial renewal + 50 CE hours per biennial cycle. Total timeline runs 7 to 9 years post-bachelor's.
Yes. Kansas is a PSYPACT operational state since January 1, 2022. Kansas Senate Bill SB 170 was enacted May 17, 2021. KSBSRB has posted information about the PSYPACT Home State Privilege to Practice Fee for Licensed Psychologists. Practice authority allows interjurisdictional telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across 40+ participating PSYPACT jurisdictions.
University of Kansas (Lawrence) is one of the most concentrated APA-accredited psychology training hubs in the US Midwest, with 4 separate APA-accredited doctoral programs: (1) Clinical Psychological Science PhD (continuously since 1949, one of the original Boulder-conference programs); (2) Clinical Child Psychology Program / CCPP PhD (separate independent department, located at 2010 Dole Human Development Center, independent APA accreditation since 2001, GRE not considered); (3) Counseling Psychology PhD (continuously since 1971, scientist-practitioner); and (4) School Psychology PhD (APA + NASP + Kansas Department of Education approved). All 4 are housed within KU (multiple departments) and feed into the broader KU Medical Center (KUMC) Psychiatry and Behavioral Sciences ecosystem.
Larned State Hospital (Larned, KS) is the largest psychiatric facility in Kansas with approximately 1,000 employees, serves the western 2/3 of the state, and is the statewide provider of inpatient forensic services. The State Security Program has 220 beds with 200 designated for mentally ill forensic population, making Larned one of the largest dedicated forensic psychiatric facilities in the Midwest. APA-accredited internships and forensic training opportunities. Other KDADS state hospitals: Osawatomie State Hospital (1866), Parsons State Hospital and Training Center (1903), Kansas Neurological Institute (Topeka).
Kansas psychologist wages run roughly at national medians in nominal terms. BLS Kansas OEWS shows Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033) at a Kansas annual mean of approximately $96,950 (verify with current BLS table). National median for SOC 19-3033 is $96,100. School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034) Kansas annual mean ~$66,960 with ~220 employed. Kansas Department of Labor projection (2024-2026): ~116 annual openings for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists combined; ~35 for postsecondary psychology teachers. Cost of living in Kansas runs below national average.
Yes. The Kansas State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) awards behavioral/mental health professionals (including licensed psychologists) up to $50,000 for a 2-year full-time service commitment at approved HPSA sites. Federal NHSC LRP adds up to $50,000 for 2 years at NHSC-approved HPSA sites. VA EDRP awards Wichita VA (Dole), VA Eastern Kansas (Topeka + Leavenworth), and KC VA employed psychologists up to $200,000 over 5 years. Federal PSLF applies at qualifying nonprofit/government employers. 90+ of 105 Kansas counties have full or partial Mental Health HPSA designations, making KS loan-repayment leverage among the strongest in the US. Note: Kansas Bridging Plan and Kansas Medical Student Loan do NOT cover psychologists.
Wichita State University Clinical Psychology PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 2005, reaccredited 2015) is unique among Kansas APA-accredited Clinical PhDs in that the Clinical track explicitly integrates training in community psychology, providing a social-ecological/community perspective with emphasis on underserved populations and public service orientation. The Psychology PhD at WSU offers three tracks (Clinical, Community, Human Factors); GRE is NOT required for any of the three tracks. Affiliations include KU School of Medicine-Wichita, Wichita Collaborative Psychology Internship Program (WCPIP), and regional Wichita metro mental health system partnerships.