Last updated: May 28, 2026

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

Top APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs (PhD and PsyD) in Kentucky for 2026, with cohort sizes, the 3,600 supervised hours, EPPP plus the Kentucky Jurisprudence Examination AND oral competency exam, and Kentucky's PSYPACT membership since June 2021.

Taylor Rupe

Founder & Editor

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

Key Takeaways

  • Kentucky has roughly 7 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs across 5 institutions. R1 anchors include University of Kentucky Clinical PhD (APA + PCSAS dual-accredited, Academy of Psychological Clinical Science member) and University of Kentucky Counseling Psychology PhD (APA-accredited since November 3, 1983). University of Louisville runs two APA-accredited PhDs: Clinical Psychological Science PhD (clinical-scientist model with 100% licensure rate and decade-long 100% APA-accredited internship match) and Counseling Psychology PhD (100% internship placement past 10 years, all interns matched top-two preferred sites). Spalding University Clinical PsyD has been continuously APA-accredited since 1989 (received maximum 10-year reaccreditation in 2017, next review 2027) with FIVE emphasis areas: Forensic Psychology, Geropsychology, Clinical Health Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, and Advanced Clinical Psychology. Eastern Kentucky University Clinical PsyD has been APA-accredited since 2020 (rural mental health concentration, $22,196 per year - the most affordable APA-accredited PsyD in Kentucky). Western Kentucky University Clinical PsyD received initial accreditation "Accredited, on Contingency" effective November 8, 2024 (the only APA-accredited doctoral psychology program in the western half of Kentucky).
  • Kentucky licenses psychologists through the Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology (KBEP). Required supervised experience is 3,600 total hours: minimum 1,800 hours pre-doctoral internship (with 100+ hours supervisory sessions) plus 1,800 remaining hours (pre-doctoral, post-doctoral, or combination), with minimum 1 hour per week supervision.
  • Kentucky requires THREE exams: EPPP (passing scaled score 500) + Kentucky Jurisprudence Examination (80% passing) + oral competency examination (taken same day as jurisprudence). This is distinctive nationally; most states have eliminated oral examinations.
  • Kentucky renewal is TRIENNIAL (every 3 years), NOT biennial. Triennial renewal fees can be up to $795 per current proposed fee schedule (201 KAR 26:160). Initial application fee reported between $100 to $200; late renewal $100 within 3-month grace period. Verify current fees with KBEP at (502) 564-3296.
  • Kentucky is a PSYPACT state. Kentucky enacted PSYPACT via HB 38 (2021 Regular Session), signed March 18, 2021 and effective June 28, 2021. KY LPs holding the E.Passport plus APIT can practice telepsychology across all 40+ PSYPACT member states.
  • Kentucky psychologist wages run lower in nominal terms but cost of living is well below national average. National median for SOC 19-3033 is $96,100; Kentucky 90th percentile exceeds $143,000 (May 2024 BLS data). Kentucky cost-of-living index typically runs ~91 to 92 vs US=100, so net purchasing power is competitive especially outside Louisville and Lexington metros.
  • The Kentucky State Loan Repayment Program (KSLRP) administered by University of Kentucky Center of Excellence in Rural Health (Hazard) since 2003 covers Health Service Psychologists. Total $20,000 to $50,000 per year tax-free, 50/50 federal/sponsor match, 2-year minimum service at NHSC-approved or state-approved site in rural or underserved Kentucky. Kentucky Behavioral Health Workforce Initiative (KBHWI) adds a special August application window within KSLRP.
  • Eastern State Hospital in Lexington began operations May 1, 1824 and is the second-oldest continuously operating psychiatric hospital in the United States (after Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg, VA, founded 1773). 239 beds. Owned by Commonwealth of Kentucky, operated under contract by UK HealthCare.
Accredited Programs
7
Ranked in this guide
Kentucky, Ranked Median
KY 90th percentile exceeds $143,000 (May 2024); state median below national
vs national $96,100 (Below national in nominal terms; COL-adjusted favorable)
Independent License
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Psychologist with Health Service Authorization
Supervised Hours
3,600
over 1,800 pre-doctoral internship + 1,800 remaining (pre-doctoral, post-doctoral, or combination); 1+ hour/week supervision min.

APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Kentucky

All 7 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.

# School In-State Tuition Format
1 University of Kentucky (Clinical PhD) ~$12,967 per year (in-state); full funding via assistantship typical On-campus
2 University of Kentucky (Counseling PhD) ~$12,967 per year (in-state); typical full assistantship funding On-campus
3 University of Louisville (Clinical Psychological Science PhD) ~$15,128 per year (in-state); full tuition remission + health insurance + $26,000 annual stipend for admitted students On-campus
4 University of Louisville (Counseling Psychology PhD) ~$15,128 per year (in-state); $22,000 stipend + tuition waiver + health insurance On-campus
5 Spalding University ~$1,065 per credit hour (~$37,980 per year private; 120-credit program; ~40% receive graduate assistantships) On-campus
6 Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) ~$22,196 per year (identical in-state and out-of-state rates); estimated 5-year tuition ~$84,240 On-campus
7 Western Kentucky University (WKU) WKU public university graduate rates On-campus
1

University of Kentucky (Clinical PhD)

Lexington, KY On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD

In-State

~$12,967 per year (in-state); full funding via assistantship typical

Out-of-State

~$34,096 per year (out-of-state); full funding via assistantship

Length

~6 years (5 years coursework/research/clinical + 1-year internship)

Field Hours

1,800+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at the Harris Center for Psychological Services

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PhD (clinical scientist model) with formal concentrations in Health Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology (Houston Conference / INS Div 40 aligned)
  • APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PhD AND PCSAS-accredited
  • Academy of Psychological Clinical Science member
  • GRE NOT required, NOT accepted, NOT considered for Fall 2026 admission
  • Two formal concentrations: Health Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology (aligned with Houston Conference and INS Div 40)
  • Practicum partners: VA Medical Center Lexington, UK Counseling Center, UK Orofacial Pain Clinic, UK Eastern State Hospital, UK Clinic for Emotional Health, Kentucky Neuroscience Institute, Bluegrass Health Psychology
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
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2

University of Kentucky (Counseling PhD)

Lexington, KY On-campus APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD

In-State

~$12,967 per year (in-state); typical full assistantship funding

Out-of-State

~$34,096 per year (out-of-state)

Length

5 to 7 years (full-time, 9 to 12 credits/semester) including dissertation + 1-year internship

Field Hours

1,800+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum (100% placement rate)

Concentrations

Counseling Psychology PhD (Boulder/scientist-practitioner model with social justice emphasis)
  • APA-accredited continuously since November 3, 1983
  • Boulder/scientist-practitioner model with explicit social justice emphasis
  • UK psychology programs broadly no longer accept/consider GRE
  • 100% practicum placement (VA Medical Centers, hospitals, prisons, university counseling centers, community mental health)
  • Typical full assistantship funding with tuition waiver
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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3

University of Louisville (Clinical Psychological Science PhD)

Louisville, KY On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychological Science PhD

In-State

~$15,128 per year (in-state); full tuition remission + health insurance + $26,000 annual stipend for admitted students

Out-of-State

~$30,546 per year (out-of-state); same with funding

Length

~6 years (5 years coursework/research/clinical + 1-year internship)

Field Hours

1,800+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at Psychological Services Center (Davidson Hall Suite 210, 2010 S First Street)

Concentrations

Clinical Psychological Science PhD (clinical scientist model)
  • APA-accredited Clinical Psychological Science PhD
  • Full tuition remission + health insurance + $26,000 annual stipend for admitted students
  • 100% licensure rate; decade-long 100% APA-accredited internship match
  • GRE optional and not considered in admissions decisions since 2020-21 cycle
  • Application deadline December 1
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.5
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4

University of Louisville (Counseling Psychology PhD)

Louisville, KY On-campus APA-accredited Counseling Psychology specialization within PhD in Counseling and Personnel Services

In-State

~$15,128 per year (in-state); $22,000 stipend + tuition waiver + health insurance

Out-of-State

~$30,546 per year (out-of-state); same with funding

Length

3 to 4 years full-time for students entering with CACREP-equivalent master's (2 to 3 years coursework + 1 year dissertation) + internship

Field Hours

1,800+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Counseling Psychology specialization
  • APA-accredited Counseling Psychology specialization
  • $22,000 stipend + tuition waiver + health insurance
  • 100% internship placement past 10 years; all interns matched top-two preferred sites
  • 3 to 4 years for full-time master's-entry students
  • Internship affiliations include Robley Rex VA, university counseling centers, community mental health
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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5

Spalding University

Louisville, KY On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PsyD

In-State

~$1,065 per credit hour (~$37,980 per year private; 120-credit program; ~40% receive graduate assistantships)

Out-of-State

Same private rate

Length

~5 years including internship (120 credits)

Field Hours

1,800+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

Forensic PsychologyGeropsychologyClinical Health PsychologyClinical NeuropsychologyAdvanced Clinical Psychology
  • Continuously APA-accredited since 1989; received maximum 10-year reaccreditation in 2017; next review 2027
  • One of the first PsyD programs in the United States; major freestanding professional school PsyD in Kentucky
  • FIVE emphasis areas: Forensic Psychology, Geropsychology, Clinical Health Psychology, Clinical Neuropsychology, Advanced Clinical Psychology
  • Cohort ~20 per year; ~40% of students receive graduate assistantships
  • 97% to 100% internship match 2014-2024 (above national averages); 93% licensure pass rate
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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6

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU)

Richmond, KY On-campus APA-accredited Clinical Psychology PsyD

In-State

~$22,196 per year (identical in-state and out-of-state rates); estimated 5-year tuition ~$84,240

Out-of-State

~$22,196 per year (same flat rate)

Length

~5 years (120 credits minimum, including 27-hour early practicum + traditional 1-year internship)

Field Hours

1,800+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at the EKU Psychology Clinic

Concentrations

Clinical Psychology PsyD with Rural mental health concentration (Appalachian focus
  • APA-accredited Clinical PsyD since 2020
  • The MOST AFFORDABLE APA-accredited PsyD in Kentucky at ~$22,196/year (identical in-state AND out-of-state rates)
  • Distinctive rural mental health and Appalachian focus
  • GRE required; competitive candidates have GPA ≥3.0 and GRE scores at 50th percentile or higher
  • 86% licensure pass rate; EKU Counseling Center doctoral internship granted "APA Accredited on Contingency" status June 10, 2025 (2 intern positions, 12-month/2,000-hour)
GRE: Required | Min GPA: 3.0
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7

Western Kentucky University (WKU)

Bowling Green, KY On-campus APA-accredited PsyD in Applied Psychology

In-State

WKU public university graduate rates

Out-of-State

Out-of-state WKU graduate rates

Length

Builds on master's-level training; cohort begins each fall

Field Hours

1,800+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum

Concentrations

PsyD in Applied Psychology, Clinical Psychology concentration (practitioner-scholar focus on rural mental health workforce shortages)
  • APA-accredited on Contingency effective November 8, 2024 (per APA policy, on-contingency students graduate from an APA-accredited program)
  • The ONLY APA-accredited doctoral psychology program in the WESTERN HALF of Kentucky
  • Practitioner-scholar focus on rural mental health workforce shortages
  • Builds on master's-level training; cohort begins each fall
  • Application review begins November 15 for following fall cohort
GRE: Not required | Min GPA: 3.3
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How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Kentucky

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

Licensing Board

Kentucky Board of Examiners of Psychology (KBEP)

(502) 564-3296

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

Licensed Psychologist

Licensed Psychologist with Health Service Authorization

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

Hours

3,600

Duration

1,800 pre-doctoral internship + 1,800 remaining (pre-doctoral, post-doctoral, or combination); 1+ hour/week supervision

Exam: EPPP (passing scaled score 500) + Kentucky Jurisprudence Examination (80% passing) + oral competency examination (three exams total)

Clinical Psychologist Salary in Kentucky

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

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)

KY 90th percentile exceeds $143,000 (May 2024); state median below national Below national in nominal terms; COL-adjusted favorable
State
U.S.

National median: $96,100

Top metro: Verify with BLS metro pages (Louisville-Jefferson County KY-IN and Lexington-Fayette)

School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)

KY district schedules vary Varies; verify
State
U.S.

National median: $84,940

Top metro: Senior steps vary by district (JCPS Louisville and Fayette County PS Lexington)

Psychologists, All Other (SOC 19-3039)

Often suppressed at state level Verify with BLS
State
U.S.

National median: National mean ~$120,000

Top metro: Verify (Louisville)

Kentucky Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers

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

Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs

How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in Kentucky

Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.

Related Pages

Frequently Asked Questions