Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Maine, Ranked (2026)
The 2 APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs in Maine for 2026, with cohort sizes, the 3,000 supervised hours (1,500 internship + 1,500 post-doctoral), EPPP plus the Maine Jurisprudence Examination, and Maine's PSYPACT status (since September 2021).
Key Takeaways
- Maine has 2 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs. University of Maine Clinical Psychology PhD (Orono) continuously APA-accredited since 1975; reaccredited 2021 for the maximum 10-year cycle (next review ~2031). University of Southern Maine (USM, Portland) School Psychology PsyD is dual-accredited by APA and NASP (one of only 68 such programs nationally) and is the ONLY school psychology training program in Maine.
- CRITICAL 2026 ALERT: UMaine Clinical PhD is NOT admitting a Fall 2026 cohort due to a funding shortfall. Program plans to resume admissions Fall 2027; applications due December 1, 2026. Applicants targeting Fall 2026 must consider USM PsyD or out-of-state APA-accredited programs.
- Husson University in Bangor does NOT offer an APA-accredited doctoral psychology program; its graduate offerings are CACREP-accredited counseling programs only. No Counseling Psychology PhD/PsyD or Clinical PsyD exists in Maine.
- Maine licenses psychologists through the Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists under Title 32, Chapter 56. Required supervised experience is 3,000 hours over 2 years: 1,500 hours pre-doctoral internship + 1,500 hours post-doctoral supervised experience over 48-104 weeks with at least 1 hour/week face-to-face supervision + 1 hour/week additional learning (minimum 4 hours supervision per month).
- Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500; ~$600 ASPPB) plus the Maine Jurisprudence Examination: minimum score 80%; sent by certified mail after Board approves application; must be completed within 20 days.
- Fees: Initial application $321 (new licensure) or $271 (endorsement); temporary license $200 (for post-doctoral practice); annual renewal $125 by April 30 (Maine uses ANNUAL renewal, not biennial). 40 CE hours every two years including 3 hours ethics.
- Maine is a PSYPACT operational state since September 2021. LD 863 signed by Governor Janet Mills on June 24, 2021. ME LPs may apply for an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) and/or Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP) through the PSYPACT Commission.
- Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta is the FIRST veterans hospital ever developed by the United States government. Established October 6, 1866 as the Eastern Branch of the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers; transitioned to a neuropsychiatric facility in 1943; operates today as VA Maine Healthcare System.
Maine runs an extraordinarily limited APA-accredited doctoral psychology training landscape: only 2 programs statewide. University of Maine Clinical Psychology PhD (Department of Psychology, 301 Little Hall, Orono, ME 04469) has been continuously APA-accredited since 1975; reaccredited in 2021 for the maximum 10-year cycle (next review ~2031). Scientist-practitioner model. UMaine graduate tuition 2025-26: $557/credit (in-state) and $1,696/credit (out-of-state); admitted PhD students receive full tuition remission + stipend (best funding package in Maine). 5 to 6 years to completion including 1-year predoctoral internship. Typically 5 to 7 students/year; ~25 students currently enrolled; receives 120+ applications per year. GRE NOT required and NOT accepted (program statement: "we will not accept general or subject test GRE scores as part of your application"). Generalist clinical training with specialized emphases in (a) Child Clinical Psychology and (b) Clinical Neuropsychology. Affiliations: on-campus Psychological Services Center (PSC) primary training clinic, plus practicum sites at Northern Light Acadia Hospital, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, Togus VA, and Maine-area schools.
CRITICAL 2026 ALERT for UMaine applicants: UMaine Clinical PhD is NOT admitting a Fall 2026 cohort due to a funding shortfall. Program plans to resume admissions Fall 2027; applications due December 1, 2026. Applicants targeting Fall 2026 must consider USM PsyD or out-of-state APA-accredited programs (Antioch University New England in Keene NH, UMass programs, William James College in Newton MA).
University of Southern Maine (USM, Portland) School Psychology PsyD (96 Falmouth Street, Portland, ME 04104; Gorham campus 37 College Avenue) is dual-accredited by APA and NASP, one of only 68 such programs nationally. The ONLY school psychology training program in Maine. USM graduate tuition 2025-26: ~$459-$460/credit (in-state); out-of-state students enrolled in this PsyD program receive the IN-STATE rate (program-specific tuition equity). 109 credit hours total. 5 years full-time (or part-time option available); courses held weekday evenings + 5 daytime Tuesday seminars (hybrid online/in-person). GRE NOT required. 600 hours of practicum + 1,500-hour internship in PK-12 schools and related settings. 100% job placement rate reported. Application deadline December 1 for fall term. Post-graduation credentials: Maine Department of Education certification + NASP (Nationally Certified School Psychologist) eligibility.
What is NOT APA-accredited in Maine: Husson University in Bangor offers undergraduate psychology and CACREP-accredited counseling graduate programs (Clinical Mental Health Counseling, School Counseling) but does NOT offer an APA-accredited doctoral psychology program. No Counseling Psychology PhD/PsyD or Clinical PsyD exists in Maine. Many Maine residents pursue APA-accredited training at out-of-state programs.
The Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists licensure path requires a doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) in psychology from an APA-accredited institution or equivalent, 3,000 hours over 2 years (1,500 pre-doctoral internship + 1,500 post-doctoral over 48-104 weeks with at least 1 hour/week face-to-face supervision + 1 hour/week additional learning; minimum 4 hours supervision/month), the EPPP (passing scaled score 500), and the Maine Jurisprudence Examination (minimum 80% to pass; sent by certified mail; 20 days to complete). Application $321 (new) or $271 (endorsement); temporary license $200; annual renewal $125 by April 30 (ANNUAL, not biennial). 40 CE hours every two years including 3 ethics. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 7 to 9 years.
Maine is a PSYPACT operational state since September 2021 (LD 863 signed by Governor Janet Mills on June 24, 2021). ME LPs may apply for APIT/TAP through the PSYPACT Commission to practice telepsychology across 40+ PSYPACT member states. Togus VA Medical Center in Augusta is the FIRST veterans hospital ever developed by the United States government (established October 6, 1866 as the Eastern Branch of the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers; transitioned to a neuropsychiatric facility in 1943; operates today as VA Maine Healthcare System).
APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Maine
All 2 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Maine (UMaine Clinical PhD) | $557/credit (in-state, 2025-26); admitted PhD students receive full tuition remission + stipend (best funding package in Maine) | On-campus | |
| 2 | University of Southern Maine (USM School Psychology PsyD) | ~$459-$460/credit (in-state, 2025-26); 109 credit hours total | On-campus + hybrid |
University of Maine (UMaine Clinical PhD)
In-State
$557/credit (in-state, 2025-26); admitted PhD students receive full tuition remission + stipend (best funding package in Maine)
Out-of-State
$1,696/credit (out-of-state); same with funding
Length
5 to 6 years (typical PhD timeline including 1-year predoctoral internship)
Field Hours
1,500 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at on-campus Psychological Services Center (PSC), Northern Light Acadia Hospital, Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center, Togus VA
Concentrations
- Continuously APA-accredited since 1975; reaccredited 2021 for the maximum 10-year cycle
- Typically 5 to 7 students/year; ~25 students currently enrolled; receives 120+ applications/year
- GRE NOT required and NOT accepted
- CRITICAL: NO Fall 2026 cohort due to funding shortfall; program plans to resume admissions Fall 2027 (applications due December 1, 2026)
- Admitted PhD students receive full tuition remission + stipend; specialized emphases in Child Clinical Psychology and Clinical Neuropsychology
University of Southern Maine (USM School Psychology PsyD)
In-State
~$459-$460/credit (in-state, 2025-26); 109 credit hours total
Out-of-State
<strong>Out-of-state students enrolled in this PsyD program receive the IN-STATE rate</strong> (program-specific tuition equity)
Length
5 years full-time
Field Hours
600 hours of practicum + 1,500-hour internship in PK-12 schools and related settings
Concentrations
- The ONLY school psychology training program in Maine
- Dual-accredited by APA AND NASP (one of only 68 such programs nationally)
- Out-of-state students receive the IN-STATE tuition rate (program-specific tuition equity)
- GRE NOT required; application deadline December 1 for fall term
- 100% job placement rate reported; post-graduation credentials: Maine DOE certification + NASP NCSP eligibility
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Maine
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists
(207) 624-8603
Maine regulates psychologists through the Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists under Maine Office of Professional and Occupational Regulation (Title 32, Chapter 56; MRS Title 32 §3811 et seq.).
Education requirement is a doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) in psychology from an APA-accredited institution or equivalent recognized body.
Required supervised experience is 3,000 hours over 2 years: 1,500 hours pre-doctoral internship (typically completed during doctoral program) + 1,500 hours post-doctoral supervised experience completed over 48-104 weeks with at least 1 hour/week face-to-face supervision + 1 hour/week additional learning (minimum 4 hours supervision per month).
Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500 = ~70% threshold per Maine Board; ~$600 ASPPB) plus the Maine Jurisprudence Examination: minimum score 80% to pass; sent by certified mail after Board approves application; must be completed within 20 days.
Fees: Application fee $321 (new licensure); $271 (endorsement); temporary license $200 (for post-doctoral practice); annual renewal $125 by April 30 (Maine uses ANNUAL renewal, not biennial); late fee $50. 40 CE hours every two years including 3 hours ethics. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 7 to 9 years.
Supervised pre-doctoral internship (1,500 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 (for post-doctoral practice)
Practice under supervision while completing post-doctoral hours toward full licensure
Hours
1,500
Duration
Pre-doctoral internship completed; $200 fee
Exam: EPPP/jurisprudence may be pending
Licensed Psychologist
Independent practice, mental health diagnosis and treatment, psychological testing and assessment, supervision of trainees, expert testimony, telepsychology under PSYPACT for ME LPs holding APIT/TAP
Hours
3,000
Duration
3,000 hours over 2 years: 1,500 hours pre-doctoral internship + 1,500 hours post-doctoral over 48-104 weeks
Exam: EPPP (scaled score 500) + Maine Jurisprudence Examination (80% passing; 20 days to complete after Board approval)
Maine offers an endorsement application path ($271 fee) for out-of-state applicants but still requires the Maine Jurisprudence Examination.
Maine is a PSYPACT operational state since September 2021. LD 863 ("An Act To Have Maine Join the Interstate Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact") was signed by Governor Janet Mills on June 24, 2021; effective September 2021. ME LPs may apply for an Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) and/or Temporary Authorization to Practice (TAP) through the PSYPACT Commission to practice telepsychology and temporary in-person services across 40+ PSYPACT member states.
Clinical Psychologist Salary in Maine
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Maine psychologist wages run roughly at or below national medians but Maine's cost of living runs above national average. The BLS Maine OEWS data should be verified for SOC 19-3033 (state median + Portland-South Portland MSA). Maine annual mean wage for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033) is approximately $91,630 per BLS Maine state estimates. Portland-South Portland MSA ~$83,310; Southwest Maine Nonmetropolitan Area ~$88,140. National median for SOC 19-3033 is $96,100; national mean $106,600. Maine Department of Labor CWRI also publishes Maine-specific occupational wage dashboards.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)
National median: $96,100
Top metro: Verify with BLS MSA pages (Portland-South Portland (~$83,310), Southwest Maine Nonmetropolitan (~$88,140))
School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)
National median: $84,940
Top metro: Verify with BLS (Portland Public Schools, Lewiston, Bangor School Department, South Portland, Auburn)
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists (SOC 19-3032)
National median: National mean ~$109,000-$139,000
Top metro: Data may be suppressed (Portland)
Maine Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Maine has a moderate psychology employment market concentrated in Portland (capital metro), Bangor (UMaine area + Northern Light Health), and Augusta (state capital). Major employers fall into five buckets.
Health systems: MaineHealth, Maine's largest hospital system with 24,000+ care team members serving 1.1M residents across ME + NH. Anchored by MaineHealth Maine Medical Center, Portland (929 beds; largest hospital in northern New England; behavioral health since 1963) and MaineGeneral Medical Center (Augusta, now part of MaineHealth). Northern Light Health, Bangor-based statewide system. Includes Northern Light Eastern Maine Medical Center (Bangor) and Northern Light Acadia Hospital (Bangor), 100-bed psychiatric hospital, Maine's first not-for-profit private psychiatric hospital (opened 1992); launched Psychiatry Residency Program in 2023/2024. Central Maine Healthcare (Lewiston, Central Maine Medical Center; serves Androscoggin, Franklin, Oxford counties; ~400,000 patient population). York Hospital (York).
State government: Riverview Psychiatric Center (Augusta), 92-bed civil and forensic psychiatric facility opened 2004 to replace the Augusta Mental Health Institute (AMHI) which operated 1840-2004 (originally the Maine Insane Hospital). Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Center (656 State Street, Bangor) renamed 2005 from Bangor Mental Health Institute (originally Eastern Maine Insane Asylum, established 1895). Maine DHHS Behavioral Health (Department of Health and Human Services, Division of Behavioral Health).
Veterans Affairs: Togus VA Medical Center (Augusta), established October 6, 1866 as the Eastern Branch of the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. The FIRST veterans facility ever developed by the United States government. Transitioned to a neuropsychiatric facility in 1943; operates today as VA Maine Healthcare System.
K-12 school districts (school psychologists): Portland Public Schools, Lewiston Public Schools, Bangor School Department, South Portland School Department. Plus Auburn, Scarborough, Augusta, and additional MSAD/RSU districts statewide.
Severe rural workforce shortage: Aroostook, Washington, Piscataquis, and Somerset counties are HPSAs, driving demand for NHSC LRP and (when funded) FAME loan repayment programs.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
Maine Health Care Provider Loan Repayment Pilot Program (FAME): Administered by Finance Authority of Maine (FAME). Up to $25,000/year, aggregate cap $75,000 or 50% of outstanding loan balance. 3-year service commitment living/working in Maine. Eligibility includes licensed medical, dental, or behavioral health practitioners; psychologists qualify as behavioral health practitioners. CRITICAL 2026 STATUS: Application cycle closed March 31, 2025. No 2026 application cycle planned; no remaining funds. Program remains in statute and may reopen if refunded.
Maine Mental Health Providers Loan Repayment Program: Eligible providers are licensed social workers and licensed counselors (LCPCs). Psychologists NOT explicitly listed as eligible. 5-year service commitment in underserved area.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. Licensed behavioral health providers (including psychologists) serving in HHS-designated Mental Health HPSAs. Up to $55,000 for full-time 2-year service. Maine has multiple HPSAs particularly in rural counties (Aroostook, Washington, Piscataquis, Somerset).
VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Togus VA Medical Center (VA Maine Healthcare System) employed psychologists can qualify for EDRP awards up to $200,000 over 5 years.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Available for psychologists employed full-time by qualifying nonprofit (501(c)(3)) or government employers including Togus VA, MaineHealth, Northern Light Health, Maine DHHS, public school districts, Riverview/Dorothea Dix Psychiatric Centers. 120 qualifying monthly payments = full forgiveness.
How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in Maine
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing a Maine clinical psychology doctoral program is straightforward given only 2 APA-accredited options. The bigger consideration is whether UMaine's Fall 2026 admissions pause forces you to consider USM's School Psychology PsyD or out-of-state programs. Here is how to actually narrow it down.
If you want a Clinical PhD with deep funding (and can wait until Fall 2027): UMaine Clinical Psychology PhD (Orono, continuously APA-accredited since 1975; reaccredited 2021 for max 10-year cycle; admitted PhD students receive full tuition remission + stipend = best funding package in Maine; GRE NOT required and NOT accepted; specialized emphases in Child Clinical and Clinical Neuropsychology). CRITICAL: NO Fall 2026 cohort; applications for Fall 2027 due December 1, 2026.
If you want a School Psychology PsyD (and want to start Fall 2026): USM School Psychology PsyD (Portland; the ONLY school psychology training program in Maine; dual-accredited by APA and NASP = one of only 68 such programs nationally; out-of-state students receive the IN-STATE tuition rate; 109 credit hours; 5 years full-time or part-time option; 100% job placement reported; GRE NOT required).
If you want training at Togus VA (the first VA hospital in US, 1866): Both UMaine Clinical PhD and the broader Maine psychology training ecosystem feed into Togus VA Medical Center, established October 6, 1866 as the Eastern Branch of the National Asylum for Disabled Volunteer Soldiers. Transitioned to a neuropsychiatric facility in 1943.
If you want maximum PSYPACT mobility: Maine became a PSYPACT operational state in September 2021 (LD 863 signed by Gov. Janet Mills June 24, 2021). ME LPs holding APIT/TAP can practice telepsychology across 40+ PSYPACT member states.
If you want rural HPSA loan repayment leverage: Aroostook, Washington, Piscataquis, and Somerset counties are HPSAs. NHSC LRP up to $55,000 for 2 years. Note: FAME Maine Health Care Provider Loan Repayment is unfunded for 2026; awaiting reauthorization. Maine Mental Health Providers LRP excludes psychologists (LSWs/LCPCs only).
If you must start Fall 2026 and UMaine is not admitting: Consider USM PsyD (School Psychology) or out-of-state APA-accredited programs: Antioch University New England in Keene NH (Clinical PsyD continuously APA-accredited since 1986), UMass programs, William James College (Newton MA), Springfield College.
Caveats worth knowing before applying: Husson University in Bangor does NOT offer an APA-accredited doctoral psychology program; its graduate offerings are CACREP-accredited counseling programs only. No Counseling Psychology PhD/PsyD or Clinical PsyD exists in Maine. Maine renews psychology licenses ANNUALLY at $125/year (not biennially). Maine Jurisprudence Exam requires 80% passing (higher than the typical 70%). UMaine GRE is NOT accepted (do not submit scores).
Related Pages
Counseling Programs in Maine
CACREP-accredited counseling programs and the Maine LCPC license, a master's alternative to the 7-year clinical psychology doctorate
MSW Programs in Maine
CSWE-accredited social work programs and Maine LCSW licensure
ABA Programs in Maine
BACB-verified course sequences and Maine 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
- Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists
- Maine Title 32, Chapter 56 (Psychologists)
- Maine LD 863 PSYPACT enactment (2021)
- PSYPACT, Compact Map
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Maine Estimates
- Maine CWRI Occupational Wages Dashboard
- FAME Maine Health Care Provider Loan Repayment
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program
- University of Maine Clinical Psychology PhD
- USM School Psychology PsyD
- Togus VA Medical Center (first VA hospital in US, 1866)