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

Nevada runs the smallest APA-accredited doctoral psychology training landscape in the United States: only 2 programs, both Clinical Psychology PhDs at the state's two public R1 universities. University of Nevada Las Vegas (UNLV) Clinical Psychology PhD has been continuously APA-accredited since October 7, 2005. Scientist-practitioner training model with generalist focus and faculty research strengths across clinical, cognitive, developmental, neuroscience, multicultural psychology, and quantitative methods. Cohort of approximately 5 to 8 students per entering class. GRE General Test NOT accepted; GRE Psychology Subject Test recommended but not required. Tuition is $353.50 per credit in-state plus a $9,316 per semester nonresident fee; admitted students are typically funded.

University of Nevada Reno (UNR) Clinical Psychology PhD has been continuously APA-accredited since 1972 (one of the oldest APA-accredited Clinical PhDs in the western US); currently accredited through 2028. Clinical science training model with cohort of 4 to 6 students per entering class. UNR Clinical is a charter member of the Academy of Psychological Clinical Science, a strong differentiator. Funding via assistantship or fellowship with tuition remission + $2,300 to $2,500 per month stipend (10 or 12 months). GRE General Test not required for the 2026 admissions cycle. Faculty strengths include addictions, anxiety/depression, behavioral medicine, child/adolescent, and neuropsychology.

The Nevada State Board of Psychological Examiners licensure path under NRS Chapter 641 requires a doctoral degree (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) in psychology from an APA-accredited program or equivalent, 3,750 total supervised hours (2,000 pre-doctoral APA-accredited internship + 1,750 post-doctoral), the EPPP (passing scaled score 500), and the Nevada Jurisprudence Examination (open-book, web-based, 75% passing, $200 per attempt; can be taken after 1,400 of the 1,750 post-doctoral hours). Initial application is $150 + $25 licensing fee upon approval. Biennial renewal is $650 due at the end of each even-numbered year.

Nevada has been a founding PSYPACT state since May 26, 2017 via AB 429. Nevada was among the original states whose legislation brought PSYPACT to the 7-state threshold required for the compact to be formally created. NV LPs holding the E.Passport plus APIT can practice telepsychology across all 40+ PSYPACT member states; TAP permits temporary in-person practice. Combined with no state income tax, this makes Nevada one of the most favorable economic structures in the country for psychology licensure.

The trade-off is workforce demand. Nevada has the most severe mental health workforce shortage in the United States. Mental Health America's 2025 State of Mental Health in America report ranks Nevada 51st overall and 49th in adult mental health. The state responds with aggressive loan repayment: the Nevada Health Service Corps offers up to $120,000 for a 5-year full-time commitment. Nevada's major employers (UMC Las Vegas as the only public safety-net hospital in Southern Nevada, Sunrise Hospital, Valley Health System, Dignity Health, Renown Health in Reno, Southern Nevada Adult Mental Health Services / Rawson-Neal Psychiatric Hospital, Lake's Crossing Center as the ONLY state forensic psychiatric facility in Nevada, VA Southern Nevada, VA Sierra Nevada, and Clark County School District as the 5th largest school district in the United States) all face severe staffing gaps that create strong career economics for licensed psychologists.