Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Rhode Island, Ranked (2026)
The sole APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral program in Rhode Island for 2026, with cohort sizes, the 3,000 supervised hours (1,500 internship + 1,500 post-doctoral), EPPP requirements, and Rhode Island's PSYPACT status (effective July 2023).
Key Takeaways
- Rhode Island has only 1 APA-accredited entry-level doctoral psychology program: University of Rhode Island (URI) Clinical Psychology PhD (Kingston), continuously APA-accredited since 1972 (most recently reaccredited 2018; next self-study/site-visit cycle 2027-2028). Scientist-practitioner model.
- Important corrections: (1) No "URI/RIC Joint PhD" exists. The URI Clinical Psychology PhD is a standalone URI program in the URI Department of Psychology (College of Health Sciences). It is NOT a joint degree with Rhode Island College. Rhode Island College runs a separate, non-doctoral MA/CAGS in School Psychology (NASP-approved, RIDE "With Distinction"), a specialist-level program, not a doctorate. (2) Brown University clinical psychology training is post-doctoral only. Brown does NOT offer an entry-level doctoral psychology program (clinical, counseling, or school). Brown's role is as academic affiliate (Warren Alpert Medical School) running APA-accredited internship and postdoctoral fellowship programs through the Brown Clinical Psychology Training Consortium (Butler, Bradley, Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam, Women and Infants, Bradley Schools, Providence VA).
- URI Clinical PhD admits approximately 6 to 8 students per year from a pool of ~200 to 300 applicants (admission rate ~4 to 8%). GRE NOT required (URI publicly states the GRE "disadvantages certain populations" and cost/logistics raise equity concerns). Five focus areas: Health Psychology, Multicultural Issues, Neuropsychology, Child/Family, and Applied Methodology. Multicultural training is infused across coursework and is a required component of every thesis/dissertation proposal. Admitted students typically receive a minimum of 4 academic years of financial support including tuition remission + stipend. Average time to completion: 5.6 years (entering with MA) or 6.3 years (entering without MA). 90 credits required.
- Bryant University (Smithfield) Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) launched Fall 2025 with an inaugural cohort of 21 students. Hybrid program; 4 years coursework + 1 year full-time internship. NOT YET APA-accredited. APA prohibits accreditation applications until a program has matriculated its second cohort; Bryant states it will pursue accreditation "at the earliest possible time." Curriculum was built to APA standards but accreditation is pending.
- Rhode Island licenses psychologists through the Rhode Island Board of Psychology (RI Department of Health) under rules 216-RICR-40-05-15. Required supervised experience is 3,000 total hours: typically 1,500 hours pre-doctoral internship + 1,500 hours post-doctoral. Post-doctoral supervision must include at least 1 hour of weekly individual supervision with a licensed psychologist.
- Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500; ~$600 ASPPB). Rhode Island Jurisprudence Examination requirement is referenced in RIDOH/SOS regulations; sources conflict on whether RI currently requires a separate jurisprudence exam (verify with Board before applying).
- Fees: Biennial renewal $230 every 2 years; all RI psychology licenses expire June 30 of the even-numbered year following issuance; renewal due by July 1. Initial application fee published per RIDOH Fee Structure 216-RICR-10-05-2.
- Rhode Island is a PSYPACT operational state since July 1, 2023 (RI H 7501 enacted June 21, 2022; codified at R.I. Gen. Laws Ch. 5-44.1). Properly credentialed psychologists licensed in any PSYPACT state may apply to provide telepsychology and/or temporary in-person services in Rhode Island; RI-licensed psychologists may practice in 40+ other PSYPACT jurisdictions.
Rhode Island runs the smallest APA-accredited doctoral psychology training landscape in the United States: only 1 entry-level program. University of Rhode Island (URI) Clinical Psychology PhD (Department of Psychology, Chafee Social Science Center / Chafee Hall, 142 Flagg Road, Kingston, RI 02881) has been continuously APA-accredited since 1972. Most recently reaccredited in 2018; next self-study/site-visit cycle 2027-2028. Scientist-practitioner model.
URI Clinical PhD admits approximately 6 to 8 students per year from a pool of ~200 to 300 applicants (admission rate ~4 to 8%). Required credits: 90. Average time to completion: 5.6 years for students entering with a Master's in psychology; 6.3 years for students entering without a Master's. Recommended completion target: 5 years. Admitted students "typically receive a minimum of four academic years of financial support, including tuition remission plus a stipend as a teaching or research assistant." Full-time graduate assistantships at URI carry a 100% tuition waiver (residency-based) and a 35% standard-fees waiver for 2025-26. GRE NOT required. URI publicly states the GRE "disadvantages certain populations" and that cost/logistics raise equity concerns. Five focus areas: Health Psychology, Multicultural Issues, Neuropsychology, Child/Family, and Applied Methodology. Multicultural training is infused across coursework and is a required component of every thesis/dissertation proposal. Cognitive-behavioral approaches receive primary emphasis. Affiliations: on-campus Psychological Consultation Center, Bradley Hospital, Butler Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence VA Medical Center, Brown Clinical Psychology Training Consortium sites.
Important clarifications on what is NOT an APA-accredited doctoral degree in Rhode Island: (1) Bryant University (Smithfield) Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) launched Fall 2025 with an inaugural cohort of 21 students. Hybrid program with 4 years coursework + 1 year full-time internship. NOT YET APA-accredited. APA prohibits accreditation applications until a program has matriculated its second cohort; Bryant states it will pursue accreditation at the earliest possible time. (2) Salve Regina University (Newport) offers a PhD in Behavior Analysis and an MA in Holistic Clinical Mental Health Counseling, but NO APA-accredited clinical psych doctorate. (3) Brown University does NOT offer an entry-level doctoral psychology program (clinical, counseling, or school). Brown's APA-accredited offerings are postdoctoral only: the Clinical Psychology Program (CPP) and the Clinical Child Psychology Specialty Program (CCPSP). Brown also runs an APA-accredited internship through the Warren Alpert Medical School consortium. (4) Rhode Island College runs a School Psychology MA/CAGS specialist-level program (3 years; cohorts of 12-15; NASP-accredited; RIDE "With Distinction"). NOT a doctorate.
The RI Board of Psychology licensure path under 216-RICR-40-05-15 requires a doctorate in psychology (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) from an APA-accredited program (or substantially equivalent), 3,000 total hours (typically 1,500 pre-doctoral internship + 1,500 post-doctoral with at least 1 hour of weekly individual supervision by a licensed psychologist), the EPPP (passing scaled score 500), and (per RIDOH/SOS regulations) the RI Jurisprudence Examination. Biennial renewal $230 every 2 years; licenses expire June 30 of the even-numbered year following issuance; renewal due by July 1. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 10 to 12 years.
Rhode Island has been a PSYPACT operational state since July 1, 2023 (RI H 7501 enacted June 21, 2022; codified at R.I. Gen. Laws Ch. 5-44.1). Governor Dan McKee and RIDOH announced RI's joining of PSYPACT in 2023. RI LPs holding APIT and IPC can practice telepsychology and temporary in-person services across 40+ PSYPACT-participating jurisdictions. Bradley Hospital (East Providence, 1931) is the oldest children's psychiatric hospital in the United States. Butler Hospital (Providence, 1844) is the oldest private nonprofit psychiatric hospital in the United States. Both are major training sites for URI Clinical PhD students and the Brown Clinical Psychology Training Consortium.
APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in Rhode Island
All 2 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | University of Rhode Island (URI Clinical PhD) | Full-time graduate assistantships carry 100% tuition waiver (residency-based) + 35% standard-fees waiver for 2025-26. Admitted students typically receive minimum 4 academic years of financial support including tuition remission + stipend | On-campus | |
| 2 | Bryant University (PsyD - NOT YET APA-accredited) | Private flat rate; verify with Bryant Graduate Admissions for current PsyD tuition | Hybrid |
University of Rhode Island (URI Clinical PhD)
In-State
Full-time graduate assistantships carry 100% tuition waiver (residency-based) + 35% standard-fees waiver for 2025-26. Admitted students typically receive minimum 4 academic years of financial support including tuition remission + stipend
Out-of-State
Same with full funding
Length
Recommended completion target 5 years; average 5.6 years (entering with MA) or 6.3 years (entering without MA); 90 credits required
Field Hours
1,500 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at Psychological Consultation Center (on-campus), Bradley Hospital, Butler Hospital, Rhode Island Hospital, The Miriam Hospital, Women and Infants Hospital, Providence VA, Brown Clinical Psychology Training Consortium sites
Concentrations
- Continuously APA-accredited since 1972 (the sole APA-accredited entry-level doctoral psychology program in Rhode Island)
- ~6 to 8 students admitted per year from ~200 to 300 applicants (~4 to 8% acceptance rate)
- GRE NOT required (URI publicly states GRE disadvantages certain populations)
- Five focus areas: Health Psychology, Multicultural Issues, Neuropsychology, Child/Family, Applied Methodology
- Multicultural training required component of every thesis/dissertation; 4-year minimum financial support with tuition remission + stipend
Bryant University (PsyD - NOT YET APA-accredited)
In-State
Private flat rate; verify with Bryant Graduate Admissions for current PsyD tuition
Out-of-State
Same private rate
Length
5 years (4 years coursework + 1 year full-time internship)
Field Hours
2,000 on the pre-doctoral internship plus practicum
Concentrations
- Launched Fall 2025 with inaugural cohort of 21 students
- NOT YET APA-accredited (curriculum built to APA standards; accreditation pending second cohort)
- Hybrid program; 4 years coursework + 1 year full-time internship
- New PsyD option in Rhode Island; complements URI Clinical PhD for applicants seeking PsyD model
- Located at Bryant University main campus in Smithfield, RI
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in Rhode Island
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
Rhode Island Board of Psychology (RI Department of Health)
(401) 222-2828
Rhode Island regulates psychologists through the Rhode Island Board of Psychology (RI Department of Health), 3 Capitol Hill Room 104, Providence, RI 02908. Rules: 216-RICR-40-05-15.
Education requirement is a doctorate in psychology (PhD, PsyD, or EdD) from an APA-accredited program (or substantially equivalent).
Required supervised experience is 3,000 total hours: typically 1,500 pre-doctoral internship hours + 1,500 post-doctoral supervised hours. Post-doctoral supervision must include at least 1 hour of weekly individual supervision with a licensed psychologist.
Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500; ~$600 ASPPB). Rhode Island Jurisprudence Examination: required per RIDOH/SOS regulations for psychology resident status and for full licensure; sources conflict (at least one secondary source claims RI no longer requires a separate jurisprudence exam). Verify directly with the Board.
Fees: Biennial renewal $230 every 2 years. All RI psychology licenses expire June 30 of the even-numbered year following issuance; renewal due by July 1. Initial license fee published per RIDOH Fee Structure 216-RICR-10-05-2 (verify current amount before applying). Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 10 to 12 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
Psychology Resident (for post-doctoral practice)
Supervised practice while completing post-doctoral hours toward full licensure
Hours
1,500
Duration
Pre-doctoral internship completed
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 RI LPs holding APIT/IPC
Hours
3,000
Duration
3,000 total hours: 1,500 pre-doctoral internship + 1,500 post-doctoral with at least 1 hour weekly individual supervision
Exam: EPPP (passing scaled score 500) + RI Jurisprudence Examination (verify with Board)
Rhode Island does not offer automatic reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must complete RI licensure requirements.
Rhode Island is a PSYPACT operational state since July 1, 2023. RI H 7501 enacted June 21, 2022; codified at R.I. Gen. Laws Ch. 5-44.1. Governor Dan McKee and RIDOH announced RI's joining of PSYPACT in 2023. Properly credentialed psychologists licensed in any PSYPACT state may apply to provide telepsychology and/or temporary in-person services in Rhode Island; RI-licensed psychologists may practice in 40+ other PSYPACT jurisdictions via the E.Passport (ASPPB), Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT), and Interjurisdictional Practice Certificate (IPC).
Clinical Psychologist Salary in Rhode Island
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
Rhode Island is consistently among the top-paying states for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists. The BLS Rhode Island OEWS data should be verified for SOC 19-3033. Rhode Island mean annual wage for SOC 19-3033 is approximately $120,720 (verify with BLS RI OEWS table). National median for SOC 19-3033 is $96,100; national median for all psychologists (OOH May 2024) is $94,310. RI cost of living runs above national average.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)
National median: $96,100
Top metro: Verify with BLS MSA pages (Providence-Warwick)
School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)
National median: $84,940
Top metro: Verify with BLS (Providence Public School District (largest), Cranston, Warwick, Pawtucket)
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists (SOC 19-3032)
National median: National mean ~$109,000-$139,000
Top metro: Data may be suppressed (Providence)
Rhode Island Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
Rhode Island has a deep psychology employment market concentrated in Providence, with two flagship private hospital systems (Brown University Health / formerly Lifespan; Care New England) anchoring the state's training and employer ecosystem. Major employers fall into five buckets.
Health systems: Brown University Health (formerly Lifespan Health System; rebranded 2024), the largest health system in RI. Rhode Island Hospital (Providence; Level I trauma center). Hasbro Children's Hospital (Providence; pediatric). Bradley Hospital (East Providence) founded 1931 = the oldest children's psychiatric hospital in the United States. The Miriam Hospital (Providence). Newport Hospital (Newport). Gateway Healthcare (community mental health). Care New England: Women and Infants Hospital (Providence). Kent Hospital (Warwick). Butler Hospital (Providence) founded 1844 = the oldest private nonprofit psychiatric hospital in the United States. Roger Williams Medical Center (Providence; Prospect Medical Holdings / CharterCARE). Landmark Medical Center (Woonsocket).
State government: Eleanor Slater Hospital (Cranston Howard campus + Burrillville Zambarano campus), state long-term acute care hospital operated by BHDDH. RI Department of Behavioral Healthcare, Developmental Disabilities and Hospitals (BHDDH).
Federal / VA: Providence VA Medical Center, APA-accredited psychology internship and postdoctoral fellowship sites; part of Brown Clinical Psychology Training Consortium since 1975.
K-12 school districts (school psychologists): Providence Public School District (largest in RI), Cranston Public Schools, Warwick Public Schools, Pawtucket School Department.
Brown Clinical Psychology Training Consortium (1975 to present): The post-doctoral training ecosystem at Warren Alpert Medical School + affiliated hospitals (Butler, Bradley, Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam, Women and Infants, Bradley Schools, Providence VA) is one of the most prestigious post-doctoral training networks in US clinical psychology. URI Clinical PhD students often complete internship and post-doctoral training within this Brown consortium.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
RI Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP): Up to $50,000 for a 2-year service commitment in a federally designated Rhode Island HPSA. Covers primary care, dentistry, and behavioral health professionals. CRITICAL 2026 STATUS: Current HPLRP grant cycle ended 8/31/25. RI HPLRP will NOT run an application cycle in calendar year 2026; expected to resume with a 2027 cohort.
RI Behavioral Health Workforce LRP: No standalone "Behavioral Health Workforce LRP" exists as a distinct program separate from HPLRP in RI. Behavioral health is folded into HPLRP.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. Licensed clinical psychologists practicing at NHSC-approved sites in Rhode Island HPSAs eligible. Up to $50,000 (full-time, 2-year) or $25,000 (half-time). Listed on the RI Caring Careers portal.
VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Providence VA Medical Center employed psychologists can qualify for EDRP awards up to $200,000 over 5 years.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): Available to RI-licensed psychologists employed full-time by qualifying public-service employers (state/government, 501(c)(3) nonprofits, including Brown University Health, Care New England, BHDDH, VA, public school districts). 120 qualifying payments under an income-driven repayment plan.
How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in Rhode Island
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing a Rhode Island clinical psychology doctoral program is straightforward given only 1 APA-accredited option (URI Clinical PhD in Kingston) plus 1 new PsyD launching (Bryant University, not yet APA-accredited). The bigger consideration for many RI residents is whether to apply to the highly competitive URI program (4-8% acceptance rate) or look out-of-state. Here is how to actually narrow it down.
If you want the only APA-accredited Clinical PhD in Rhode Island: University of Rhode Island Clinical Psychology PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 1972; ~6 to 8 admits per year from 200-300 applications = ~4 to 8% acceptance rate; GRE NOT required; full-time graduate assistantships carry 100% tuition waiver + stipend for at least 4 years). Five focus areas: Health Psychology, Multicultural Issues, Neuropsychology, Child/Family, Applied Methodology. Multicultural training required across coursework.
If you want a PsyD in Rhode Island (and are willing to enroll without APA accreditation initially): Bryant University Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD) launched Fall 2025 with inaugural cohort of 21 students. NOT YET APA-accredited. APA prohibits accreditation applications until second cohort matriculates; Bryant states it will pursue accreditation at the earliest possible time. Curriculum built to APA standards. Hybrid; 4 years coursework + 1 year internship.
If you want training at the oldest children's psychiatric hospital in the US: Bradley Hospital (East Providence, 1931) is the oldest children's psychiatric hospital in the United States; a major training site for URI Clinical PhD students and the Brown Clinical Psychology Training Consortium.
If you want training at the oldest private nonprofit psychiatric hospital in the US: Butler Hospital (Providence, 1844) is the oldest private nonprofit psychiatric hospital in the United States; major training affiliate for URI Clinical PhD and Brown Consortium.
If you want Brown Consortium post-doctoral training: Brown University does NOT offer an entry-level doctoral psychology program. Brown's role is as academic affiliate (Warren Alpert Medical School) running APA-accredited internship and postdoctoral fellowship programs through the Brown Clinical Psychology Training Consortium since 1975 (Butler, Bradley, Rhode Island Hospital, Miriam, Women and Infants, Bradley Schools, Providence VA). One of the most prestigious post-doctoral training networks in US clinical psychology.
If you want maximum PSYPACT mobility: Rhode Island became a PSYPACT operational state on July 1, 2023 (RI H 7501 enacted June 21, 2022; R.I. Gen. Laws Ch. 5-44.1). RI LPs holding APIT/IPC can practice telepsychology and temporary in-person services across 40+ PSYPACT jurisdictions.
If you want top-paying state employment: Rhode Island is consistently among the top-paying states for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033). RI mean annual wage ~$120,720 vs. national median $96,100. Brown University Health (formerly Lifespan), Care New England, and Providence VA provide strong employer infrastructure.
Caveats worth knowing before applying: No "URI/RIC Joint PhD" exists. URI Clinical Psychology PhD is a standalone URI program. Rhode Island College runs a separate, non-doctoral MA/CAGS in School Psychology (NASP-approved). Brown University does NOT offer an entry-level doctoral psychology program. Bryant University PsyD is NOT YET APA-accredited. Salve Regina University offers PhD in Behavior Analysis (NOT APA Clinical). RI HPLRP does NOT run a 2026 application cycle (resumes 2027). Verify RI Jurisprudence Examination requirement directly with the Board (sources conflict).
Related Pages
Counseling Programs in Rhode Island
CACREP-accredited counseling programs and the Rhode Island LMHC license, a master's alternative to the 7-year clinical psychology doctorate
MSW Programs in Rhode Island
CSWE-accredited social work programs and Rhode Island LICSW licensure
ABA Programs in Rhode Island
BACB-verified course sequences and Rhode Island BCBA practice (includes Salve Regina's PhD in 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
- RI Department of Health, Board of Psychology
- RI SOS Regulations 216-RICR-40-05-15 (Psychologists)
- PSYPACT, Compact Map
- Governor McKee: RI Joins PSYPACT press release
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS Rhode Island Estimates
- RI Health Professional Loan Repayment Program (HPLRP)
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program
- URI Clinical Psychology PhD program
- Brown University Clinical Psychology Training Programs (internship + postdoc)
- Bryant University Doctor of Clinical Psychology (PsyD, NOT YET APA-accredited)