Best Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in West Virginia, Ranked (2026)
The 3 APA-accredited clinical psychology doctoral programs in West Virginia for 2026, with cohort sizes, the 3,000 supervised hours, EPPP plus the WV oral examination, and West Virginia's PSYPACT status (effective November 2021).
Key Takeaways
- West Virginia has 3 APA-accredited doctoral psychology programs. West Virginia University Clinical Psychology PhD (Morgantown) continuously APA-accredited since 1966 (one of the oldest in the country); re-accredited 2020; next review 2030; scientist-practitioner / Boulder model with ~4 admits per area of emphasis from 200+ applicants. WVU Counseling Psychology PhD (College of Applied Human Sciences, School of Counseling and Well-Being). Marshall University Clinical Psychology PsyD (Huntington) first APA-accredited 2006; next review 2028; 50% of incoming class slots reserved for residents of West Virginia and the surrounding central Appalachian region.
- Marshall University PsyD is the only APA-accredited PsyD in West Virginia. WVU Department of Psychology offers four doctoral areas (Behavior Analysis, Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, Life-Span Developmental Psychology); only the Clinical track is APA-accredited. Marshall University offers an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Psychology, NOT an APA-accredited doctoral School Psychology program. No APA-accredited School Psychology PhD in West Virginia.
- West Virginia licenses psychologists through the WV Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Required supervised experience is 2 years (3,000 hours) for doctoral-level applicants (typically 1 year pre-doctoral internship + 1 year post-doctoral).
- Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500; $50 WV eligibility fee + $600 ASPPB) plus a state-administered oral examination ($350 fee; $100 continuation fee if needed). NOT a written jurisprudence exam.
- Fees: Initial application $100; temporary license $100; oral exam $350; EPPP eligibility $50. Biennial renewal cycle with 20 CE hours per 2-year cycle, including 3 hours in ethics, 10+ hours from APA- or NASP-approved sources, and 2 hours on clinical topics relevant to veterans.
- West Virginia is a PSYPACT operational state since November 18, 2021 (WV SB 668 signed April 21, 2021). WV-licensed psychologists may obtain the E.Passport and Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) through ASPPB to practice telepsychology across 40+ PSYPACT member states.
- West Virginia psychologist wages run well below national medians. BLS WV May 2024: Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033) median $75,340 with 620 employed (vs. national $96,100). School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034) median $66,890 with 340 employed (vs. national $86,930). Psychologists All Other (SOC 19-3039) median $58,450 with 250 employed. WV cost of living runs well below national average.
- West Virginia has the highest opioid overdose death rate in the nation (38.6 per 100,000 in 2024, nearly 3x the U.S. rate of 16/100,000); WV has led the nation in drug overdose deaths since 2013. This drives aggressive behavioral health workforce demand and supports multiple state loan repayment programs (WV SLRP, WV Mental Health LRP $10,000, WV Statewide Therapist Loan Repayment / STLR via BBH).
West Virginia runs a small but historically significant APA-accredited doctoral psychology training landscape with 3 programs at 2 institutions. West Virginia University Clinical Psychology PhD (Department of Psychology, Eberly College of Arts and Sciences, 1124 Life Sciences Building, 53 Campus Drive, Morgantown) has been continuously APA-accredited since 1966, making it one of the oldest APA-accredited Clinical PhDs in the United States. Re-accredited 2020; next review 2030. Scientist-practitioner / Boulder model. Fully funded through graduate assistantships: tuition waiver + $20,384 stipend (9-month, 2025-26 academic year) + health insurance; support typically provided for 4 years (BA entry) or 3 years (MA entry). 5 to 6 years to completion including 1-year APA-accredited internship. ~4 students admitted per area of emphasis from 200+ applicants annually. GRE is NOT accepted for admission; scores will NOT be considered if submitted. Application deadline December 1. Concentrations: Clinical Psychology and Clinical Child Psychology (jointly comprise the accredited training program in health service psychology). Affiliations: WVU Quin Curtis Center (training clinic), Junior Colleague Model of Training, WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, WVU Medicine / J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital.
WVU Counseling Psychology PhD (College of Applied Human Sciences, School of Counseling and Well-Being, 502 Allen Hall) is APA-accredited and also listed by ASPPB/NR. 4 to 5 years typical: 3 years full-time coursework + 4 semesters practicum + 12-month pre-doctoral internship + dissertation. 450 hours direct service + 150 hours individual clinical supervision required before internship.
Marshall University Clinical Psychology PsyD (Department of Psychology, College of Liberal Arts, One John Marshall Drive, Huntington) is the only APA-accredited PsyD in West Virginia. First APA-accredited 2006; next review 2028. Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) in Clinical Psychology with practitioner-scholar model. 5 years full-time (BA entry); program also offers a part-time track (5 to 6 years range). Marshall graduate tuition ~$8,676/year in-state and ~$18,814/year out-of-state (verify with department for current PsyD-specific cost). 50% of incoming class slots reserved for residents of West Virginia and the surrounding central Appalachian region. Training focus on rural and underserved/marginalized populations; mandatory 4th-year practicum at approved rural site. Doctoral project (not dissertation). Affiliations: Marshall Health, Cabell Huntington Hospital, Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital (training site), Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine.
The WV Board of Examiners of Psychologists licensure path requires a doctorate in psychology from a regionally accredited program (APA-accredited strongly preferred), 2 years (3,000 hours) of supervised experience (typically 1 year pre-doctoral internship + 1 year post-doctoral), the EPPP (passing scaled score 500; $50 WV eligibility fee + $600 ASPPB), and a state-administered oral examination ($350 fee; $100 continuation if needed). Initial application $100; temporary license $100. 20 CE hours per 2-year cycle including 3 hours in ethics, 10+ hours from APA- or NASP-approved sources, and 2 hours on clinical topics relevant to veterans. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 6 to 7 years.
West Virginia has been a PSYPACT operational state since November 18, 2021 (WV SB 668 signed April 21, 2021). WV-licensed psychologists may obtain the E.Passport and APIT through ASPPB to practice telepsychology across 40+ PSYPACT member states. West Virginia has the highest opioid overdose death rate in the nation (38.6 per 100,000 in 2024, nearly 3x the U.S. rate of 16/100,000), driving aggressive behavioral health workforce demand and supporting multiple state loan repayment programs including the WV State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP) via WV DHHR, the WV Mental Health Loan Repayment Program awarding $10,000 via WV HEPC, and the WV Statewide Therapist Loan Repayment (STLR) via the Bureau for Behavioral Health.
APA-Accredited Clinical Psychology Doctoral Programs in West Virginia
All 3 programs ranked in this guide, with tuition, format, and accreditation at a glance.
| # | School | In-State Tuition | Format | Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | West Virginia University (Clinical PhD) | Fully funded: tuition waiver + $20,384 stipend (9-month, 2025-26) + health insurance; 4 years (BA entry) or 3 years (MA entry) typical support | On-campus | |
| 2 | West Virginia University (Counseling Psychology PhD) | WVU graduate rates; PhD students typically funded via assistantships | On-campus | |
| 3 | Marshall University | ~$8,676/year (in-state, verify with department for current PsyD-specific rate) | On-campus |
West Virginia University (Clinical PhD)
In-State
Fully funded: tuition waiver + $20,384 stipend (9-month, 2025-26) + health insurance; 4 years (BA entry) or 3 years (MA entry) typical support
Out-of-State
Fully funded same as in-state with assistantships
Length
5 to 6 years including 1-year APA-accredited internship (4 to 5 years if MA entry with approved thesis)
Field Hours
2,000+ on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at WVU Quin Curtis Center, WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, WVU Medicine / J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital
Concentrations
- Continuously APA-accredited since 1966 (one of the oldest APA-accredited Clinical PhDs in the United States)
- Re-accredited 2020; next review 2030
- ~4 students admitted per area of emphasis from 200+ applicants annually
- GRE NOT accepted; scores will NOT be considered if submitted
- Fully funded: $20,384 stipend (9-month) + tuition waiver + health insurance; affiliations with WVU Quin Curtis Center, Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute, WVU Medicine
West Virginia University (Counseling Psychology PhD)
In-State
WVU graduate rates; PhD students typically funded via assistantships
Out-of-State
WVU graduate rates; same with funding
Length
4 to 5 years typical: 3 years full-time coursework + 4 semesters practicum + 12-month pre-doctoral internship + dissertation
Field Hours
450 hours direct service + 150 hours individual clinical supervision required before internship; plus 12-month APA-accredited internship
Concentrations
- APA-accredited Counseling Psychology PhD; also listed by ASPPB/NR
- 4 to 5 years typical to completion
- 3 years full-time coursework + 4 semesters practicum + 12-month pre-doctoral internship + dissertation
- 450 hours direct service + 150 hours individual clinical supervision required before internship
- Part of WVU College of Applied Human Sciences, School of Counseling and Well-Being
Marshall University
In-State
~$8,676/year (in-state, verify with department for current PsyD-specific rate)
Out-of-State
~$18,814/year (out-of-state); verify with department
Length
5 years full-time (BA entry); part-time track 5 to 6 years
Field Hours
2,000 on the APA-accredited internship plus practicum at Marshall Health, Cabell Huntington Hospital, Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital
Concentrations
- The ONLY APA-accredited PsyD in West Virginia
- First APA-accredited 2006; next review 2028
- 50% of incoming class slots reserved for residents of West Virginia and the surrounding central Appalachian region
- Mandatory 4th-year practicum at approved rural site; rural and underserved/marginalized populations focus
- Doctoral project (not dissertation); affiliations with Marshall Health, Cabell Huntington Hospital, Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital, Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine
How to Become a Licensed Clinical Psychologist in West Virginia
The licensing board, exam pathway, and supervised hours you'll need to practice independently.
Licensing Board
West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists
(304) 558-0608
West Virginia regulates psychologists through the WV Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
Education requirement is a doctoral degree in psychology from a regionally accredited program (APA-accredited strongly preferred).
Required supervised experience is 2 years (3,000 hours) for doctoral-level applicants (typically 1 year pre-doctoral internship + 1 year post-doctoral).
Exam sequence is the EPPP (passing scaled score 500; $50 WV eligibility fee + $600 ASPPB) plus a state-administered oral examination ($350 fee; $100 continuation fee if needed). NOT a written jurisprudence exam.
Fees: Initial application $100; temporary license $100; oral exam $350; EPPP eligibility $50. Biennial renewal cycle. 20 CE hours per 2-year cycle including: 3 hours in ethics; 10+ hours from APA- or NASP-approved sources; 2 hours on clinical topics relevant to veterans. Total timeline from start of bachelor's through full licensure typically runs 6 to 7 years.
Supervised pre-doctoral internship (1 year, ~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 practice under supervision while completing requirements)
Practice under supervision while completing post-doctoral hours, EPPP, or oral exam
Hours
1,500
Duration
Pre-doctoral internship completed
Exam: EPPP/oral 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 WV LPs holding APIT
Hours
3,000
Duration
2 years (3,000 hours) total: 1 year pre-doctoral internship + 1 year post-doctoral
Exam: EPPP (passing scaled score 500; $50 WV eligibility + $600 ASPPB) + state-administered oral examination ($350; $100 continuation if needed)
West Virginia does not offer automatic reciprocity. Out-of-state applicants must complete the WV state-administered oral examination.
West Virginia is a PSYPACT operational state since November 18, 2021 (WV SB 668 signed April 21, 2021). WV-licensed psychologists may obtain the E.Passport and Authority to Practice Interjurisdictional Telepsychology (APIT) through ASPPB to practice telepsychology across 40+ PSYPACT member states.
Clinical Psychologist Salary in West Virginia
BLS state median wages by counseling specialty, with national comparison and top-paying metros.
West Virginia psychologist wages run well below national medians. The BLS West Virginia OEWS May 2024 shows Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033) at median $75,340 with 620 employed (vs. national $96,100). School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034) median $66,890 with 340 employed (vs. national $86,930). Psychologists All Other (SOC 19-3039) median $58,450 with 250 employed. WV cost of living runs well below national average, narrowing the gap considerably in real terms.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists (SOC 19-3033)
National median: $96,100
Top metro: Verify with BLS MSA pages (Morgantown, Charleston, Huntington)
School Psychologists (SOC 19-3034)
National median: $86,930
Top metro: Verify with BLS (Kanawha County (Charleston), Cabell County (Huntington), Berkeley County)
Psychologists, All Other (SOC 19-3039)
National median: National mean ~$120,000
Top metro: Verify with BLS (Morgantown (WVU Medicine))
West Virginia Clinical Psychology Job Market and Top Employers
Major employers, mental health shortage context, and loan repayment programs that erase debt for service.
West Virginia has a deep psychology employment market driven by WVU Medicine in Morgantown, CAMC in Charleston, Marshall Health in Huntington, and the state's aggressive response to the nation-leading opioid crisis. Major employers fall into five buckets.
Health systems / hospitals: WVU Medicine / WVU Health System (state's largest health system and largest private employer; 25 hospitals; flagship is J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital in Morgantown, 880-bed tertiary care academic medical center; includes WVU Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute with 300,000+ visits annually for neurological and mental healthcare; Behavioral Health Pavilion in Bluefield), Charleston Area Medical Center (CAMC) (Charleston), Marshall Health / Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine (Huntington; Cabell Huntington Hospital, St. Mary's Medical Center), Mountain Health Network (Huntington area), Mon Health (Morgantown area), and Wheeling Hospital.
State government psychiatric facilities (WV DHHR Office of Health Facilities): William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital (Weston; opened 1994 replacing Weston State Hospital; 200-bed acute psychiatric facility; 50 beds designated for forensic services including competency restoration and NGRI patients), Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital (Huntington; 110-bed state psychiatric facility at 1530 Norway Avenue; established 1897 as Huntington State Hospital, renamed 1999; civil/general psychiatric paired with Sharpe's forensic role), Lakin Hospital (West Columbia, long-term care), and WV Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (psychology positions across state facilities).
VA medical centers: Louis A. Johnson VA Medical Center (Clarksburg), Hershel "Woody" Williams VA Medical Center (Huntington), Beckley VA Medical Center, and Martinsburg VA Medical Center.
K-12 school districts (school psychologists): Kanawha County Schools (Charleston), Cabell County Schools (Huntington), Berkeley County Schools (Martinsburg), Wood County Schools (Parkersburg), and Monongalia County Schools (Morgantown).
Opioid crisis workforce demand: West Virginia has the highest opioid overdose death rate in the nation (38.6 per 100,000 in 2024, nearly 3x the U.S. rate of 16/100,000); WV has led the nation in drug overdose deaths since 2013. This drives sustained behavioral health workforce demand particularly for psychologists trained in SUD treatment, trauma-informed care, and integrated primary care.
Loan Repayment & Scholarship Programs
WV State Loan Repayment Program (SLRP): Administered by WV DHHR Bureau for Public Health, Office of Rural Health. Clinical psychologists eligible (among other primary care/behavioral health professionals). Requires service at NHSC-approved site in federally designated HPSA in WV.
WV Mental Health Loan Repayment Program (WV HEPC): $10,000 award for licensed master's/doctoral clinical psychologists (and LICSWs, LPCs, LMFTs, PMHNPs) practicing in WV. Administered by WV Higher Education Policy Commission.
WV Statewide Therapist Loan Repayment (STLR): Administered by WV Bureau for Behavioral Health (BBH). Eligible licensed behavioral health providers including psychologists.
WV Recruitment and Retention Community Project (WVR&R / RRCP): Customizable grants to rural WV communities to recruit and retain medical providers; co-funded by sponsoring facility/community partners.
NHSC Loan Repayment Program: Federal program. Health service psychologists eligible. Up to $50,000 for 2-year full-time commitment at NHSC-approved site in HPSA; up to $25,000 for half-time.
VA Education Debt Reduction Program (EDRP): Louis A. Johnson VA (Clarksburg), Hershel "Woody" Williams VA (Huntington), Beckley VA, and Martinsburg VA employed psychologists can qualify for EDRP awards up to $200,000 over 5 years.
Federal Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF): WV psychologists employed by qualifying public/non-profit employers (WVU Medicine, state hospitals, VAMCs, public school districts, federally qualified community mental health centers) qualify for PSLF after 120 qualifying payments.
How to Choose a Clinical Psychology Doctoral Program in West Virginia
Decision factors that actually matter, not generic checklist filler.
Choosing a West Virginia clinical psychology doctoral program comes down to three levers given only 3 APA-accredited options at 2 institutions: WVU (Morgantown) vs Marshall (Huntington), Clinical PhD vs Counseling PhD vs PsyD, and rural/Appalachian focus vs broader generalist training. Here is how to actually narrow it down.
If you want a Clinical PhD with the longest continuous APA accreditation in West Virginia: WVU Clinical PhD (continuously APA-accredited since 1966; one of the oldest in the US; re-accredited 2020 with next review 2030; ~4 admits per area from 200+ applicants; GRE NOT accepted; fully funded with $20,384 stipend + tuition waiver + health insurance).
If you want a Counseling Psychology PhD: WVU Counseling Psychology PhD (4 to 5 years typical; 3 years coursework + 4 semesters practicum + 12-month internship + dissertation; 450 hours direct service + 150 hours individual clinical supervision required before internship).
If you want the only APA-accredited PsyD in West Virginia: Marshall University Clinical Psychology PsyD (first APA-accredited 2006; next review 2028; 50% of incoming class slots reserved for residents of West Virginia and the surrounding central Appalachian region; mandatory 4th-year practicum at approved rural site; part-time track available; doctoral project not dissertation).
If you want rural Appalachian focus: Marshall PsyD explicitly emphasizes rural and underserved/marginalized populations and reserves half its cohort slots for WV/central Appalachian residents. WVU programs serve the state's broader rural population.
If you want SUD/opioid treatment training: West Virginia has the highest opioid overdose death rate in the nation (38.6 per 100,000 in 2024, nearly 3x the U.S. rate). Both WVU and Marshall provide substantial training in SUD treatment, trauma-informed care, and integrated primary care given the state's workforce demand.
If you want maximum PSYPACT leverage: West Virginia has been PSYPACT operational since November 18, 2021. WV LPs holding APIT can practice telepsychology across 40+ PSYPACT jurisdictions.
If you want academic medical center training: WVU Medicine (state's largest health system; J.W. Ruby Memorial Hospital 880-bed flagship; Rockefeller Neuroscience Institute with 300,000+ annual mental health visits) anchors WVU programs. Marshall Health and Joan C. Edwards School of Medicine anchor Marshall PsyD.
If you want forensic psychology placement: William R. Sharpe Jr. Hospital (Weston) has 200 beds total with 50 designated for forensic services (competency restoration, NGRI). Marshall PsyD has affiliated training at Mildred Mitchell-Bateman Hospital (civil/general psychiatric).
Caveats worth knowing before applying: No APA-accredited School Psychology PhD in West Virginia. WVU Department of Psychology offers four doctoral areas (Behavior Analysis, Behavioral Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, Life-Span Developmental Psychology) but only the Clinical track is APA-accredited. Marshall offers an Education Specialist (Ed.S.) in School Psychology, NOT an APA-accredited doctoral School Psychology program. WV uses a state-administered ORAL EXAMINATION instead of a written jurisprudence exam (unusual among US states). West Virginia psychologist wages run well below national medians ($75,340 vs. national $96,100 for 19-3033) but cost of living runs well below national average.
Related Pages
Counseling Programs in West Virginia
CACREP-accredited counseling programs and the West Virginia LPC license, a master's alternative to the 7-year clinical psychology doctorate
MSW Programs in West Virginia
CSWE-accredited social work programs and West Virginia LCSW licensure
ABA Programs in West Virginia
BACB-verified course sequences and West Virginia BCBA practice (includes WVU's Behavior Analysis PhD)
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
- WV Board of Examiners of Psychologists
- PSYPACT, Compact Map
- PSYPACT State Legislation
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, OEWS West Virginia Estimates
- Bureau of Labor Statistics, Psychologists
- WV DHHR Loan Repayment Programs
- WV Statewide Therapist Loan Repayment (STLR)
- NHSC Loan Repayment Program
- WVU Clinical Psychology PhD
- WVU Counseling Psychology PhD
- Marshall University Clinical PsyD