The Guide to Become a Psychologist
A career as a psychologist can be immensely rewarding, helping people overcome challenges and improve mental wellbeing. However, entering this profession requires extensive training and education. Here is a comprehensive roadmap to guide you on your path to becoming a psychologist.
Complete Undergrad Degree
First, earn a bachelor’s degree. While you can major in any subject, most psychologists obtain a B.A. or B.S. in psychology.
Your undergraduate coursework will cover fundamentals like research methods, abnormal behavior, biological bases of behavior and more. It establishes a solid foundation for graduate study.
Gain Relevant Experience
Additionally, gain experience working or volunteering in fields related to psychology during college. Consider interning at:
- Counseling centers
- Mental health clinics
- Hospitals
- Schools
- Research labs
This hands-on experience will help you decide which specialization matches your interests while strengthening your application to graduate programs.
Pursue a Doctoral Degree
Next, enroll in a doctoral program in clinical, counseling or school psychology. These programs typically last 4-6 years and involve coursework, practice, research and completing a dissertation.
You’ll cover topics like assessment, psychotherapy, statistics, ethics and more with a focus on your chosen specialty. The doctorate (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) is required to become a licensed psychologist.
Complete an Internship
Furthermore, complete a 1-2 year internship as a culminating experience before graduation. You’ll gain supervised experience conducting assessments, providing psychotherapy and doing research in your specialty.
The internship readies you to function independently, meets state licensing requirements and boosts your post-grad job prospects.
Pass the Exams
Finally, pass the Entry Level Examination for Psychologists and your state licensing examination. These ensure you have the knowledge and skills to practice psychology competently and ethically.
In summary, earning your doctorate degree in psychology and completing internship, exams and licensing requirements forms a comprehensive roadmap to success as a psychologist. However, the journey starts with choosing the right undergraduate major and gaining valuable experience to confirm this path is right for you. With dedication and perseverance, you can achieve your dream of helping others through the science of the mind.
