Guide to Becoming a Psychologist in California 

Individuals who are investigating how to become a psychologist in California might be wondering if the journey to licensure is worth it for them. To make that determination, it can be helpful to consider the profession’s employment statistics. For example, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), California ranks second only to Texas in employment of psychologists. The BLS also projects that employment of psychologists will grow 6% between 2024 and 2034, faster than the average growth projected for all occupations.  

To get a clear picture of what to expect on the psychology career path, individuals should carefully evaluate the role’s key education, experience, and licensing requirements. For those living in California or seeking to relocate to the state, numerous helpful resources are available to explain the standards and guidelines for becoming a psychologist in California. 

What Is a Psychologist? 

A psychologist is a licensed mental health professional with expertise in human thought, emotion, and behavior who helps individuals manage their life challenges and mental health conditions. Using methods such as observation, assessment, and talk therapy, psychologists work to understand how individuals’ beliefs and feelings influence their behavior and relationships. 

Psychologists conduct psychological testing, including personality, aptitude, and intelligence assessments, and use psychotherapy to help clients address issues such as: 

•  Anxiety 

• Depression  

• Post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) 

• Substance use disorders 

• Sleep problems  

Psychologists hold doctoral degrees, typically a PhD in Psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD),  and are licensed through the California Board of Psychology.  

To gain a deeper understanding of what a psychologist is, it can be helpful to understand what a psychologist is not by comparing psychologist roles, in terms of education and scope of practice, with those of therapists and psychiatrists. 

Psychologist vs. Therapist               

A comparison of psychologists and therapists reveals these professionals have a common aim: to improve the mental, emotional, and behavioral well-being of individuals. While the methods used by both psychologists and therapists may overlap — for example, they both use cognitive behavioral therapy (CBT) and dialectical behavior therapy (DBT) — their focus and training often differ. 

Psychologists are experts in human behavior. They often work with individuals facing serious mental health conditions, such as bipolar disorder or psychosis, and give specialized psychological and neuropsychological tests to individuals to assess their mental functioning. They typically hold a doctoral degree, such as a doctorate in psychology. 

Therapists help people manage their emotional, social, and relational issues, primarily through talk-based methods. The terms therapist and counselor are often used interchangeably. While some counselors hold a master’s degree, a key step in becoming a therapist is earning a master’s degree in an area of psychology. Examples of graduate degrees for therapists include Master of Arts in Psychology, Master of Science in Applied Behavioral Analysis (MABA), and Master of Science in Clinical Social Work (MCSW). 

The pathway to becoming a psychologist in California, as well as in other states, can take five to seven years to complete after earning a bachelor’s degree. The journey includes gaining supervised clinical experience and becoming licensed. Master’s-level therapists also need to obtain state licensure. They typically complete two to three years of graduate study in their area of focus, followed by supervised clinical hours. 

Psychologist vs. Psychiatrist 

Investigating the differences between psychologists and psychiatrists in terms of their roles and responsibilities reveals a common goal: diagnosing and treating patients with mental health conditions. Individuals in these professions often collaborate with other professionals to help patients achieve better overall well-being.  

When it comes to their areas of focus, however, the roles differ in the following ways:  

• Psychologists focus on their patients’ behavioral health, applying their knowledge to understand the patients’ behavior and using various evidence-based therapies to help them overcome a wide range of mental health challenges.  

• Psychiatrists, who are medical doctors, are credentialed to prescribe medication. Their academic journey emphasizes the biological and medical aspects of mental health. They also look to understand the interaction between mental health and physical health conditions. 

Psychologists, after earning their doctoral degrees over a four- to six-year period, undergo a one-year internship to gain field experience. Psychiatrists, by contrast, complete four years of medical school to earn a Doctor of Medicine (MD) or a Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) degree. After earning their terminal degree, psychiatrists undertake a residency program that lasts four to six years (12,000 to 16,000 hours of patient care) and enables them to gain hands-on medical experience.   

As their education emphasizes the biological and medical aspects of mental health, psychiatrists can prescribe medications, while psychologists focus more on therapies that can help their patients improve their mental health. 

Requirements to Become a Psychologist in California 

Becoming a psychologist in California involves completing steps in three primary areas: education, supervised experience, and exams. The entire process, while lengthy and intensive, helps ensure professionals are ready to provide safe and effective care to their patients.  

Below are the key educational and professional steps individuals must take to become a psychologist in California. 

Education and Degrees               

Becoming a psychologist takes several years of study. Earning a degree at each level, undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral, helps individuals build the skills needed to become a psychologist in California.  

Bachelor’s Degree 

The first step is earning a bachelor’s degree. While many students choose psychology, it’s not a requirement. Earning a degree in a related field can also serve as a foundation for pursuing the psychology career path. Examples include:   

• Sociology 

• Education 

• Social work  

Most graduate psychology programs expect applicants to have completed courses in psychology or social sciences, including statistics, research methods, and human behavior. Even if psychology is not a student’s chosen major, it is advised that they enroll in these courses as part of their electives to improve their chances of being accepted into a master’s program. 

Master’s Degree 

A psychologist’s training matters according to California law — section 2903 of the Business and Professions Code says that “no person may engage in the practice of psychology, or represent themselves to be a psychologist, without a license.” In California, a license is only given to individuals with a relevant doctoral degree.  

However, individuals with a master’s degree in psychology may use it as a steppingstone to advance in their career. They also can practice in some roles under supervision or in specific settings like schools or healthcare facilities. For example, in California, the Licensed Educational Psychologist (LEP) credential requires at least a master’s in school psychology, supervised experience, and passing a licensing exam.  

While individuals with a master’s degree may not practice as psychologists, they can help individuals in any of several other critical roles, such as: 

• Therapist in a community hospital 

• Counselor or academic adviser 

• Mental health services program coordinator 

• Trauma care adviser 

Doctoral Degree               

The core requirement to become a psychologist in California is earning a doctoral degree in psychology. Individuals enrolled in a doctoral program learn about research and gain the required supervised practice hours. This educational standard, encompassing both theory and practical experience, is recognized by major professional organizations, including the American Psychological Association (APA).  

In California, candidates must hold one of the following degrees to qualify for licensure as a psychologist. The programs for these degrees are based on the standard foundations for training psychologists, combining research, theory, and supervised clinical experience: 

• Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology  

• Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) 

• Doctor of Education (EdD) with a specialization in psychology 

For those looking to become a clinical psychologist or to pursue a counseling psychologist role, it is expected that they hold either a PhD in Psychology or a PsyD.  

Experience/Hours               

One of the most frequently asked questions about the psychology licensure process in California concerns the required experience and supervised hours. To be eligible to take the required Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), candidates with a qualifying doctoral degree must meet a qualifying pre- or postdoctoral supervised professional experience requirement of at least 1,500 hours.  

Eligibility to take the required California Psychology Law and Ethics Examination (CPLEE) entails passing the EPPP and completing a total of 3,000 hours of qualifying supervised professional experience. This means applicants who have already completed 1,500 hours of supervised professional experience prior to taking the EPPP must obtain an additional 1,500 hours of qualifying postdoctoral supervised experience to meet this requirement. 

Licensing               

Once an individual has earned their doctorate and completed the required experience hours, the process to obtain a license to practice as a psychologist in California depends on the type of applicant:  

• In-State Applicants. The licensure process for psychologists in California involves three main steps. First, applicants must apply for and pass the EPPP. Next, they must apply for and pass the CPLEE. Once they pass both exams, they can submit a request for initial licensure. 

• Out-of-State Applicants. Individuals from other states without a license in any other U.S. state or territory, or Canadian province, follow a similar process. After applying for and passing the EPPP and the CPLEE, they can submit their request for initial licensure. They must then complete additional coursework in several required areas, including: human sexuality; alcohol and chemical dependency detection and treatment; child abuse assessment; spousal or partner abuse assessment, detection, and intervention strategies; aging and long-term care; and suicide risk assessment and intervention. They will not be granted their license until the coursework is completed. 

• Licensed Out-of-State Applicants. Individuals who are already licensed in another state, Canadian province, or U.S. territory are not required to take the EPPP again. However, they must still apply for and pass the CPLEE, request initial licensure, and complete the same additional coursework required for all out-of-state applicants. 

Resources: How to Become a Psychologist in California 

For additional information and detailed guidance on how to become a psychologist in California, the following resources offer comprehensive insights. These include standards, guidelines, scope of practice, membership details, and other information that can help individuals determine whether pursuing a career as a psychologist in California aligns with their professional goals.  

• Department of Consumer Affairs Board of Psychology. This page serves as a central resource for psychologists in California. It provides information on applying for or renewing a license, as well as updates on events, informational webinars, and current legislation affecting the profession.  

• American Psychological Association (APA). While full membership in the APA, the leading scientific and professional organization representing psychology, is not required to become a psychologist in California, it is encouraged. One of the key requirements for being admitted as a member of the APA is having a doctoral-level education.  

• State Licensure and Certification Information for Psychologists. This resource offers details on becoming a licensed psychologist in each state. It provides contact information for licensing and certification authorities, including links to their websites. Each state’s page includes education, exam, and internship requirements when available.  

• California Psychological Association (CPA). The largest state psychological association in California is dedicated to supporting the science and practice of psychology while providing access to health and well-being resources for Californians. The CPA’s site provides helpful information about events, connects individuals to professional resources, and offers a career center to assist individuals in their journey.  

• American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). The ABPP is the main organization for specialty board certification in psychology. ABPP certification can help professionals advance in their careers by demonstrating their competence and commitment to providing quality psychological services. The organization assesses and certifies psychologists in many specialty areas. To be reviewed by a specialty board, candidates must have a PhD, PsyD, or EdD earned in the U.S., U.S. territories, or Canada.  

• APA-Approved Standards and Guidelines. This resource provides an overview of the APA-approved standards and guidelines that define professional expectations, ethical conduct, and best practices in psychology. Each document includes review dates and links to downloadable PDFs. It serves as a comprehensive reference for psychologists, educators, and researchers seeking to align their work with current APA policy. 

Take the Next Step Toward Becoming a Licensed Psychologist in California 

Becoming a psychologist in California offers professionals a mix of purpose and opportunity. Mental health professionals are currently in demand in the state, and strong job growth is projected for the profession.  

California also stands apart in terms of compensation. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the median annual wage for psychologists across the U.S. as of May 2024 is $94,310. Individual salaries vary depending on a psychologist’s specialty — for instance, psychologists in the “all other” category have a median salary of $117,580, while for school psychologists it is $86,930.  

As the state with the highest mean pay for psychologists, according to the BLS’ Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics, California’s annual mean wage for those classified as psychologists exceeds the national median, at $130,940. There are regional differences within California. For example, in Fresno, the mean annual wage is $145,900. In the Los Angeles-Long Beach-Anaheim area, it is $142,540. 

California offers a clear path to licensure for psychologists. While it is a multiyear, intensive process, aspiring professionals who want to help others overcome their mental health challenges can build a fulfilling career in a state with a growing need for qualified mental health professionals. 

Notre Dame de Namur University’s (NDNU) School Psychology offers several master's programs rooted in clinical psychology. NDNU’s online program provides training that prepares students for competitive doctoral studies in psychology or related fields, including becoming a licensed psychologist. Fill out the form below to get started.  

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