Last Updated on June 22, 2024 by ClinicNearMe
If you live anywhere in the US and want to know how long it takes to become a clinical psychologist, here is a comprehensive guide for you. A very clear answer to this question is that you can become a clinical psychologist in the US. The process will take anywhere around 8 to 12 years. Basically, the process is long. You have to complete your formal education. Then you have to go for specialization and particular certification and other examinations. They will ensure that you are eligible for practising as a clinical psychologist.
In this guide, we will break down all the necessary education requirements. So you will get to know ALL in this article. Let’s get started.
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How Many Years To Become A Clinical Psychologist?
After high school, it may take up to 12 years or more to complete the necessary training to become a clinical psychologist. The precise amount of time depends on a number of variables, including your study schedule (full- or part-time) and state licensing requirements. This period is primarily spent in education, which includes:
- 4-5 years to complete a bachelor’s degree. This degree ought to be in psychology or a closely related subject, such as sociology, anthropology, or another branch of social science.
- A master’s degree can be earned in two to four years. Before getting admitted to a master’s program in psychology, you might need to finish some prerequisite courses if your bachelor’s degree is in an unrelated discipline.
- A Ph.D. might take up to eight years to accomplish. A Ph.D. in clinical psychology or a Psy.D., or Doctor of Psychology, are the two available doctorates for those interested in a career in clinical psychology. Ph.D. programs often place a strong emphasis on research, pairing students with mentors to teach them how to plan, carry out, and assess psychological studies. Programs for a Psy.D. are often shorter and more concentrated on preparing students to offer clinical services.
- Pre- or post-doctoral supervised experience of one to two years To become licensed, you often need to complete a specified amount of supervised experience. This often takes a year or two, although depending on where you reside, state requirements may differ.
Other fields that lie under the category of clinical psychologist
How many years to be a clinical psychologist totally depends on which sub-category you choose and how long will it take. Here we have listed some major subjects that will help you in becoming a clinical psychologist in different areas.
- Child psychologist
- Substance abuse counselor
- Forensic psychologist
- Learning disabilities specialist
- Clinical social worker
- Special education teacher
- Psychotherapist
- Neuropsychologist
- Family counselor
- Clinical case manager
By the way, have you firmly decided to become a clinical psychologist? If yes, which subjects and niches suit best your area of interest? Make a quick comment and share your thoughts.
A Pro Tip?
You can calculate the exact time to become a clinical psychologist by researching the educational and course requirements in your state and by focusing on the unique requirements in your niche. Usually, it takes 8 to 10 years to become a certified clinical psychologist in the USA.