Psychologists analyze human psyche and behavior to help people deal with different mental health conditions. These include relatively simple things like stress and anxiety as well as serious issues like depression, panic attacks, PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder) and ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), etc.

Both individual treatment and group sessions are provided by psychologists. As of 2019, there are nearly 2,000 Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists working in Connecticut according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you want to become one too, then this guide has all the answers.

Should I Become a Psychologist in Connecticut

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Education Bachelor’s, Master’s (optional) and Doctorate degree
Area of Study/Major Requirement  

Psychology
License/Certification Required
Experience/Training Required
Key Skills Communication, Critical Thinking, Inductive and Deductive Reasoning and Complex Problem Solving.
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National $87,450 (Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists)
Job Outlook (2018-2028) 14%
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – Connecticut $92,790 (Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists)

Sources: US Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*Net Online

Psychologists are responsible for diagnosing and treating mental illnesses. They also provide services to large organizations aiming to enhance the productivity and workplace satisfaction of employees. Academia and other research-oriented fields also have plenty of psychologists.

Career Outlook

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for psychologists will increase by 14% (higher than the majority of other occupations) between 2018 and 2028. This growth will be driven by the ever-increasing demand for competent mental health professionals in hospitals, businesses and schools, etc.

Steps to Become a Psychologist in Connecticut

The steps listed below will help you become a psychologist in Connecticut.

    1. Bachelor’s and Master’s Studies

Start your journey by entering a 4-year undergraduate degree program. The following options are common among aspiring psychologists.

  • Bachelor of Science (BS) in Psychology
  • Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology

*You are not obligated to specialize in Psychology at this stage and can choose a different major.

Following the completion of your Bachelor’s studies, you may choose to pursue a Master’s program. It is not mandatory because you will earn a Master’s degree as part of your doctoral degree program later on. But, if you have taken a different major at the undergrad level, then a Master’s in Psychology can be good preparation for upcoming doctoral studies.

It will take you 2 years to complete a Master’s degree. You may choose one of the following streams.

  • Master of Science (MS) in Psychology
  • Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology
    1. Doctoral Degree

When you are done with your Bachelor’s and Master’s (should you decide to go for it) degree(s), the next step is enrolling in a doctoral program. You will have the following choices.

  • Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology

Completing a doctoral degree usually takes 4 to 7 years.

    1. Work Experience
After the completion of doctoral studies, you must gain at least 1 year of supervised work experience to be eligible for a license. You may also start working under supervision during your doctoral degree program.
    1. License to Practice in Connecticut

Once you have the requisite work experience under your belt, you can apply for a license from the Connecticut Department of Public Health. To be eligible for a license, you need to clear the following assessments.

  • Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
  • Connecticut Jurisprudence Examination

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist in Connecticut?

You will spend 4 years earning a Bachelor’s degree followed by 2 years of Master’s education (optional). After that, the doctoral degree will take 4 to 7 years to complete. Add to it the 1 year of mandatory work experience for licensure and you will need around 10 to 14 years to become a psychologist in Connecticut.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Psychologist in Connecticut?

The following criteria have to be met to become a psychologist in Connecticut.

  • Completion of Bachelor’s and Master’s (optional) studies.
  • Attainment of a doctoral degree (PsyD or PhD) in Psychology.
  • Obtaining the needed work experience for licensing.
  • Getting licensed by the Connecticut Department of Public Health.

 

How Much Can I Make as a Psychologist in Connecticut?

According to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Connecticut’s clinical, counseling, and school psychologists had an annual mean wage of $92,790 in 2019.