People who are licensed and extensively trained in treating patients with mental, emotional and behavioral issues are called psychologists. If you have the patience and skillset that is required to work in this field then, follow this detailed guide.

Should I Become a Psychologist in Hawaii

There are several types of psychologists based on the sector they work in such as,

  • Industrial & Organizational Psychologists
  • Clinical, Counseling & School Psychologists and
  • All other Psychologists

Typically, all types of psychologists perform a few common duties like,

  • Providing one-on-one consultations
  • Examining and identifying behavioral, psychological and emotional problems
  • Discussing possible treatments with patients and so on.
Education Required A doctoral degree
Major Requirement Psychology
License/Certification Obtaining a state issued license
Experience/Training Supervised work experience of 2 years
Key Skills Observational, Analytical, Problem-solving, Communication and Organizational skills; Patience and Integrity etc.
Annual Mean Salary (2019)-National $98,230 (for Psychologists, All Other)
Annual Mean Salary (2019)-Hawaii $86,430 (for Psychologists, All Other)
Job Outlook(2018-2028) 14% (Faster than the average)

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2019)

Career Outlook

According to the data reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics in 2019, Hawaii had an employment level of 130 for Psychologists, All Other. In addition to that, a 14% rise in employment for psychologists is expected between 2018 and 2028, all across the US.

Steps to Become a Psychologist in Hawaii

If you have the passion and determination it takes to become a psychologist, then follow this simple and detailed guide to begin!

    1. Obtain a Bachelor’s Degree
To begin your journey down this road, complete a bachelor’s degree preferably with Psychology as a major. It may take approx. 4 years to complete it. Many universities in Hawaii offer such degrees for instance, the University of Hawai’i offers a 4-years BA in Psychology.
    1. Enroll in a Master’s Degree
A master’s degree is needed only when you have completed the bachelor’s in a subject other than Psychology. The University of Hawai’i offers a master’s degree leading to PhD in Psychology.
    1. Get a Doctoral Degree
To work as a licensed psychologist, the minimum educational requirement is a doctoral degree which may take 4-6 years to complete. As described earlier, the University of Hawai’i offers a master’s degree leading to PhD.
    1. Complete the required field experience
Graduates of a doctoral degree must gain 2 years of work experience in the field. The field experience must be completed under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
    1. Apply for a State Issued License
All psychologists in the state of Hawaii must apply for a licensure through the Hawaii Board of Psychology and the details of licensure process are described below.

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

It may take anywhere between 10 to 14 years for you to become a licensed psychologist based on the educational choices you make including the acquisition of a license.

What Are the Requirements of Becoming a Licensed Psychologist in Hawaii?

To become licensed in the state of Hawaii as a psychologist, you must:

  • Have at least a doctoral degree in Psychology from an APA or ASPPB accredited institution
  • Complete 2 years of work experience under supervision of a licensed psychologist
  • Clear the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
  • Have a good moral character

There are many types of licenses issued by the Hawaii Board of Psychology such as,

  • By examination
  • By credentials and so on.

For details on a specific license, visit the official website of the Board.

 

How Much Can I Make as a Psychologist in Hawaii?

In 2019, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reported $86,430 as the annual mean salary of Psychologists, All Other employed in Hawaii. In addition to that, California was listed as the highest paying state for this occupation in 2019 with an annual mean salary of $117,610.