Psychology is a very complex field, with multiple disciplines. It is the study of the mind and behavior, as per the American Psychological Association. The US Bureau of Labor Statistics further elaborates on the work of these professionals, noting that “psychologists study cognitive, emotional, and social processes and behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and to their environments. They use their findings to help improve processes and behaviors.”
Since this is such a complicated field of study, it should come as no surprise that the process to become a psychologist in Houston is a long one, requiring a lot of effort. The following guide helps aspiring psychologists in Houston understand how to get into this field after completing the educational, experience and licensing requirements.
How to Become a Psychologist in Houston
Houston is a part of the state of Texas. The requirements to become a psychologist in Texas can therefore be used for Houston as well.
- Complete a Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree in Psychology
The first step in becoming a psychologist would be to complete a 4-year long bachelor’s degree, followed by a 2-year long master’s degree in psychology. These two degrees would serve as a foundation for the doctoral level degree that is mandatory to become a psychologist.
- Get a Doctorate Degree
To become a psychologist, you will need a doctoral degree. This can either be a Ph.D. in psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) degree. A Ph.D. is more suited for those who want to go for a research-based degree, while a Psy.D. is meant for those who intend to go for clinical practice.
- Complete the Licensure Requirements for Texas
The state of Texas requires psychologists to be licensed to practice. There are four types of licenses for psychologists that the state of Texas issues. These include Licensed Psychologist, Provisionally Licensed Psychologist, Licensed Psychologist Associate and Licensed Specialist in School Psychology. The requirements and application processes for these four types of licenses vary. For further details, aspiring psychologists in Houston are requested to check with the Texas Board of Examiners of Psychologists.
Once you have completed the above steps and received your license, you may begin looking for a job.
How Much Does a Psychologist Earn in Houston
The exact salary data for psychologists in Houston is not available through a government-verified source. The annual mean income of Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists in Texas was $73,650 according to the figures cited by the Us Bureau of Labor Statistics. Texas also holds third position among states with the highest level of employment in this occupation. The national job outlook for psychologists is also very positive, with a 14% growth predicted in the field.
Therefore, if you are planning to become a psychologist in Houston, or elsewhere, now would be a great time to invest your time and money into fulfilling the requirements and processes.
