If you are interested in helping people manage and battle mental illnesses, then you have come to the right place. Take a look at this guide to understand how to become a psychologist in Maryland.

Job Duties of a Psychologist

Psychologists are responsible for:

  • Observing and interpreting human behavior
  • Detecting patterns in behavior
  • Using scientific procedures and methods to correct that behavior

Requirements to Become a Psychologist in Maryland

In order to become a licensed psychologist in Maryland, individuals are required to meet certain state requirements, which include education and fieldwork components. Read on to find out more about these requirements.

  1. Education Requirements
  2. In order to meet the education requirements, individuals have to acquire a Bachelors, a Masters and a Doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in Psychology. These programs cover modules related to Abnormal Psychology, Theories of Personality, Cognitive Behavior and Lifespan Development.
  1. Training Requirements
  2. Candidates enrolled in practice oriented degrees or counseling/clinical programs are required to complete a minimum of 3,250 hours of supervised training.
  1. Certification and Licensing Requirements
  2. In order to become licensed, individuals have to submit a licensure application to the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists. They are then required to pass two exams; Maryland Jurisprudence exam and the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

Steps Involved in Becoming a Psychologist in Maryland

There are three main steps involved in becoming a psychologist in Maryland. These are mentioned below:

  1. Earn a Bachelors and Masters Degree in the Field of Psychology
  2. You will be expected to complete a 4-year long Bachelor of Science (B.S) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Psychology, and a 1 to 2 year long Master of Science (M.S) or a Master of Arts (M.A) in Psychology. A number of tracks are being offered to Masters students; they can specialize in Health Psychology, Forensic Psychology or Clinical Mental Health Counseling.
  1. Earn a Doctorate Degree and Complete the Supervised Training Hours
  2. In order to be eligible to apply for a license, students have to complete a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). These degrees must be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). After completing their degrees, individuals have to complete 3,250 hours of supervised training, out of which 1,750 hours can be completed through a 1-year long internship and the remaining hours can be completed through post-doctoral experiences.
  1. Apply for a State License
  2. Individuals who are applying for a state license for the first time are required to do the following:

    • Submit a completed application packet, along with the required supporting documents, to the Maryland Board of Examiners of Psychologists
    • Pay the application fee
    • Pass a criminal record check

    Candidates who meet the licensure requirements will then be allowed to take the Maryland Jurisprudence exam and the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). Upon clearing these exams, applicants will be given their license.

Employment Data

O*Net Online has reported that the annual median wage of Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists in Maryland was $78,980 in 2018, which was higher than the national average of $76,990.