How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Michigan

What could be more exciting than understanding human behavior and the complex thought process? If you are passionate about establishing a career in this field, then take a look at this guide to understand how to become a psychologist in Michigan.

Psychologists identify, assess, and treat mental diseases and emotional disorders such as anxiety, stress and depression. They work in a variety of settings such as schools, universities, community mental health boards, medical hospitals and private offices.

Individuals are expected to meet the following requirements in order to become licensed psychologists:

1. Education Requirements
They have to complete a 4-year long Bachelors degree and a 2-year long Masters degree in Psychology, followed by a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) in Psychology.

2. Training Requirements
After completing the doctoral program, individuals have to complete supervised training experience of around 4,000 hours, which includes internship experiences and post-doctoral training hours.

3. Certification and Licensing Requirements
Applicants have to apply to the Michigan Board of Psychology in order to obtain a license to practice. They have to send in an application packet with all the required supporting documents attached to it. Once they clear the Board exams, they will be deemed eligible for a state license.

The following stages are involved in becoming a psychologist in Michigan:

1. Complete a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree
First of all, applicants will have to enroll in a Bachelor of Science (B.S) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) in Psychology. These degrees will introduce candidates to foundational courses related to Abnormal Psychology, Behavior Assessment and Personality Assessment. After completing the undergraduate degree, individuals are advised to enroll in an advanced level masters program such as a Master of Arts (M.A) or a Master of Science (M.S) in Psychology. A number of tracks are being offered to Master level students – some include Industrial and Organizational Psychology and Clinical Psychology.

2. Acquire a Doctorate Degree and Complete Training Requirements
Individuals will be able to apply for license once they complete their doctoral programs in Psychology. Universities are now offering a range of doctoral programs such as a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD).
Aspiring psychologists will also need to complete 4,000 hours of supervised training in order to apply for the license.

3. Apply for a State License
Individuals applying for a state license by examination will have to meet the following requirements:

• Clear Criminal Background Check: Once the Michigan Board of Psychology receives the candidate’s application, they will be mailed an application confirmation letter which will include instructions regarding how to complete the criminal background check. The candidate must read the instructions carefully and provide the information required.
• Good Moral Character: The applicant will be asked certain questions in the application form that will help the panel determine whether he/she has the morals and ethics to serve the public in an honest and fair manner.
• Human Trafficking Training: Individuals seeking license from March 30, 2022, will be required to complete a training related to identifying victims of human trafficking.
• Valid Social Security Number: The applicant must provide his/her social security number when applying to the Board for the license. If the person does not have a SSN, he/she will be required to submit a statement in writing to the Board.
• Complete Professional Education: The applicant must have obtained an accredited doctoral degree. The Certification of Education Form will have to be sent directly to the Board’s office from the school that the candidate has attended.
• Verification of Licensure: If the application has ever held a license to practice as a psychologist, then verification of licensure will have to be submitted to the Board.
• Pass the Exam: The candidate has to clear the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) in order to get the license. Once the person is eligible and ready to sit for the exam, he/she has to notify the Board via email. Upon clearing the Board exams, the person will be given the license.

O*Net Online has reported that Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists in Michigan earned an annual media salary of $75,340 in 2018. Thus, this line of work offers lucrative earning prospects.