Psychologists provide counseling and treatment to people suffering from mental health problems of different kinds. They deal with things like ADHD (attention deficit hyperactivity disorder), PTSD (post-traumatic stress disorder), depression, anxiety and panic attacks, etc. Psychologists work with patients both individually and in group scenarios.

As of 2019, as per the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists working in Oregon stood at 1,220. If you also want to make a career as a mental health professional in The Beaver State, then this guide is a must-read.

Should I Become a Psychologist in Oregon?

Education Doctoral or a Professional Degree
Area of Study/Major Requirement Psychology
License/Certification Required
Experience/Training Required
Key Skills Critical and Creative Thinking, Social Perceptiveness, Communication, Active Listening, Problem Sensitivity 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)-Oregon $112,010 (Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists)

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

Psychologists find work in hospitals and clinics or they may practice privately. Their services are also utilized by companies to boost their employees’ workplace productivity and overall job satisfaction. Academia is one more sector where psychologists work in the capacity of clinical researchers and student therapists.

Career Outlook

As per the most up-to-date records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of psychologists is expected to rise nationwide by 14% (higher than most occupations) from 2018 to 2028. This will be due to the fast-growing demand for mental health support services in hospitals, schools and non-profit community groups, etc.

Steps to Become a Psychologist in Oregon

The steps mentioned below would help you become a psychologist in Oregon.

    1. Obtain Your Bachelor’s and Master’s Education (Optional)

The first thing you need to do is get an undergraduate degree in Psychology or a related subject. Following are some common 4-year degree options among aspiring mental health practitioners in Oregon.

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

You do not necessarily have to specialize in Psychology at this stage and can choose any other major if you want. When the Bachelor’s degree is done and dusted, you can consider a Master’s program for which you have the following options.

  • Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology
  • Master of Science (MS) in Psychology

A standalone Master’s degree takes 2 years and is not mandatory. This is because you can earn a Master’s degree later on as part of your doctoral education program. However, if your undergrad major was not in psychology, then getting a 2-year Master’s degree can be helpful for the future.

    1. Attain Your Doctoral Degree

You will need around 4 to 7 years to earn a doctoral degree which will be one of the following two types.

  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology
  • Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
    1. Gain the Required Post-Doctoral Supervised Professional Experience (SPE)

Following the completion of your doctoral degree, you need to gain at least 1 year of post-doctoral supervised professional experience (SPE). This is mandatory for license eligibility in Oregon.

    1. Pass the Necessary Exams and Get Your License
Once you have the required SPE under your belt, you must clear the nationally-accepted Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP) as well as the Oregon Jurisprudence Exam to be eligible for a license from the Oregon Board of Psychology.

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

To become a psychologist in Oregon, you will spend 4 years getting a Bachelor’s degree. This will be followed by an optional 2-year Master’s program and a doctoral degree that takes 4 to 7 years to be completed. After that, you will spend 1 year getting the required post-doctoral SPE. So, you will need around 10 to 14 years.

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

Below are the requirements that aspiring psychologists must fulfill in order to practice in Oregon.

  • Acquiring Bachelor’s and Master’s (optional) education.
  • Earning a doctorate degree.
  • Attaining the mandatory post-doctoral SPE.
  • Passing the compulsory licensure exams.
  • Getting the license from the Oregon Board of Psychology.

 

How Much Can I Make as a Psychologist in Oregon?

According to the 2019 records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics, Oregon’s Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists took home $112,010 in annual mean wage that year.