Different types of mental disorders/illnesses are diagnosed and treated by psychologists. Stress, depression, anxiety, panic attacks, post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) and attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) are some mental health issues that psychologists deal with. Services are provided both to individuals and groups.

In 2019, South Carolina had 1,140 licensed Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists. This is according to the US Bureau of Labor Statistics. If you want to join this field, then read this piece to understand what to do.

Should I Become a Psychologist in South Carolina?

Education Bachelor’s, Master’s (not mandatory) and Doctoral studies
Area of Study/Major Requirement Psychology
License/Certification Required
Experience/Training Required
Key Skills Active Listening, Social Perceptiveness, Communication, 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)-South Carolina $68,040 (Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists)

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

As a psychologist, you will have to treat patients with varying mental health problems. You may also provide services to businesses/organizations for employee training and counseling. Academia is another area where you can find work both as a student counselor and clinical researcher.

Career Outlook

The records of the US Bureau of Labor Statistics indicate a 14% projected growth (higher than the average for most other professions) in employment for psychologists between 2018 and 2028. This increase in opportunities will be the outcome of constantly growing demand for mental health professionals in hospitals, companies, schools and community organizations, etc.

Steps to Become a Psychologist in South Carolina

Take the steps mentioned in this section to become a psychologist in South Carolina.

    1. Complete Your Bachelor’s and Master’s (Not Mandatory) Education

Getting a 4-year Bachelor’s degree in Psychology or a related subject is the starting point of your journey. It can be either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree. You may also choose a field other than Psychology as major. In that case, you might have to take some prerequisite courses in Psychology before entering a post-graduate study program.

When the Bachelor’s degree is done and dusted, you can go for Master’s studies in the field. Getting a standalone Master’s degree is not compulsory as you can also complete your Master’s as part of the doctoral program in future. If you still decide to get a 2-year Master’s degree, then it will be one of the following.

  • Master of Science (MS) in Psychology
  • Master of Arts (MA) in Psychology
    1. Complete Your Doctorate in Psychology

Next up is the doctoral degree which can take around 4 to 7 years to complete. You can pick one of the following degree types.

  • Doctor of Psychology (PsyD)
  • Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology
    1. Attain the Required Supervised Professional Experience (SPE)

After doctoral education, you can begin working under supervision to gain the necessary experience for licensure. You must have at least 2 years or 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience (SPE). Out of these, a maximum of 1,500 hours can be completed during your doctorate studies in the form of an internship, residency, etc.

    1. Get Licensed

After attaining the required SPE, you can apply for your license from the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Psychology. For eligibility, you have to qualify the exams listed below.

  • Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP)
  • South Carolina Oral Jurisprudence Exam

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist in South Carolina?

It takes about 10 to 14 years to become a psychologist in South Carolina. This includes 4 years of Bachelor’s studies, possibly 2 years of Master’s education, 4 to 7 years of doctoral studies and 2 years of SPE.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Psychologist in South Carolina?

The requirements for becoming a psychologist in South Carolina are listed below.

  • Earning an undergraduate and possibly Master’s degree.
  • Finishing doctoral education.
  • Obtaining the required supervised professional experience (SPE) for licensure.
  • Earning a license from the South Carolina Board of Examiners in Psychology.

 

How Much Can I Make after Becoming a Psychologist in South Carolina?

In 2019, Clinical, Counseling and School Psychologists in South Carolina had an annual mean wage of $68,040. This has been reported by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics.