If you want to help people cope with mental diseases and disorders, then entering the field of Psychology would be a wise decision. Skim through this article to figure out how to become a psychologist in West Virginia.

Should I Become a Psychologist in West Virginia?

If you are social, caring, curious and empathetic, then you might have a good chance at excelling as a psychologist.

Take a look at the table below to familiarize yourself with the licensing and training guidelines. This data has been taken from BLS.

Education Required A doctoral degree is mandatory.
Training An internship or residency program has to be completed.
Licenses/Certifications A license is required.
Key Skills/Qualities Observational, Interpersonal, Analytical, Problem-solving and Communication Skills.
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – National $87,450 (Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists)
Job Outlook (2018-28) 14%
Annual Mean Salary (2019) – West Virginia $54,780 (Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists)

Source: US Bureau of Labor Statistics

Career Outlook

The occupational statistics by the US Bureau of Labor Statistics show that psychologists will enjoy an employment growth of 14% from 2018 to 2028. Thus, it’s a good time to establish a career in this field.

Steps to Become a Psychologist in West Virginia

In order to become a psychologist in West Virginia, you will have to pass through the following stages:

    1. Earn a Bachelor’s degree and a Master’s degree (optional)

In order to familiarize yourself with the core Psychology subjects, you should get yourself admitted to a Bachelor of Science (B.S) or a Bachelor of Arts (B.A) program in Psychology. These typically take four years to complete. After acquiring undergraduate-level education, you can earn a 2-year long Master of Arts (M.A) or a Master of Science (M.S) in Psychology to study more about the Psychological theories and concepts.

    1. Enroll in a Doctoral Program and Complete the Training Hours

The next step is to enroll in a doctoral program such as a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology. You can complete these program in four to seven years. The curriculum of these degrees usually incorporates topics related to Clinical & Clinical Child Psychology, Behavioral Neuroscience, Behavior Analysis and Life-Span Developmental Psychology. You will also be required to complete the training experience requirements in order to learn how to interact and deal with actual patients.

    1. Apply for a License
The last step will require you to send an application to the West Virginia Board of Examiners of Psychologists. You will be issued a state license only if you have passed the Board’s oral exam along with the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist in West Virginia?

If you want to become a psychologist in West Virginia, then be prepared to meet a long list of state regulations and requirements. First, you will have to obtain an undergraduate degree in Psychology, which can take up to four years to complete. Then, you might want to enroll in a 2-year long Master of Arts or Science in Psychology to further build your base in the subject.

Once the Master’s degree is done and dusted, you can enroll in a Doctoral degree in Psychology. The doctoral program usually takes around four to seven years to complete. Thus, the process of becoming a psychologist in the ‘Mountain State’ is quite long and can take approximately ten to thirteen years in total.

What Are the Requirements for Becoming a Psychologist in West Virginia?

You can practice Psychology in West Virginia if you have:

  • Obtained a doctoral degree in Psychology from an accredited institution of higher learning.
  • Completed the training experience requirements.
  • Passed the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
  • Passed the State Board’s oral exam.
  • Have submitted an application for license to the West Virginia Board of Examiners.

 

How Much Do Psychologists Earn in West Virginia?

BLS has reported that Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists working in West Virginia made an annual mean wage of $54,780 in 2019, which was quite less than the national average of $87,450.