Psychology in Colorado: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in CO
In Colorado, the demand for psychologists and other mental health professionals is significant and continues to grow. Nationally, according to an analysis from Mental Health America, Colorado ranks among the top 10 states for residents experiencing mental illness — among both adults and youth. The report also states that Colorado lacks the mental healthcare services to adequately care for these vulnerable populations.
Colorado’s mental health data brings the issue into sharper relief. Approximately one-third of Colorado’s adults report having anxiety and depression, according to the Colorado Department of Health Care Policy and Financing. Further, about 40% of Colorado high school students experience depression.
These figures paint a clear picture of mental health and mental healthcare needs in the Centennial State and present an opportunity for psychologists. High job growth, competitive salaries, and satisfaction for practitioners are available for psychologists in Colorado.
Explore this guide for more details about Colorado psychology licensure requirements and career opportunities.
Psychologist Salaries in Colorado
Depending on the specific role, psychologists in Colorado earn a median annual salary of between $83,100-$112,740, according to the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). This figure somewhat aligns with the national average salary for general psychologists of $110,300.
A psychologist’s salary depends on several factors, including experience level, geographic location, specific work setting, and specialization.
| Job Title | Lowest 10% | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | $50,130 | $83,100 | $134,890 |
| School psychologists | $83,050 | $109,800 | $139,200 |
| Psychologists, all other | $64,600 | $112,740 | $139,400 |
Psychologist Licensing in Colorado
License Requirements for Psychologists in Colorado
The Colorado State Board of Psychologist Examiners regulates the psychologist licensure in the state. Becoming a licensed psychologist in Colorado requires the same qualifications as in most states. Some states provide an easier pathway for psychologists to become licensed with less restrictive requirements.
For instance, Colorado requires its applicants to complete 1,500 postdoctoral hours. States such as Connecticut, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Utah do not require any postdoctoral hours.
Colorado does not have a reciprocity policy for licensed psychologists from other states. However, these individuals can receive Colorado psychology licensure by endorsement if they meet the educational and work requirements and pass the exams.
To qualify, applicants must meet the requirements listed below.
- A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college
- A master’s degree (optional)
- Complete a Ph.D. in psychology or a doctor of psychology degree from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)
- One year of supervised work experience
- A psychologist candidate permit, a one-time registration that lasts for four years
- Pass the National Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and Colorado’s Mental Health Jurisprudence Examination
- 1,500 postdoctoral hours, which can include 500 research hours and 500 teaching hours
- Postdoctoral hours must include 75 supervised hours
- An online application with fee and transcripts
Demand for Psychology in Colorado
Want to become a psychologist in Colorado? The job market seems promising for psychologists, according to long-term data from Projections Central, a federally funded resource for occupational projections.
Clinical and counseling psychologists can anticipate a whopping 20.1% job growth from 2023-2033, followed by school psychologists with 15.9%. All other psychologists are projected to have an 11.8% job growth. Overall, the need for psychologists in Colorado is much greater than the 7% national job growth average for this occupation.
Psychologists can help to fight shortages of mental health professionals by working in high-need areas. The Colorado Department of Public Health and Environment’s map of these areas include:
- Boulder
- Yuma
- Mesa
- Rio Grande
- Arapahoe
- El Paso Pueblo
- Mesa
