Psychology in Georgia: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in GA
- Licensure Requirements
- Psychologists in Georgia: Training
- Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity
- Renewing Your License
- Psychologist Salaries in GA
- Professional Organizations
- FAQ
Georgia offers several degree options that lead to psychology licensure for different professional roles. Explore Georgia’s psychology licensure requirements and compare each pathway to determine the best fit for your career goals.
Georgia Psychology Licensure Requirements
The Georgia State Board of Examiners of Psychologists oversees licensing in the Peach State. Under board rules, you can apply for licensure by examination, exam waiver, or endorsement. Each path leads to the same license, but eligibility details vary.
First, it’s important to understand the common requirements for all three pathways. These include:
- A doctorate in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)
- 800 hours of direct client contact during your graduate-level schooling
- Completion of a one-year, 2,000-hour, APA-accredited internship
- 1,500 hours of supervised postdoctoral experience
The subsections below explain the additional requirements for each pathway.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychologist in Georgia?
It typically takes 11-12 years to complete all education and training required for Georgia psychology licensure. This timeline allows four years to complete a bachelor’s degree, plus 7-8 years for graduate degrees, internships, and clinical training.
You can reduce this timeline by maintaining a full-time study schedule throughout the calendar year, or by finding a school that allows you to enroll in a doctoral program without a master’s degree.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Georgia
Georgia does not offer license reciprocity. If you hold an active, unencumbered psychology license from another U.S. state, you can seek licensure by endorsement.
How to Renew a Psychology License in Georgia
In Georgia, psychology licenses expire each even-numbered year on December 31. You can renew online by logging into the Georgia Online Licensing website and following the specified renewal instructions.
As an alternative, contact the state’s licensing division to request a renewal form by mail.
To qualify for renewal, you must complete at least 40 credits of eligible continuing professional education (CPE) each two-year licensing cycle.
Salary Expectations for Psychologists in Georgia
In Georgia, psychologists falling into the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) category for the “all other” category reported the highest average earnings. This classification includes:
- Government agencies other than state-funded schools or hospitals
- Private healthcare facilities
- Postsecondary institutions
- Outpatient care centers
The “psychologists, all other” category also earns salaries higher than the national average. In addition, Georgia had the 12th-lowest cost of living for any U.S. state in 2024.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $85,800 | $41.25 |
| School Psychologists | $89,610 | $43.08 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $111,980 | $53.84 |
Professional Organizations for Psychologists in Georgia
The Georgia State Board of Examiners and Psychologists
This branch of the Georgia Secretary of State’s office administers psychology licensure and renewal services in Georgia. It is aligned with the APA and the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards.
How to Apply for Licensure as a Psychologist in Georgia
This state government resource explains the process of applying for Georgia psychology licensure.
Georgia Psychological Association
This state-level professional association has an operational mission of advancing the psychology profession in Georgia. It provides extensive resources to students, practitioners, and members of the public, and also offers CPE programs.
Frequently Asked Questions About Georgia Psychology Licensure
You must earn your doctorate in psychology, which includes at least 800 direct client contact hours, 1,500 hours of supervised postdoctoral training, and a 2,000-hour internship. You must also pass the EPPP.
