Psychology in Massachusetts: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in MA
- Licensure Requirements
- How Long Does it Take?
- Out-of-State Licensing
- Licensing Renewal
- Salary Expectations
- Professional Organizations
- FAQ
Becoming a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts can lead to a career in clinical practice, research, teaching, and other careers dedicated to improving people’s mental health and well-being. However, obtaining a psychology license requires extensive training and experience.
This guide explores the steps toward gaining psychology licensure in Massachusetts. It also covers education and training requirements and salary and career outlook.
Massachusetts Psychology Licensure Requirements
The Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists administers two general types of psychology licenses. According to the Massachusetts Department of Public Health, psychologists in the state may earn a psychology license with a health service provider (HSP) credential or one without.
Psychologists with an HSP designation may deliver “direct, preventive, assessment, and therapeutic intervention services,” according to Massachusetts General Law (MGL). This includes psychotherapy and psychological testing.
Psychologists without the HSP designation “may only perform health services under the supervision (collaboration) of an HSP-certified licensed psychologist while accruing hours toward HSP certification,” as stated by the MGL. This license is also intended for psychologists working in teaching, research, or policy settings, rather than direct mental health care or therapy roles.
Psychologists can also obtain a few other licenses. The following section includes requirements for gaining both licensure levels in Massachusetts.
Licensed Psychologist with Health Service Provider (HSP) Credential
Massachusetts psychology licensure requirements for those with the HSP designation include:
- A Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. from a doctoral program accredited by the American Psychological Association or the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists
- Completion of at least 3,200 hours of supervised pre-doctoral internship experience and postdoctoral supervised experience
- Submission of application, transcripts and other documents, and $150 application fee
- Passing scores on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the Massachusetts Jurisprudence Examination (taken after application approval)
Applicants must also submit a Criminal Offender Record Information (CORI) Acknowledgement form and documentation of board-approved training in domestic and sexual violence.
Licensed Psychologist without HSP Credential
Massachusetts licensure requirements for psychologists without the HSP credential include:
- A Ph.D., Psy.D., or Ed.D. from a doctoral program accredited by the American Psychological Association or an equivalent program approved by the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists
- Completion of at least 1,600 hours of supervised pre-doctoral internship experience
- Submission of application, transcripts and supporting documents, and $150 application fee
- Passing scores on the EPPP and the Massachusetts Jurisprudence Examination (taken after application approval)
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychologist in Massachusetts?
It generally takes 9-12 years to become a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts. To qualify for Massachusetts psychology licensure, you need a Ph.D., Psy.D. or Ed.D. degree, along with an internship and supervised postdoctoral experience. You then must pass the EPPP and state jurisprudence exams.
The timeline varies based on the degree and specialization, program requirements, and work and personal schedule.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Massachusetts
Massachusetts does not offer license reciprocity with other states. However, if you have been licensed in a different state for at least five years and are listed in the National Register of Health Service Psychologists, you may submit a modified application that documents your education and supervised experience.
You must take the state jurisprudence test, but if you have previously passed the EPPP with a score of at least 500, you will be exempt from retaking that exam.
How to Renew a Psychology License in Massachusetts
Once you have obtained licensure, the state requires you to renew your license every two years to maintain your eligibility to practice psychology. You may update your license online through the Health Professions Licensing Portal and submit a biannual renewal fee of $270.
Renewal requirements include at least 20 hours of continuing education credits completed within the two-year renewal period.
Salary Expectations for Psychologists in Massachusetts
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $102,630 | $49.34 |
| School Psychologists | $104,180 | $50.09 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $122,690 | $58.99 |
The federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects the employment of psychologists to grow by 7% between 2023 and 2033. In contrast, the Commonwealth of Massachusetts expects at least a 10% increase in all psychology specializations during the same period.
Given projected demand, salaries for psychologists in Massachusetts remain competitive, even if they fall below the national average in some specializations.
Clinical and counseling psychologists, who make up the majority of licensed psychologists in the state, made an average annual salary of $102,630 in 2023, compared to the national average of $106,600.
Massachusetts school psychologists earned $104,180 annually, significantly higher than the national average of $91,900.
Professional Organizations for Psychologists in Massachusetts
Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists
This government agency licenses qualified individuals to practice in the state. The board also establishes and enforces regulations related to psychology practice and investigates relevant complaints and accusations.
Massachusetts Psychological Association
This is the major professional organization for psychologists in the state. It aims to promote psychology as a science and profession, advocate for the psychology profession, and share information about the field. The MPA provides ethics consultation services for members and a “Find a Psychologist” service for the public.
Massachusetts School Psychologists Association
This association promotes appropriate mental health and educational services to meet the needs of children, families, and communities. The association offers professional development, continuing education opportunities, a job board, and other resources.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Licensure
Becoming a licensed psychologist in Massachusetts is a rigorous process. You need a graduate degree in psychology, extensive supervised experience, and passing grades on various national and state exams. Check with the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Psychologists for current guidelines.
