Psychology in Michigan: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in MI
- Licensure Requirements
- How Long Does it Take?
- Out-of-State Licensing
- Licensing Renewal
- Salary Expectations
- Professional Organizations
- FAQ
Are you looking to practice psychology in Michigan? While the Michigan psychology licensure process can seem difficult to navigate, here you’ll find a breakdown of each licensure level and its requirements. Learn more about how to get the right psychology degree and license to work as a psychologist in the Great Lakes State.
Michigan Psychology Licensure Requirements
The Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Bureau of Professional Licensing oversees psychology licensure in Michigan. Psychology licensure is available at both the master’s and doctoral levels for those who have met supervised experience requirements to work independently. Limited licenses are offered for recent graduates who still need to accrue supervised clinical hours.
All licensing levels must provide the following as part of the licensure application process in Michigan:
- Required training courses in human trafficking and implicit bias
- Criminal background check
- Good moral character questions
- Social security number
- English language proficiency
Psychologist
Michigan licensure requirements for psychologists include:
- Doctoral degree in psychology from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA)
- Psychology Supervision Evaluation forms confirming doctoral program internship and 2,000 hours of postdoctoral supervised clinical experience
- Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) score of 500 or higher
This license is for psychologists who have completed both their doctoral program practicum and postdoctoral internship, allowing them to practice independently in the state of Michigan. This is the highest level of licensure in psychology in Michigan.
Doctoral Educational Limited License (DLLP)
Michigan licensure requirements for DLLP include:
- Official transcript from their completed doctoral program in psychology
- Psychology Supervision Evaluation form confirming that the required internship was completed as a part of their program
This license allows recent graduates to engage in the practice of psychology under the supervision of a fully licensed psychologist to obtain the post-degree experience hours required for full licensure. It is valid for 12 months and can be renewed no more than five times. DLLP license holders are eligible to take the EPPP.
Doctoral Temporary Educational Limited License (TLLP)
Michigan licensure requirements for Doctoral TLLP include:
- Certification of enrollment in an accredited doctoral degree program
The doctoral TLLP license type allows current doctoral students to practice under the supervision of a fully licensed psychologist while obtaining the internship hours required for the doctoral educational limited license. This license is valid for two years and can be renewed up to three times. The licensee is not eligible to take the EPPP while holding this license.
Master’s Limited Psychologist
Michigan licensure requirements for master’s limited psychologists include:
- Master’s degree in psychology
- Certification of Psychology Education form confirming university credit and 500 hours of supervised experience
- Psychology Supervision Evaluation form confirming practicum was completed during the master’s program
- Psychology Supervision Evaluation form confirming 2,000 hours of post-master’s supervised experience
- EPPP score of 350 or higher
This license is “limited” in that all master’ s-level psychologists in Michigan must practice under the supervision of a fully licensed psychologist. The only license that allows for independent clinical practice in the state of Michigan is the Psychologist license, which is accessible to practitioners with a doctoral degree who meet the experience requirements listed above.
Master’s Temporary Educational Limited License (TLLP)
Michigan licensure requirements for Master’s TLLP include:
- Official transcript from master’s program in psychology
- Certification of Psychology Education form
- Psychology Supervision form, confirming that the required practicum was completed as part of their academic program
With this license, recent graduates with a master’s degree in psychology can begin working toward the required 2,000 hours of post-master’s supervised experience. After completing those hours, it is possible to then apply for the master’s limited psychologist license, outlined above.
How Long Does it Take to Become a Psychologist in Michigan?
Becoming a licensed psychologist in Michigan can take 6-10 years, depending on where you are in your career. Most doctoral programs take around six years to complete. The required postdoctoral supervised experience to qualify for psychology licensure takes an additional two years.
Psychologists licensed in another state who are relocating to Michigan will find the licensure process much faster, while those still working toward a bachelor’s degree in psychology will have a longer road ahead.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Michigan
While Michigan does not provide licensing reciprocity, Michigan psychologists can take part in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT) to practice via telehealth in other participating states.
Out-of-state psychologists seeking licensure in Michigan will have to apply for a psychology license by endorsement, and provide verification of their current license from another state or province of Canada. Official transcripts and EPPP scores must also be submitted as part of the application process.
How to Renew a Psychology License in Michigan
A psychology license in Michigan must be renewed every two years. At the time of renewal, a total of 30 hours of approved continuing education courses is required, which must include three hours in ethics, two hours in pain and/or symptom management, and one hour of implicit bias training. Renewal applicants will be asked to respond to questions about good moral character and a disciplinary question.
Psychologists in Michigan: Salary Outlook
While clinical and counseling psychologists make slightly more than other psychologists in Michigan, all psychologists earn an average annual salary of about $80,000. Michigan psychologist salaries are significantly lower than the national average, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS). However, the Bureau of Economic Analysis suggests that the cost of living in Michigan is lower than many other states in the nation.
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $82,770 | $39.79 |
| School Psychologists | $81,140 | $39.01 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $80,760 | $38.83 |
Professional Organizations for Psychologists in Michigan
Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs: Psychology
The Michigan Board of Psychology oversees psychology licensure in the state.
Michigan Psychological Association
The Michigan Psychological Association (MPA) is an organization of more than 600 psychologists across the state that provides legislative advocacy, continuing education opportunities, professional networking, and many other member benefits.
Michigan Association of Professional Psychologists
The Michigan Association of Professional Psychologists (MAPP) represents the professional and business interests of all master’s level licensed psychologists in Michigan.
Michigan Association of School Psychologists
The Michigan Association of School Psychologists (MASP) represents school psychologists in Michigan at the state and local levels through professional development, advocacy, governance, and publications.
Frequently Asked Questions About Michigan Psychology Licensure
Michigan psychology licensure involves submitting an application through the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs Board of Psychology. You must have a doctorate in psychology, the required supervised experience hours, a passing score on the EPPP exam, and completed the required courses in human trafficking and implicit bias.
