Are you considering becoming a licensed psychologist in a state that offers below average living costs? Explore how to become a psychologist in Oklahoma, ranking in the top five best states for salary adjusted for cost of living.
Keep reading for more on psychologist licensing in Oklahoma, the demand for psychology professionals, and expected Oklahoma psychologist salary ranges.
| Job Title | Lowest 10% | Median Annual Salary | Highest 10% |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical and counseling psychologists | $31,240 | $59,710 | $98,030 |
| School psychologists | $36,770 | $62,270 | $97,360 |
| Psychologists, all other | $39,630 | $99,420 | $124,900 |
Source: BLS
Online Doctorate Programs in Psychology
Psychologist Licensing in Oklahoma
Psychologist licensing in Oklahoma is regulated by the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (OSBEP). Obtaining a psychologist license in Oklahoma requires the completion of 4,000 supervisory hours and passing one national exam and one state jurisprudence exam.
License reciprocity refers to a state's recognition of other states' licensure benefits. Oklahoma honors license reciprocity for out-of-state psychologists through a simple process.
First, candidates must submit an application, two passport photos, and a $400 fee to the OSBEP. Next, candidates should complete an Out of State Licensure Verification form, which includes confirmation of a passing Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) score. Finally, candidates must pass Oklahoma's Jurisprudence Exam.
License Requirements
Graduate from an American Psychological Association-accredited doctoral psychology program. Complete 4,000 hours of supervised experience, half of which must be postdoctoral. Pass the EPPP and pay a $687.50 fee. Pass the Oklahoma Jurisprudence Exam with a score of at least 70%. There is no fee for the initial exam attempt; however, re-exams have a $100 fee. Submit an application to the OSBEP, along with two passport photos and a $400 fee.
Demand for Psychology in Oklahoma
Oklahoma meets just over one-quarter of its population's mental health needs, identifying the state as a health professional shortage area, per the Kaiser Family Foundation. As of February 2021, over 1.5 million Oklahoma residents live in an area that lacks adequate mental health professionals.
School-aged youth make up one of the underserved populations in Oklahoma. Over half of all middle and high school-aged students who experienced depression during the pandemic did not receive mental health services.
Youth substance abuse is increasing in Oklahoma. Almost 40% of Oklahoma's high school students participate in underage drinking, according to data from the Oklahoma Department of Mental Health and Substance Abuse Services (ODMHSAS).
ODMHSAS is taking steps to combat these issues and serve this vulnerable population, including the enactment of Systems of Care within each Oklahoma county. This system involves providers working collaboratively to ensure that all youth in Oklahoma have access to appropriate resources.