Psychology in Virginia: Learn About Becoming a Psychologist in VA
- Licensure Requirements
- How Long Does it Take?
- Out-of-State Licensing
- Licensing Renewal
- Salary Expectations
- Professional Organizations
- FAQ
If you’re interested in learning more about how to become a psychologist in Virginia, this guide provides a comprehensive overview. From education and training to Virginia psychology licensure requirements, this page guides you through the process of becoming a licensed psychologist in the state. In addition, explore career prospects and salary expectations for psychologists in Virginia.
Virginia Psychology Licensure Requirements
The Virginia Board of Psychology is the state’s licensing agency for psychologists. This board processes all licensure applications and renewal requests.
The state offers two paths to licensure: by examination or endorsement. The examination path requires earning a doctoral degree from an accredited program, completing 1,500 supervised hours, and passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
The endorsement path allows psychologists who are licensed and in good standing in another state or pre-approved location to transfer their practice credentials to Virginia. This option is available to psychologists with licenses issued by recognized agencies in the U.S., Canada, and select other locations whose practice standards meet those used in Virginia.
Virginia Psychology Licenses
Psychologists seeking licensure in Virginia have several licensing options. With a doctorate in psychology, you can pursue licensing as a clinical psychologist, school psychologist, or applied psychologist. Those holding a doctorate or a master’s in the field can pursue specialized training to obtain licensure as a sex offender treatment provider.
Clinical Psychologist
Virginia’s licensure requirements for clinical psychologists include:
- Earn a doctorate in clinical psychology from an accredited program.
- Complete supervised practicum hours, including a minimum of nine graduate semester hours.
- Complete a clinical residency of 1,500 supervised practice hours.
- Pass the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) EPPP (Part-1 Knowledge).
- Submit the required documents and fees with the online application.
Clinical psychologists are licensed to independently provide mental health care to clients, including measuring, diagnosing, and treating mental and emotional disorders and providing psychological consulting.
School Psychologist
Virginia’s licensure requirements for school psychologists include:
- Earn a doctorate in school psychology from an accredited program.
- Complete a clinical internship as a part of your doctoral program.
- Complete 1,500 hours of supervised experience in school psychology.
- Pass the ASPPB’s EPPP (Part-1 Knowledge).
- Submit the required documents and fees within the online application.
School psychologists are licensed in Virginia to provide testing and assessment, counseling, consultation, and program development in schools.
Sex Offender Treatment Provider
Virginia’s licensure requirements for sex offender treatment providers include:
- Earn a master’s or doctorate degree in social work, psychology, counseling, or nursing
- Complete 50 hours of training specific to sex offenders.
- Gain 2,000 hours of supervised experience in the delivery of sex offender clinical assessment/treatment services.
- Submit the required documents and fees within the online application.
The certified sex offender treatment provider (CSOTP) is defined as a behavioral health professional who is specially trained to offer therapeutic intervention and services to sex offenders.
Applied Psychologist
Virginia’s licensure requirements for applied psychologists include:
- Earn a doctorate psychology degree from an accredited program.
- Pass the ASPPB’s EPPP (Part-1 Knowledge).
- Submit the required documents and fees within the online application.
According to the Virginia Board of Psychology, an applied psychologist applies psychological principles and methods to improve organizational function, works on program planning and implementation, and provides consultation on training and research.
How Long Does It Take to Become a Psychologist in Virginia?
Becoming a licensed psychologist in Virginia can take anywhere from 6-10 years, depending on your level of education and clinical experience. It can take around six years to complete a doctorate degree in psychology, and another year or more to complete the clinical experience required for licensure as a clinical psychologist or school psychologist. It also takes several months to complete the EPPP and complete the licensing application process through the Virginia Board of Psychology.
Out-of-State Licensing Reciprocity in Virginia
Virginia does not have licensing reciprocity with any other states. However, psychologists licensed in another state can apply for licensure by endorsement. A Virginia address is not required in order to apply for licensure.
To qualify for licensing by endorsement, you must hold an unrestricted equivalent license in another state and complete the online application with the required documentation and fees.
How to Renew a Psychology License in Virginia
Psychology licenses in Virginia must be renewed annually. Psychologists must complete a minimum of 14 hours of continuing education courses each year to qualify for license renewal.
At least six of these hours must be conducted face-to-face or through videoconferencing, and 1.5 hours must pertain to the ethics, laws, and regulations governing the profession of psychology. Six hours of continuing education related to sex offender treatment is required for CSOTP license holders.
Salary Expectations for Psychologists in Virginia
As a psychologist in Virginia, your earning potential may vary depending on the specialization you choose. Clinical and counseling psychologists practicing in Virginia make slightly more than the national average, while school psychologists make a bit less. This table illustrates the state’s salary trends for various psychology disciplines using data from the federal Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) as of May 2023:
| Occupation | Average Annual Salary | Average Hourly Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical and Counseling Psychologists | $108,130 | $51.99 |
| School Psychologists | $85,200 | $40.96 |
| Psychologists, All Other | $115,540 | $55.55 |
Professional Organizations for Psychologists in Virginia
Virginia Department of Health Professions Board of Psychology
This board, which comprises nine members and administrative, enforcement, licensing, and support staff, regulates all licensing levels for psychologists in Virginia.
Virginia Academy of Clinical Psychologists
Known as the voice of professional clinical psychology in Virginia, the academy is committed to advancing clinical psychology as a science and a profession, encouraging high standards of ethics and training and facilitating discussion.
Virginia Department of Professional and Occupational Regulation
This department verifies minimum competency, investigates complaints, and upholds professional compliance with state laws and regulations.
Frequently Asked Questions About Psychology Licensure
Earning a doctorate in psychology, passing the EPPP, and completing any required clinical experience for your desired licensing level, will qualify you to apply for psychology licensure in Virginia.
