In Your State: Connecticut

Psychology Degree Schools in Connecticut

How to Become a Psychologist in Connecticut

How to Become a Psychologist in Connecticut

Educational Requirements

Connecticut’s Department of Public Health oversees licensure policies and requirements for all professional healthcare providers in the state. To practice as a < ahref="http://www.ct.gov/dph/cwp/view.asp?a=3121&q=389550%20&dphNav_GID=1821">psychologist in Connecticut, you must successfully complete a doctoral degree from an approved program in psychology. As noted by the Regluations of Connecticut State Agencies, an approved program is one holding full accreditation by the American Psychological Association (APA) during the applicant’s attendance. If the program is not accredited by the APA, it will be subject to review.

Continuing education is typically necessary throughout one’s psychology practice to maintain and upgrade skills in a particular specialty area. While many healthcare professions require continuing education for license or certification renewal in Connecticut, psychology is not among them. There are nocontinuing education requirements for a practicing licensed psychologist in Connecticut.

Psychology Licensure in Connecticut

The state’s Department of Public Health oversees psychologist licensure in Connecticut. This includes licensing for previously unlicensed psychologists, licensure based on a Certificate of Professional Qualification, and reinstatement of a lapsed licensed. Licensure requirements are subject to change as a result of new legislation, new rules and regulations, or from new policies and procedures adopted by the Department of Public Health.

• Psychologist
  • Education: Doctoral degree from an approved program in psychology
  • Exam: Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (with a passing score of at least 500); Connecticut jurisprudence examination (with a passing score of at least 18 questions correct)
  • Work Experience: At least 1 year of supervised work experience at the pre or post-doctoral level
• Psychologist Licensure Based on a Certificate of Professional Qualification Issued by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards
  • Exam: Connecticut jurisprudence examination (with a passing score of at least 18 questions correct)
  • Work Experience: Must be a currently practicing, competent practitioner in another state
  • Other Prerequisites: Must hold a current Certificate of Professional Qualification from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards

Salaries for Psychologists in Connecticut

On average, psychologists in Connecticut earn more than most occupations in the state. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, in May 2011, clinical, counseling, and school psychologists earned a mean annual wage of $79,520, while all other psychologists earned $89,890. Both exceed $52,830, the mean annual wage for all occupations in the state at that time. Of course, these figures aren’t a guarantee of what you can expect to make as a psychologist practicing in Connecticut. Other factors influencing salary include employer, experience and training, and economic climate.