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18 - Obtaining a License to Practice Psychology

from Part IV - Your Career as a Practitioner

Published online by Cambridge University Press:  21 July 2022

Mitchell J. Prinstein
Affiliation:
University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill

Summary

If you plan to practice as a clinical psychologist as a service provider, you must be licensed to do so.This is true in every state, province, and territory of the United States and Canada.In several states, you may not legally use the title of “psychologist” without a license to practice psychology.A psychology license is required by nearly every third-party payer for reimbursement of services and is a requisite for employment for most positions at major agencies that employ psychologists. The psychology license represents the first essential requirement for independent practice.You do not become a practicing psychologist when you receive your doctorate; you become one when you obtain your license.This process has changed significantly in noticeable ways in the twenty years since this chapter was first written for the first edition of this book.The current process and latest changes, along with recommendations and strategies, are reviewed.

Information

Figure 0

Table 18.1 Essential tips for getting licensed

Figure 1

Table 18.2 Studying for the EPPP

Figure 2

Table 18.3 To-do list after obtaining a license

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