The journey to becoming a licensed psychologist in New York is both challenging and rewarding. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the necessary steps, from earning your doctoral degree to obtaining your license, ensuring you are well-prepared for every stage of the process.
Understanding Licensure Requirements
To practice as a licensed psychologist in New York, you must fulfill several requirements set by the New York State Education Department (NYSED). These include completing a license-eligible doctoral program, gaining supervised experience, and passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Licensure Costs and Timeframe
- Total Time: 6-8 years to earn your doctorate and an additional year for postgraduate experience.
- Total Cost: Approximately $1,051.50, including application fees and examination costs.
- Additional Costs: EPPP study materials and software for tracking supervision.
Steps to Licensure
Complete a Doctorate in Psychology
Your first step is earning a doctoral degree from a program recognized by the NYSED. The program must include specific coursework and at least one year of supervised practicum or internship. After meeting these requirements, submit Form 2: Certification of Professional Education through your university registrar.
Submit Your Application for Licensure
Begin the licensure process by completing Form 1: Application for Licensure and First Registration. This involves paying a fee of $294 and submitting supporting documentation at any time.
Complete Supervised Experience Requirements
New York requires two years of full-time supervised experience (or part-time equivalent) under a licensed psychologist. Typically, this includes a predoctoral internship followed by a postgraduate year.
Obtain a Limited Permit
If you're not licensed elsewhere, apply for a limited permit using Form 5A after completing your doctoral degree and initial licensure application. The permit costs $70 and is valid for three years, allowing you to accrue necessary postgraduate hours.
Document Your Experiences
Use Form 4: Report of Professional Experience to document your internship and postgraduate hours. Ensure both you and your supervisor complete this form accurately.
Pass the EPPP
The EPPP Part 1 requires a passing score of 75. To sit for this exam, complete necessary forms, obtain NYSED approval, and register with ASPPB. The exam fee is $687.50.
COVID-Specific Considerations
The pandemic has introduced unique challenges but also opportunities such as counting teletherapy hours towards supervised experience under Executive Order 202. Check NYSED's COVID-19 FAQs for updates on remote supervision policies.
What’s Next?
After meeting all requirements—submitting forms, gaining experience, and passing exams—NYSED will issue your license number. This grants you the ability to practice independently as a licensed psychologist in New York.
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