Can I practice as a psychologist in another state?
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Question:
Dear Psychologist,
I am in my third year of graduate school now, studying for a doctoral degree in psychology. I plan to practice in my home state (Minnesota) but my husband and I might move in the next ten years to a more southern climate in the United States. If I am licensed in Minnesota soon will I be able to be licensed in another state later on? Will it cost more money? What other options do I have for practicing clinical psychology across state lines?
Best wishes, Susan
Answer:
Dear Susan,
Yes, there are many regulations and guidelines when it comes to practicing as a psychologist. As you mentioned, the first steps are finishing your doctoral program (which includes an internship approved by the American Psychological Association, a dissertation, and supervised post-doctoral hours). Once these requirements are completed you study for and take the state licensing exam. At this point, there are no national licenses and you therefore must meet state requirements.
Transferring your state license
Let’s say that you get licensed in Minnesota. You can certainly re-license later in another state, although what this entails will vary depending on the region. Â While you are in Minnesota you are governed by the Minnesota licensing board. You will be required to take a certain amount of continuing education credits to keep up your license, and yes, the annual (or bi-annual) license renewal and the continuing education courses themselves cost money.
If you want to obtain a license in a new state, you can keep your old one or turn it in. Let’s say that you want to work in North Carolina as a psychologist. Look up the requirements at the licensing board for North Carolina. A state psychological association (such as in this case, the North Carolina Psychological Association) could be helpful to you. You may have to vouch for your experience and credits or work under supervision for a while. Some states make it hard to re-license while others are easy with reciprocal arrangements (if you are licensed with another state already they approve you). Part of how easy it is to transfer will depend on what need the state has right then of clinical psychologists.
Joining a national organization
Finally, consider joining an organization such as the National Registry of Health Service Providers in Psychology. This organization keeps all your paperwork on file, and once you are approved through them you can more easily transfer your license to another state. As a bonus, they provide free continuing education credits and a listing on their web-site– both assets for the professional psychologist.
Next steps
One of the nice things about the field of psychology, actually, is how portable it is. People need mental health services in all regions. You are wise to look into the boundaries of your license now; however, do not worry too much about it. Just keep good records and consider joining a national organization to give you mobility.
Good luck in your developing career as a clinical psychologist.
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