Anybody know what extra education is needed to become a psychologist?

What exactly do you want to do? Do you want to become a clinical psychologist? Do you want to be able to prescribe antidepressants, in which case you’d need to be a psychiatrist? Do you just want to be a therapist? Or do you want to do mostly academic psychological research? Or do you want to put your knowledge of psychology to work in the business world—either looking at the psychology of organizations or marketing?

Do you have any experience with psychology? No matter what path you choose, you’re not going to be accepted into any program if you don’t have any experience. Clinical psychology programs are pretty difficult to get into contrary to what a lot of people think. But like @EmpressPixie said, “psychologist” is a broad term and I can’t give you much advice without knowing what you want to do.

From Wikipedia

There are many different types of psychologists, as is reflected by the 56 different divisions of the American Psychological Association (the APA). Psychologists are generally described as being either “applied” or “research” oriented. This major division is also described as the difference between scientists and practitioners or scholars and professionals. The training models endorsed by the APA require that practitioners be trained as both scholars and professionals and to possess advanced degrees

Two main routes: SciD and PhD. Since SciDs don’t generally do research they are not as well subsidized as PhDs.

Most psychologist need an MA in Clinical Psychology.

@EmpressPixie @hug_of_war I was leaning more toward therapist route. Don’t necessarily need to prescribe antidepressants. More interesting in talking to people, discussing life issues, methodologies for dealing with anxiety etc…

In college, one of my fave courses was Cognitive Processes. Absolutely fascinated me. Part of the Comp Sci curriculum, especially if one is interested in artificial intelligence.

I sometimes play around with the idea of going back for an M.S. in that. Sounds so much more interesting than an MBA.

You could also go the LCSW route.

A good resource for career information is the Occupational Outlook Handbook that lists virtually every career, its requirements, its potential earnings and future demand, and links to additional resources.

You need to look at the therapist route if you’re wanting to be a therapist. Not necessarily a psychologist.

Social workers, therapists… There’s a wide world of mental health out there, not just straight psychology.

psychologists are doctors, as in PhD’s. so you would need your PhD in psychology.

a friend of mine was able to get hired in a mental hospital that treated mostly poor/homeless and court ordered cases with only her BA in psych. but that was just a starter job to get her some experience. she will returning to school soon to enter into a PhD program.

If you’re interested in counseling people you might also consider the MSW (master of social work)

Psssttt… Its possible to have a Master’s in Psychology and be called a psychologist.

I still say that if you want to do therapy, go into Social Work. In addition, there are graduate programs in Marriage and Family Therapy (which is everyone, not just couples and families) and counseling.

true, but depending on state laws sometimes you cannot practice if you only have a masters.

This site will help check out the “Counseling Psychology” section and the “Licensure” section

@alive Those would be a few states, if that. It depends on what you’re trying to do. Government mental health jobs can be done at the Master’s level. I know this for a fact.

i know i am not saying that you can’t. i am saying there are restrictions.

Clinical Psychology jobs are very hard to find right now. It’s a great field with great pay and for that reason there are a lot of people out there competing for the same positions. My friend is got her degree in clinical psychology and is now working at a gas station while she finishes up some additional schooling.

You probably would want to be prepared to go into a private practice as many clinical psychologists do.

Also, School Psychology is a growing field to consider as many of the baby boomers are retiring.