Getting Your Psychology License in Massachusetts
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Question:
Dear Psychologist,
I am finishing up a doctoral program in psychology and then want to work towards my Massachusetts licensure. What will I need to know? How will I keep up my license? Best, Judy
Answer:
Dear Judy,
Congratulations on being near the end of your doctoral degree in psychology. You must be finishing up your dissertation- no easy task. Becoming a psychologist will open you up to a field wide in possibilities.
As you suggest, getting your license is indeed the next big step. In fact, it is the final piece you need to do before being able to practice as a full-fledged psychologist. In order to qualify for the licensing exam, you do need to complete a certain number of post-doctoral clinical hours. The Massachusetts Psychological Association is an excellent resource; their website has information about post-doctoral training as well as a directory of training.
After Graduation
Post-doctoral training can include work in many different kinds of settings. From clinics to hospitals, prisons to crisis centers, a structure program with supervision will give you your first experience as a post-graduate clinician. Check with Massachusetts requirements to find out the exact number of hours you need.
You will benefit by studying regularly and carefully in order to pass the exam, which covers a lot of different areas. Some people like to study alone, others in groups. Form your own study group or look online for materials.
Once you have passed your state licensing exam, you are qualified to work as a psychologist and to start your own private practice, should you choose to. A licensed psychologist can also supervise masters level clinicians and students.
Life as a Practicing Psychologist
As a practicing psychologist, you will be required to keep your psychology license up to date. That means that you will need to take a certain amount of continuing education courses, which can be done in workshops, online, or through home study books. In Massachusetts, the number of CEU hours you need is twenty every two years; this amount varies by state. The good news is, you can get continuing education credits on the psychology topic of your choice, whether geriatrics or anxiety, compulsions or addiction. In Massachuesetts, you are also required to take a certain number of ethics courses.
Understanding ethics and the law is an important part of being a psychologist. The American Psychological Association has created a code of ethics for psychologists. Some of the relevant items are working within your areas of competence, keeping good boundaries, setting up a good record keeping system, and maintaining confidentiality. You will need to be quite familiar with these as you start your practice.
Becoming a psychologist extends beyond the years you spend in a doctoral program. You can get further supervision in a new area to expand your competence, join an organization, or attend a conference. As you pay attention to continued training and education in your specialty and a good understanding of ethics, you will find yourself becoming the best psychologist you can be.
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