Psychology Schools and Careers in Washington

The state of Washington has institutions offering numerous award-winning psychology programs that are designed to prepare you for a career in the mental health field. Psychology and mental health jobs are growing in Washington, so now may be a great time to work towards earning your license in the psychology specialty of your choice.

How to Become a Psychologist in Washington

There are many types of psychologists, including school, behavioral, clinical, and counseling psychologists, just to name a few. To become any kind of psychologist in Washington, you need to earn a doctorate degree and a license.

To become a psychologist in Washington, follow these main steps:

Find a bachelor’s program: To earn a doctorate, you must first earn a bachelor’s degree. A bachelor’s degree in psychology takes around four years or 120 credit hours to complete, and you can earn either a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.). Some graduate programs accept bachelor’s degree holders who majored in an area outside of psychology, like sociology.
Complete a graduate program: A doctorate program, which usually take between four and seven years to complete. Program lengths vary based on the research and clinical experience hours required.
Complete supervised experience hours: Washington licensure requires a total of 3,300 hours of supervised experience, which takes around two years to complete. The hours are split between a required one-year residency (750 hours) and a 300-hour practicum, with 1,500 hours in a pre-doctoral internship. Doctoral programs in the state should meet these requirements before you finish the degree. The remaining hours can come from additional practicum hours, pre-internships, or hours, but you must reach the total before gaining licensure.
Choose a specialization: With many specializations available, the option you select determines what type of license you need.
State licensure: Earning your Washington psychology involves completing your education and supervised experience and passing the required exams.
Complete exams: For licensure, you must pass both state and national exams after submitting your application to the Department of Health.

Washington Psychology Licensing and Exams

You must earn a psychology license from the before you can practice in the state.

To apply, you must complete a regionally accredited doctoral program in psychology and 3,300 hours of supervised experience. You’ll submit your application through both an portion and an (downloads as PDF) that you must print and mail, along with your application fee of $206.

You can also apply for licensure in Washington online using the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards’ (ASPPB) (PLUS) Program. Some other states use PLUS to register for licensure, which may make it easier if you plan to move to a new state. There’s a $200 fee in addition to the $206 Washington state application fee, and you may still need to submit Washington’s licensure application packet by paper.

After the Department of Health reviews your application, you complete licensing exams. The state notifies you when you’re approved to move to this stage, and there are both state and national exams.

You’ll take the (EPPP) first, which is the national psychology exam. It contains multiple-choice questions, and you need a score above 500 to pass. The registration fee is $600 for the EPPP plus $87.50 for the testing site’s fee.

Then, you must pass the (JP Exam) for the state of Washington with no less than 90% correct. It’s an open book online exam with 25 multiple-choice questions. The topics on the exam include psychology law, the Uniform Disciplinary Act, the Health Care Information Act, the Mental Illness Act, abuse of children and vulnerable adults, psychologist rules, whistleblower complaints, and administrative procedures and requirements for credentials. The Department of Health notifies you when you pass the EPPP and can move on to the JP Exam.

Once both exams are complete, the Department of Health notifies you when your license is issued.

Transferring Licensure from Another State

If you’re already licensed to practice in another state and want to move to Washington, you can transfer your license with an endorsement. To qualify, you must hold licensure in your previous state for no less than two years. You can and complete the print-and-mail , which requires a $206 fee.

Once the Department of Health reviews your forms and determines that you meet their requirements, you earn licensure in Washington. Some states may not match up closely, so you may need to take additional steps or supply additional documents to determine equivalency. You can check if your state has a close equivalent through the to speed up the process.

Job Growth and Psychologist Salary in Washington

The average Washington psychologist salary depends on the specialty. An average psychologist salary in Washington, according to the (BLS, 2018), is between $48,430 and $102,760. (These figures are based on average salaries of clinical, counseling, school, industrial, and “all other” types of psychologists.)

The projected job growth in Washington for psychologists in any specialty appears bright. According to , nationwide growth for clinical and school psychologists is expected at around 8%, while Washington state is as high as +21%. Similar growth expectancies extend to clinical, counseling, and school psychologists, as well as behavior disorder, substance abuse, and mental health counselors. The projects psychologist careers overall will grow by 14% by 2028.

Mental Health Careers and Job Growth in Washington

Career	Mean Annual Salary (2018)	Average Mean Wage Per Hour	Expected Job Growth (2018-28)
Educational, Guidance, School, and Vocational Counselors	$64,210	$30.87	+21%
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists	$73,840	$35.50	+21%
Psychologists – All Other	$102,760	$49.40	+10%
Licensed Clinical Social Worker	$73,180	$35.18	+10%
Marriage and Family Therapist	$47,470	$22.82	+13%
Behavioral Disorder, Substance Abuse, and Mental Health Counselor	$48,430	$23.28	+20%

Salary information from . Expected job growth information from .

Mental Health Career Specialties in Washington

There are many mental health specializations you can focus on in Washington. While many psychology positions focus on mental illness, not all roles focus on these issues. Some positions require master’s while others require a doctorate. The list below includes a sample of some of the mental health specialties in Washington.

, you need at least a master’s degree, certification from the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP), an exam, and background checks.

offers licenses and permits to social workers and associates. You must have a graduate degree to be eligible for a license.

requires a bachelor’s degree in a counseling-related field, passage of the Washington State Certified Adviser Examination, and a supervisory agreement for licensure.

, requirements also include a supervised postgraduate experience, license, and a passed mental health exam.

Mental Health Counselor Associate: An associate is a licensed counselor with the who is working toward a full license. They require at least a master’s degree in a counseling or behavioral science program, supervised clinical counseling hours, and four hours of HIV/AIDS training.

requires at least an associate degree in a human service-related field, with at least 60 credits from an approved school, supervised experience, and an alcohol and drug abuse exam.

Washington Psychology Spotlight Programs

Seattle Pacific University (Seattle, WA)

The faith-based at Seattle Pacific University is unlike any other. They have B.A. and B.S. degrees as well as masters and doctoral programs in marriage and family therapy, clinical psychology, and industrial-organizational psychology. vary from $799 to $851, depending on specialization. The clinical psychology program, for example, is estimated at around $47,620 for on or off-campus students. in the 2019-鑫鼎彩票注册 school year can expect to pay tuition fees of around $44,604.

University of Washington (Seattle, WA)

The University of Washington Department of Psychology is well-known for its challenging and top-rated , even gaining recognition from the APA. They offer undergrad (B.A. or B.S.) and a variety of . Graduate programs tend to be more flexible, but most courses are mentor-based rather than online. (PDF download) in 2018 ranged from an estimated $32,594 for Seattle undergrads to $15,305 for Seattle graduates.

Whitman College (Walla Walla, WA)

The at Whitman College offers a wide range of courses and research labs, including an animal and human laboratory facility for undergrads to investigate behavior. They offer but most courses take place on campus. The estimated from 2019 to 鑫鼎彩票注册 is $68,732.

University of Puget Sound (Tacoma, WA)

Students love the passionate and engaging professors at the University of Puget Sound’s , where you can study human and animal thought and behavior. They offer a bachelor’s degree in psychology, and classes take place on campus. There are also a wide array of . for 2019 to 鑫鼎彩票注册 is $32,370.

Washington State University (Pullman, WA)

The from Washington State University is award-winning. The program includes either research or clinical studies and a year-long internship, which makes it highly competitive. They offer undergrad and graduate research opportunities in cannabis, adult psychopathology, clinical child and adolescent psychology, cognitive psychology, drugs and alcohol, health psychology, etc. varies based on residency, costing around $23,922 for residents and $38,500 for out-of-state students.

Northwest University (Kirkland, WA)

Unlike other schools, Northwest University is a Christian school that offers a with five concentrations available. They also have a and a . Tuition varies, with paying around $41,960 in 2019 to 鑫鼎彩票注册. and programs vary in price as well.

Western Washington University (Bellingham, WA)

Western Washington University is excellent for earning a . The Department of Psychology also offers graduate programs in experimental, clinical mental health counseling, and school counseling. Washington residents pay around $25,285 for an undergrad degree, while out of state students pay around $41,632. also vary based on residency.

Washington Psychology Scholarships and Loan Repayment

Psychology scholarships are widely available through various states and for different types of students. Aside from nationally offered scholarships, some programs offer scholarships:

: An endowment available for undergrad psychology students at the University of Washington.

Washington Internships and Fellowships

Internships and fellowships can also help you pay for your education or further your studies. Available options in Washington include:

: The University of Washington offers a strong program with nationwide recognition and accreditation by the APA since 1965.

: PIW offers two postdoctoral fellowship positions in clinical psychology each year with a salary of $40,000 plus benefits.

: The NFD fellowship provides three years of graduate study in the form of a $2,500 per month stipend and $10,500 per year toward tuition.

Washington Psychology Resources

Explore the following resources for help becoming a psychologist in Washington:

: A Washington-based organization for school psychologists

: The Washington board of professional psychology, where you can apply for licensure or find more information on requirements

: Includes information and registration for the national exam as well as other policy resources

: An organization for psychologists in Washington with continuing education information

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Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology - Adult psychotherapy
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology - Art therapy
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology - Child and family systems
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology - Community Counseling & Psychology Clinic
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology - Forensic psychology
Doctor of Psychology in Clinical Psychology - Health Psychology
Master of Arts in Organizational Psychology
Master of Arts in Psychology
Master of Arts in Psychology - Art Therapy
Master of Arts in Psychology - Couple & Family Therapy
Master of Arts in Psychology - Drama Therapy
Master of Arts in Psychology - Ecopsychology
Master of Arts in Psychology - Integrative Studies in Psychology
Master of Arts in Psychology - Mental Health Counseling
Master of Arts in Psychology - Psychology & Spirituality
Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Health Psychology - Psychology, Human Biology/Pre-Med
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Certificate in Experimental Psychology - Behavior Analysis
Master of Education in School Counseling
Master of Education in School Psychology
Master of Science in Experimental Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis.
Master of Science in Mental Health Counseling
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology - Child and Adolescent 鑫鼎彩票注册
(online)
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology - Criminal Behavior
(online)
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology - Gerontology
(online)
Bachelor of Arts in Applied Psychology
(online)
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology - Couple and Family Therapy
Master of Counselling
Master of Education in Guidance and Counseling - School Counselor Certification
Master of Education in Leadership and School Counselling
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology - Applied Development Interventions
Bachelor of Science in Applied Developmental Psychology - Pre-Counseling
Certificate in Psychology
Master of Science in Applied Psychology - Mental Health Counseling
Master of Science in Applied Psychology - School Counseling
Master of Science in Psychology
Master of Science in Psychology - Clinical Psychology
Master of Science in Psychology - General/Experimental Psychology
Master of Science in School Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Master of Arts in Community Counseling
Master of Arts in Marriage and Family Counseling
Master of Arts in in School Counseling
Master of Counselling
Associate of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Master of Education in Counseling
Associate of Arts (AA) in Psychology
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Counseling Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Cultural Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - General Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Marriage and Family Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Organizational Behavior
Doctor of Psychology in Psychology - Counseling Psychology
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Master of Arts in International Care and Community Development
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Master of Arts - Marriage and Family Therapy
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology
Masters in School Counseling
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Certificate in Marriage and Family Therapy
Certificate in School Counseling
Doctor of Philosophy in Clinical Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy in Counselor Education
Doctor of Philosophy in Psychology - Industrial/Organizational
Master of Arts in Psychology - Industrial/Organizational
Master of Education in School Counseling
Master of Science in Marriage and Family Therapy
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Certificate in Pastoral Counseling
Certificate in School Counselor
Educational Specialist in School Psychology
Master of Arts in Education - Community Counseling
Master of Arts in Education - Integrating Counseling and Leadership
Master of Arts in Education - School Counseling
Master of Arts in Pastoral Counseling
Master of Arts in Psychology
Master of Arts in Psychology - Existential-Phenomenological Therapeutic
Bachelor of Arts in Children, Youth & Family Studies - Pre-Counseling Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Applied Behavior Analysis
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Forensic
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Gender Studies
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology - Neuropsychology
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Major in Psychology
Major in Psychology - Biopsychology
Major in Psychology - Clinical
Major in Psychology - Cognition
Major in Psychology - Development
Major in Psychology - Industrial-Organizational
Major in Psychology - Learning
Major in Psychology - Perception
Major in Psychology - Personality
Major in Psychology - Sensation
Major in Psychology - Social
Master of Education in Counseling
Master of Education in Counseling - Mental Health Counseling
Master of Education in Counseling - School Counseling
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Bachelor of Science in Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy in Rehabilitation Science
Master of Education in Educational Psychology - Human Development & Cognition
Master of Education in Educational Psychology - Learning Sciences
Master of Education in Educational Psychology - Measurement, Statistics & Research Design
Master of Education in Educational Psychology - School Psychology
PhD in Educational Psychology - Human Development & Cognition
PhD in Educational Psychology - Learning Sciences
PhD in Educational Psychology - Measurement, Statistics & Research Design
PhD in Educational Psychology - School Psychology
PhD in Psychology - Adult Clinical Area
PhD in Psychology - Animal Behavior
PhD in Psychology - Behavioral Neuroscience
PhD in Psychology - Child Clinical Area
PhD in Psychology - Cognition and Perception
PhD in Psychology - Developmental Psychology
PhD in Psychology - Social Psychology and Personality
BA in Psychology
BS in Psychology
BS in Psychology - Forensic Psychology
MA in Counseling Psychology
Doctor of Philosophy in Counseling Psychology
MS in Psychology - Clinical
MS in Psychology - Experimental
Major in Neroscience
Major in Psychology
PhD in Psychology - Adult psychopathology
PhD in Psychology - Behavioral medicine
PhD in Psychology - Biological
PhD in Psychology - Clinical
PhD in Psychology - Clinical child and family psychology
PhD in Psychology - Cognition
PhD in Psychology - Experimental
PhD in Psychology - Neuropsychology
PhD in Psychology - Sensation and Perception
PhD in Psychology - Social/organizational
Bachelor of Arts in Behavioral Neuroscience
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
MA in Rehabilitation Counseling
MS in Experimental Psychology
MS in Experimental Psychology - Cognitive
MS in Experimental Psychology - Developmental
MS in Experimental Psychology - Neuroscience
MS in Experimental Psychology - Social
MS in Mental Health Counseling
MS in Sport Psychology
Master of Education in School Counseling
Major in Psychology
Bachelor of Arts in Psychology
Certificate in School Counseling
Master of Education in School Counseling