How To Become a Psychologist in Connecticut 2025

There is a growing need for psychologists in the United States. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects that 13,000 new jobs will open for psychologists each year for the next decade, making this one of the fastest-growing sectors in the economy.

This article goes into the role of licensed psychologists and mental health professionals in the state of Connecticut. We outline the steps for how to become a psychologist and review accredited graduate programs at Connecticut schools. If you're interested in beginning a career in mental health and want to learn more about how to become a psychologist, read on.

What Does a Psychologist Do?

A psychologist specializes in the human mind and behaviors and works toward treating cognitive, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Psychology is a broad field of study, and there are many specializations, from clinical psychology to behavior analysis to social work.

Psychologists work in private practices, hospitals, schools, research institutions, and community healthcare facilities. Which area you choose to specialize in will be determined by your personal interests and commitment to graduate studies.

5 Steps To Become a Psychologist in Connecticut

These five steps outline the licensure requirements and educational requirements to become a psychologist in Connecticut. Whether you choose to earn your master's degree or doctorate will affect how long it takes to get a psychology degree.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

You'll need a bachelor's degree to enroll in a graduate degree program. While not strictly necessary, a major in psychology is helpful as you transition into more advanced continuing education. Bachelor's degrees can be earned in person or through accredited psychology programs online.

Step 2: Earn a Doctoral Degree

You must hold a doctoral degree from an in-person program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) to be eligible for a Connecticut psychology license. Most doctoral programs take between four and eight years to complete. These programs include theory coursework, thesis and dissertation projects, and internships.

Step 3: Gain Supervised Experience

After graduating, you'll need to accrue between 1,610 and 1,800 hours of postdoctoral work experience. This supervised experience helps you hone the practical skills necessary for your psychologist licensure. Your supervisor will also serve as your guide and mentor as you transition into a professional role.

Step 4: Pass the Licensure Exam

You will need a passing score of 500 or higher on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The EPPP is administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). The 225-question exam covers eight areas, including biological bases of behavior, treatments and interventions, research methods and statistics, and ethical and professional issues.

Step 5: Apply for Licensure

The Connecticut State Department of Public Health administers the psychology application process. You'll need to submit your official school transcripts and $565 application fee; your supervisor must submit your proof of your work experience directly. You must submit your application online and all supporting documents should be sent physically to the Connecticut State Department of Public Health's office.

What Are the Best Degrees for a Psychologist?

A doctoral degree affords the most professional opportunities. You can earn either your Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology or your Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). PhD programs focus on research and theory, while PsyD programs emphasize clinical applications. Since earning your doctorate is a considerable investment in time and money, many schools offer graduate assistantships to help offset education costs.

There are many job opportunities for psychologists with master's degrees. You can pursue a Master of Arts (MA) or a Master of Science (MS) in psychology. People with master's degrees find work in school psychology, social work, and counseling. Earning a master's degree typically takes two to three years and is the fastest way to become a psychologist.

A bachelor's in psychology is one of the most affordable online psychology degrees you can pursue. A bachelor's degree opens the door to entry-level positions like social work assistant, mental health technician, and more.

Top Psychology Degree Programs

The following Connecticut schools present a variety of master's and doctorate degree program options. All of the best PsyD programs are APA-accredited, an important licensing requirement to practice as a Connecticut psychologist.

1. Southern Connecticut State University

Located in New Haven, CT, Southern Connecticut State University (SCSU) offers various master's degree options through its Department of Counseling and School Psychology. You can earn your MS in clinical mental health counseling, school counseling, or school psychology. While some classes are available online, the majority of coursework is conducted in person.

SCSU's graduate programs focus on the lifelong development of children, adolescents, and families through a framework of social justice and cultural diversity. Graduate students gain practical experience at SCSU's Counseling Training Clinic.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,716 per year (in-state); $22,446 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE)

2. Central Connecticut State University

Central Connecticut State University (Central) is a mid-sized public school in New Britain, CT. Central has an MA in psychology program where students can specialize in community, health, or general psychology.

Central's graduate programs utilize technology as part of the teaching and research process. Students gain experience in Central's Applied Developmental Physiological Lab and its Social Cognitive and Affective Neuroscience Lab (SCAN-LAB). Internships take place in nearby healthcare institutions like the Connecticut Children's Medical Center and the Whiting Forensic Institute.

• Estimated tuition cost: $14,562 per year (in-state); $28,292 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NECHE

3. University of New Haven

The University of New Haven is based in West Haven, CT, and has extensive online master's programs in addition to its on-campus programs. The University of New Haven offers its MA in clinical mental health counseling as an online or in-person option. Its online MA program is one of the fastest psychology degrees online you can earn at the graduate level.

The 60-credit program readies students to become licensed professional counselors (LPCs). In addition to the online coursework, students gain experience through in-person counseling practicums.

• Estimated tuition cost: $22,880 per year (in-state); $22,880 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: NECHE

4. University of Connecticut

Located in Storrs, CT, the University of Connecticut (UConn) offers psychology PhD programs with eight areas of concentration. Doctoral students choose to specialize in areas like clinical psychology, ecological psychology, or language and cognition.

According to the National Science Foundation, UConn's psychology department ranks seventh in the country, leading in research and development. Graduate tuitionships are available; in exchange for working as a research or teaching assistant, students receive tuition waivers and subsidized healthcare.

• Estimated tuition cost: $21,570 per year (in-state); $43,482 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: APA

5. University of Hartford

The University of Hartford is a mid-sized private school with a PsyD program in clinical psychology. The doctoral program focuses on providing skills to assess behavior and cognitive functioning in children, adults, families, and groups. Doctoral students may choose to further specialize via the child and adolescent track, which includes courses on clinical child development and psychotherapy.

Stipends may be available for graduate assistants; the University of Hartford also offers diversity fellowships to eligible students.

• Estimated tuition cost: $33,557 per year (in-state); $33,557 per year (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: APA

Skills of a Psychologist

The following skills are elemental to a successful psychologist:

• Communication: Psychologists spend the majority of their time speaking with clients, collaborating with coworkers, and writing reports. Psychologists need to effectively communicate their ideas.
• Observation: Psychologists study their clients to understand how they operate in their environment and interact with others.
• Analysis: Psychologists record information and must closely examine observations and patterns to draw conclusions.

Careers and Job Outlook for Psychologists

There are many professional opportunities in the field of psychology. Careers include roles in school psychology, clinical psychology, family therapy, behavior analysis, forensic psychology, and more. Which career path you decide to take will depend on your professional interests and whether you've earned your psychologist license.

What Is the Average Salary of a Psychologist in Connecticut?

According to the BLS, the national average salary of psychologists ranges between $54,860 and $157,330. Salaries depend on degree level and industry; psychologists working at the doctoral level typically earn in the higher range.

For example, a school psychologist working in Connecticut makes an average of $105,198 per year, according to the Economic Research Institute (ERI).

Explore Psychology Degrees

If you're ready to begin your path to psychology licensure, we invite to to explore the schools featured on Learn.org to discover which will best serve your career goals.