How To Become a Psychologist in Texas 2025

Are you wondering how to become a psychologist in Texas? If you're passionate about understanding the human mind and helping others, becoming a psychologist in Texas is a rewarding path. But it takes more than empathy.

You'll need to understand all of the educational requirements to become a psychologist, which typically includes a doctoral program. Keep reading to learn how to become a psychologist, from education to supervised experience and licensing.

What Does a Psychologist Do?

Psychologists study how people think, feel, and behave. Some psychologists diagnose and treat mental health conditions. Others conduct research to learn more about human behavior � and many work with patients through talk therapy, also known as counseling.

Psychologists can be found in hospitals, schools, private practices, correctional facilities, and research institutions. Some also consult for businesses or help design public health programs. Regardless of the setting, their goal is to support mental and emotional well-being.

How long it takes to get a psychology degree depends on the program and your aspirations. To finish your licensure requirements as quickly as possible, you should attend school full-time and consider accelerated programs.

5 Steps To Become a Psychologist in Texas

To become a psychologist in Texas, you'll need to follow all legal requirements. This includes education and licensure, which can take years to achieve. The fastest way to become a psychologist is to choose accelerated programs. However, you'll still need to follow all of the steps outlined below.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The first step towards a career in psychology is earning a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA). Most often, students pursue a psychology major, but not always. Pursuing accredited online psychology degrees can offer a speedy and flexible way to start your education journey.

It's important to note that graduate school admissions can be selective and competitive. If you plan on becoming a licensed psychologist, you should take relevant coursework and projects to show your competency.

Step 2: Complete a Master's Degree

The next step in your educational journey may be a master's degree in psychology, which takes one to two years to complete. Master's programs may or may not be necessary, depending on your intended specialization and career goals.

Some doctoral programs don't require you to hold a master's degree, though you may be able to transfer these credit hours toward your doctorate. Finding an accelerated psychology degree online can speed up your timeline if you're planning to move on toward a doctorate. However, you should check to be sure these credits will transfer into your intended program.

Other doctoral programs have master's degrees incorporated into them, so you won't need to enter a separate program at all.

Step 3: Acquire a Doctoral Degree

The final part of your education may culminate in a doctoral degree. Graduate students can earn either a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology.

With a PsyD, you can usually expect a timeline between three and six years. This type of program is for psychology students who want to provide clinical care to patients. Throughout your studies, you'll participate in practicums to gain professional experience.

If you're looking for a career in research or academia, a PhD will be the best fit. These programs typically take around four to seven years to finish.

With either option, you'll develop a specialization that's aligned with your aspirations. For example, if you're interested in becoming a school psychologist, then you'll pursue a school psychology concentration.

Step 4: Complete Supervised Clinical Hours

After earning your doctorate, apply for provisional licensure in Texas to begin your postdoctoral supervised practice. You must complete a total of 3,500 supervised hours. This figure represents 1,750 hours of supervised experience accumulated during a doctoral internship and an additional 1,750 hours of supervised experience following completion of the doctoral program.

Step 5: Pass Licensing Exams and Apply for Full License

Earning a psychologist license is key if you want to practice in the field. You must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the Texas Jurisprudence Exam on laws and ethics.

After completing supervised hours and passing exams, submit your full license application to the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Once approved, you become a licensed psychologist authorized to practice independently.

What Are the Best Degrees for a Psychologist?

To become a licensed psychologist, a doctoral degree is typically required. However, different degree levels can lead to different roles within the field. For those starting out, pursuing the cheapest online psychology degree available at the bachelor's level can provide an affordable and flexible way to earn the necessary credentials to begin your career or continue to graduate study.

A master's degree in psychology can open the door to limited practice in areas like school psychology or as a Licensed Psychological Associate (LPA) in Texas. LPAs must work under supervision unless granted independent practice status. A master's may also help with career opportunities in counseling, social work, research, or organizational settings.

However, to work as a fully licensed psychologist in Texas, a doctoral degree is required. Graduates can apply for a provisional license, complete supervised hours, and take the licensing exams required for full independent practice.

Top Psychology Degree Programs

You can find some of the best best PsyD programs and PhDs in Texas. Keep reading to learn about these programs.

1. University of Houston Clear Lake

Aspiring psychologists can earn a PsyD in health service psychology at the University of Houston Clear Lake. This on-campus program includes clinical experiences, coursework, and research. To enroll in the program, you can have either a bachelor's or master's degree in a psychology-related field.

Estimated tuition cost: $9,920(in-state); $19,352(out-of-state)

Accreditation: American Psychology Association (APA)

2. University of Texas at Austin

At the University of Texas at Austin, graduate students can pursue a doctoral program in psychology. They can choose from several specializations, including:

• behavioral neuroscience
• clinical psychology
• social psychology
• developmental psychology

The program should take less than six years to complete. Most admitted students enter with only a bachelor's degree.

Estimated tuition cost: $4,376 per semester (in-state); $8,674 per semester(out-of-state)

Accreditation: APA

3. Texas A&M University

Texas A&M University offers a PhD in psychology with a concentration in social and personality psychology. Graduates typically pursue academic roles, research careers, or applied positions in organizations, where they apply their knowledge to solve real-world problems. The program develops strong skills in conducting high-quality research, overseeing studies, and communicating results through teaching and publishing.

Estimated tuition cost: $5,724.68 (in-state); $12,102.80 (out-of-state)

Accreditation: APA

4. Baylor University

Baylor University offers a rigorous PhD in psychology program. Students can choose from three distinct training tracks: behavioral neuroscience, social psychology, and general experimental psychology.

The program usually takes around five years to complete. Graduates are prepared for roles in academia, research institutes, healthcare, government, or industry.

Estimated tuition cost: $2,651 per credit (in-state); $2,651 per credit (out-of-state)

Accreditation: APA

5. Our Lady of the Lake University

Our Lady of the Lake University offers a PsyD in counseling that prepares students for psychology licensure. The full-time program requires 107 credit hours, including coursework, supervised practical experience, a dissertation, and a one-year pre-doctoral internship that can be completed at the university's Community Counseling Service clinic.

Estimated tuition cost: $3,195 per course (in-state); $3,195 per course (out-of-state)

Accreditation: APA

Skills of a Psychologist

Psychologists need a mix of technical knowledge and personal qualities to succeed. They must communicate clearly, think critically, and build trust with clients. Common strengths include:

• strong listening and observation skills
• empathy and emotional intelligence
• problem-solving ability
• ethical judgment
• patience and resilience under stress

Careers and Job Outlook for Psychologists

Psychologists in Texas can work in schools, hospitals, private practice, or research settings. Common roles include clinical, counseling, school, and industrial-organizational psychologists. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, jobs for psychologists are growing at a steady 7%, reflecting strong demand for mental health services across the state.

What Is the Average Salary of a Psychologist in Texas?

The average salary for psychologists in the United States is $94,310 per year, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. The salary of a psychologist varies by location, employer, and specialization. For example, school psychologists earn less than the national average, with $80,180 per year.

Explore Psychology Degrees

Explore graduate degrees here on Learn.org. Once you've found a psychology graduate program, reach out to them directly for more information.