How To Become a Psychologist in Virginia 2025

A career in the field of psychology can be both personally and financially rewarding. Opportunities continue to expand in the field of mental health � the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects psychology jobs to grow 7% annually for the next decade.

This article explores how to become a psychologist in Virginia, including licensing requirements, graduate degree program options, and skills important to practicing psychology. We also highlight reputable graduate programs offered at Virginia schools. Read on to learn more about how to become a psychologist and get your psychology career started.

What Does a Psychologist Do?

A psychologist studies the human mind and behaviors through research, observation, and therapy to help people cope with emotional, social, and cognitive challenges.

Psychologists work in a wide array of capacities. They can be individual or group therapists, behavior analysts, clinical psychologists, social workers, and more. Psychologists work in private practices, hospitals, schools, research facilities, medical centers, and beyond.

5 Steps To Become a Psychologist in Virginia

How long it takes to get a psychology degree depends on your previous education. The educational requirements to become a psychologist are rigorous. It takes anywhere from four to eight or more years to fulfill all the requirements to earn your psychology licensure from the state of Virginia.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

You can earn your bachelor's degree through an on-campus or accredited psychology program online. While a psychology major is not strictly necessary, it does help your transition to your graduate studies.

Step 2: Earn a Graduate Degree

You'll need to earn your master's degree or doctorate in psychology from an accredited institution. A master's degree takes two to three years to complete � a doctorate will take four to eight years. The exact length of time depends on your particular graduate program and concentration.

Step 3: Complete Supervised Experience

You'll need to complete 1,500 hours of supervised experience as required by the Virginia Board of Psychology. You may complete some as part of your doctoral program, though some must be postdoctoral experience. This supervised practice typically takes between one and three years to accomplish.

Step 4: Prepare for Licensure Exam

You must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).

Step 5: Apply for Licensure

After the exam, you can apply for your Virginia psychology license. You'll need to include your EPPP score, school transcripts, and forms verifying your internship and practicum hours. The Virginia Board of Psychology has specific licensure requirements depending on your specialty.

What Are the Best Degrees for a Psychologist?

You need a doctorate degree, like a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) or Doctor of Psychology (PsyD), to practice as a licensed psychologist in Virginia. Doctoral programs must be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA). With a PhD or PsyD, you have the most job opportunities and can earn a higher salary.

There are also many jobs for those who wish to pursue a master's degree in psychology. Roles include school psychologists, behavior analysts, mental health counselors, and more. Accelerated psychology degrees online are a good option if you're looking to fast-track your education.

A bachelor's degree in psychology can help jump-start your career in the field and can be one of the most affordable online psychology degrees.

Top Psychology Degree Programs

The following schools present an array of the best PsyD programs and master's programs in psychology. All are accredited institutions and offer various financial aid options.

1. Virginia State University

Virginia State University (VSU) is a midsized public university in Petersburg, VA. VSU's Department of Psychology offers a Master of Science (MS) with concentrations in clinical psychology and general psychology. The MS in general psychology is 30 semester hours total, making this program one of fastest ways to become a psychologist.

VSU's master's degree program consists of theory coursework and a thesis project; the clinical concentration includes a practicum component. While the majority of coursework is in person, some classes may be taken online.

Estimated tuition cost: $8, 626 (in-state); $19,186 (out-of-state)

Accreditation: Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC)

2. Virginia Commonwealth University

Located in Richmond, VA, Virginia Commonwealth University (VCU) has a doctoral program for students looking to earn their PhD in clinical psychology. Students concentrate in either behavioral medicine or clinical child.

VCU's full-time doctoral program includes theory coursework, thesis and dissertation projects, and clinical practicum. In the final year, students participate in an APA-approved internship to enhance their clinical skills and prepare them for work as professional psychologists. Internships can take place locally or at facilities across the U.S.

Estimated tuition cost: $11,348 (in-state); $24,220 (out-of-state)

Accreditation: APA

3. University of Virginia

Charlottesville, VA, is home to the University of Virginia (UVA). UVA offers a PhD in psychology program with seven different specialization options, including clinical psychology, developmental psychology, and systems and behavioral neuroscience. The program is full-time and requires at least five years of study � the last year being a full internship.

Prospective students are not required to submit GRE scores during the admissions process. Eligible PdD students receive a Fellowship and Teaching Assistantship, which includes tuition coverage, health insurance, and a stipend of $36,000 per year.

Estimated tuition cost: $16,910 (in-state); $27,227 (out-of-state)

Accreditation: APA

4. James Madison University

James Madison University (JMU) is a large public university in Harrisonburg, VA. JMU offers a PhD in clinical and school psychology. JMU's doctoral program is delivered full-time on campus, and typically takes four years to complete: three years on campus and a one-year clinical internship.

All incoming psychology PhD students receive a teaching or graduate assistantship that covers the full cost of tuition. About 93% of students are placed in their desired APA-accredited internships.

Estimated tuition cost: $17,190 (in-state); $39,420 (out-of-state)

Accreditation: APA

5. George Mason University

Students at George Mason University in Fairfax, VA, can pursue their psychology PhD in five different concentrations, including clinical psychology and cognitive and behavioral neuroscience. The doctoral program emphasizes faculty-mentored research and the application of theory to solving practical issues in schools, families, industry, and healthcare settings.

All incoming graduate students receive financial assistance in the form of full tuition remission, guaranteed assistantships for four years, and health insurance.

Estimated tuition cost: $17,670 (in-state); $45,600 (out-of-state)

Accreditation: APA

Skills of a Psychologist

The following skills are important to be a successful psychologist. You'll develop professional competency as you work toward your psychologist license.

• Observation: Psychologists study individuals and groups in many settings and must observe how people interact with others and their environments.
• Analysis: Psychologists collect information about human minds and behavior and then examine and make logical deductions from this information.
• Communication: A big portion of a psychologist's time is spent talking with people, describing research, and writing reports. They must be able to clearly communicate complex issues.
• Patience: Psychologists must remain calm and empathetic when working with clients, including those struggling with mental health and behavioral challenges.

Careers and Job Outlook for Psychologists

The BLS projects there will be an average of 13,000 job openings for psychologists each year over the next decade.

Psychology is a broad field and there are many opportunities to specialize. You can work in clinical and counseling psychology, mental health counseling, forensic psychology, social work, and more.

What Is the Average Salary of a Psychologist in Virginia?

According to the Economic Research Institute (ERI), the annual salary for a psychologist in Virginia ranges between $82,205 and $145,348, with an average salary of $119,140 per year.

This is roughly in line with the national average. The BLS reports that the national average salary of psychologists is $117,580 per year.

Explore Psychology Degrees

Becoming a psychologist is an investment and time and money, but you have help along the way. We invite you to connect with the featured schools on Learn.org to discover which will best help you along your career path.