How To Become a Psychologist in New Mexico 2025

If you live in New Mexico and are thinking about pursuing a psychology career, you may be wondering what goes into the process. Specifically, you're wondering how to become a psychologist in your state: what education you'll need and how long it's going to take.

If this sounds like you, then you're in the right place. Keep reading as we talk about how to become a psychologist, including education and licensure requirements in your state.

What Does a Psychologist Do?

A licensed psychologist is a mental health professional who works with individuals to identify and help them cope with life and relationship issues. They use methods such as talk therapy (psychotherapy) and testing to determine underlying conditions and thought patterns, subsequently using evidence-based techniques to address these issues.

For those wondering how long it takes to get a psychology degree, the answer depends on the level of education you're pursuing. Most licensed psychologists hold a doctoral degree, which requires lower-level coursework at the bachelor's and sometimes master's levels. Thus, it can take anywhere from eight to 12 years to complete the necessary education to become a psychologist.

5 Steps To Become a Psychologist in New Mexico

There are many educational requirements to become a psychologist in New Mexico. Let's take a closer look at each required step as you work toward your psychologist license.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor's Degree

The very first thing you'll need to do after graduating high school is earn a bachelor's degree. If desired, you can start by earning an associate degree and transfer to a bachelor's program later. Either way, a bachelor's degree is required to pursue the further education you'll need to become a psychologist.

Many schools offer accredited online psychology degrees that provide an excellent foundation. Alternatively, you can pursue related degrees (e.g., sociology, social work, or human services), which help students begin to understand human behavior, thought, and motivation.

If you're looking to complete your education more quickly than normal, you can pursue an accelerated psychology degree online; this type of program can be completed in three years or less. Traditional bachelor's degree programs take about four years for full-time students to complete.

Step 2: Earn a Master's Degree (Optional)

You don't have to earn a master's degree; the fastest way to become a psychologist is to skip this stage and pursue enrollment in a post-bachelor's doctoral program. However, there can be benefits from earning a master's degree first.

If you majored in something other than psychology, then getting a master's degree in psychology can prepare you for doctoral studies. It also gives you the opportunity to explore psychology specializations before enrolling in a doctoral program.

Finally, earning your master's can help you pursue various career opportunities in healthcare, family therapy, and substance abuse counseling � making it possible to become a licensed psychologist associate. In turn, these opportunities can help you gain some work experience and determine which specific field of psychology you want to specialize in.

Step 3: Earn a Doctoral Degree

To earn a psychology license in New Mexico, you must hold a doctoral degree. Most students choose between a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) and a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in psychology. The chosen program should be accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA).

PsyD programs tend to be shorter and less research-intensive than PhD programs, and they typically prepare learners for careers in clinical psychology. PhD programs encompass more research and can lead to careers in clinical or counseling psychology, school psychology, research, academia, and other fields.

There are no accredited PsyD programs online in New Mexico, but some out-of-state schools offer them. Depending on the type of program you choose, you can typically expect your doctoral degree to last at least five to seven years.

Those hoping to earn psychology licensure on a budget can explore the most affordable online psychology degrees, many of which provide financial aid opportunities to help students save big on their education.

Step 4: Complete Supervised Experience

To get your psychology license, you'll need to gain at least 3,000 hours of supervised experience hours. Typically, you'll gain this experience through internships, fellowships, and other opportunities.

Students can complete up to 1,500 hours of this experience while enrolled in their doctoral training program. The other 1,500 must be completed through supervised postdoctoral experiences.

Step 5: Get Licensed

Once you've accumulated the necessary education and experience hours, you're ready to sit for the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). This is a national certification exam that tests your knowledge on the general practice of psychology.

After completing and passing the EPPP, you'll need to pass the New Mexico Jurisprudence exam. This exam tests your knowledge of state-specific regulations and practices regarding psychology ethics and procedures.

Upon completing your education, passing the required exams, and submitting an application, application fee, and supporting documents to the New Mexico Board of Psychologist Examiners, you are ready to receive your license and begin practicing as a psychologist in your state.

What Are the Best Degrees for a Psychologist?

Students can earn psychology degrees at every education level. Associate and bachelor's degrees are available for those hoping to work in entry-level human services careers, as well as those looking to pursue advanced education.

Master's degrees in psychology can lead to specific careers in counseling, behavioral health, and social work. Those who earn a master's degree can also work as psychologist associates; those who earn a postdoctoral master's degree in psychopharmacology can get licensed as a prescribing psychologist in New Mexico.

Generally speaking, though, the best degree for a psychologist is a doctoral degree. This is a necessary step for licensure and leads to the widest array of career opportunities after graduation.

Top Psychology Degree Programs

If you're ready to pursue an accredited program in psychology, keep reading. Below, we'll look at the top online and in-person degrees in psychology New Mexico has to offer.

1. University of New Mexico

The University of New Mexico is a large public research university located in Albuquerque. It offers a graduate program in psychology designed to culminate in a PhD degree.

Though students may earn a master's degree as they work toward their doctoral degree, the program does not terminate with a master's. Students can choose from four specializations in this program, allowing them to explore their interests and pursue specific career opportunities.

• Estimated tuition cost: $8,382 (in-state); $27,256 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

2. New Mexico State University

New Mexico State University is a large school in Las Cruces. This public university offers PhDs in school and counseling psychology as well as a postdoctoral master's in psychopharmacology.

Students gain advanced competencies in their chosen area of specialization through these intensive, full-time programs. Programs are completed on campus.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,180 (in-state); $18,023 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

3. New Mexico Highlands University

New Mexico Highlands University is a public school in Las Vegas, NM. It offers a campus-based Master of Science degree in psychology with two tracks: general psychology and clinical/counseling psychology.

These programs prepare students for master's level career paths in counseling and psychology. Students are also prepared to pursue doctoral-level studies upon graduating with their chosen master's degree.

• Estimated tuition cost: $5,488 (in-state); $10,264 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

4. University of the Southwest

The University of the Southwest is a private school located in Hobbs, NM. All of its graduate degrees are available online, including its Master of Science in psychology.

This is a general foundational program that teaches the fundamentals of psychology that students can apply to almost any line of work. The program is a great choice for those planning to pursue doctoral education in psychology as well as for those interested in master's-level career paths.

• Estimated tuition cost: $11,682 (in-state); $11,682 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

5. Eastern New Mexico University

Eastern New Mexico University is a public school in Portales, NM. It offers online Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degrees in psychology.

These degree programs are excellent choices for students just beginning their educational paths and looking for a strong introduction to the field of psychology. Both programs provide broad foundational coursework designed to prepare students for entry-level careers and advanced graduate studies.

• Estimated tuition cost: $7,194 (in-state); $9,174 (out-of-state)
• Accreditation: HLC

Skills of a Psychologist

Psychologists are highly skilled professionals. Though a few technical skills are required for the job, they must be masters of many different, more subtle soft skills to really succeed in the profession. These soft skills include:

• communication
• empathy
• problem-solving
• emotional stability
• compassion
• listening

Psychologists also need excellent research skills to determine the best treatment options for their patients. They must be committed to a lifetime of learning, as continuing education is required to help them stay on top of changes and trends in the field of psychology.

Careers and Job Outlook for Psychologists

Psychologists can pursue various career paths, depending on their desired specialization. Common job titles include:

• school psychologist
• counseling psychologist
• clinical psychologist

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), New Mexico employs around 280 clinical and counseling psychologists and around 100 psychologists in other fields. The greatest number of psychologists in this state are employed in and around large metropolitan areas, especially Albuquerque.

What Is the Average Salary of a Psychologist in New Mexico?

The average annual salary for psychologists in New Mexico varies depending on the type of psychologist in question. Salaries range from $92,530 for clinical and counseling psychologists to $102,950 for those employed in other (undisclosed) specializations.

These figures are near to slightly above the national average for all psychologists, which is $94,310 per year. Those employed by government agencies and ambulatory healthcare services tend to earn the highest wages.

Explore Psychology Degrees

If you're ready to begin your psychology career, explore the schools featured on Learn.org. Contact any of the schools for more information on their psychology programs and choose the right one for you.