How to Become a Psychologist in Delaware: 2025 Complete Guide
Quick Answer:
To become a licensed psychologist in Delaware, you need a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or PsyD) from a regionally accredited program, complete 1,500 hours of supervised experience over one year, and pass the EPPP exam. The entire process typically takes 9-11 years including undergraduate and graduate education. Delaware psychologists earn a median salary of $106,930 annually, with entry-level positions starting around $78,000.
Table of Contents
- Education Requirements for Delaware Psychologists
- Degree Paths and Timeline
- Delaware Psychology Programs
- Supervision and Examination Requirements
- PhD vs PsyD in Delaware
- Salary and Career Outlook
- Expected Licensing Timeline
- Continuing Education Requirements
- License Reciprocity
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Key Takeaways
To be recognised as a Psychologist in Delaware, you must gain a doctoral degree from an accredited educational institution.
Becoming a licensed psychologist in Delaware offers rewarding career opportunities in a state with a growing demand for mental health services. Whether you're interested in clinical practice, research, or teaching, Delaware offers clear pathways to licensure, along with competitive salaries and diverse practice settings.
Delaware's psychology licensing process adheres to national standards while also meeting specific state requirements. The Delaware Board of Examiners of Psychologists oversees all licensing, ensuring practitioners meet rigorous education and training standards.
This comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about becoming a psychologist in Delaware, from choosing the right educational path to maintaining your license through continuing education.
Education Requirements for Delaware Psychologists
Delaware requires all licensed psychologists to hold a doctoral degree from a regionally accredited institution. You can't practice independently as a psychologist with just a master's degree, although master's-level practitioners can work in related fields, such as counseling or social work.
Your doctoral program must be from a regionally accredited institution. While APA accreditation is strongly preferred and can streamline the licensing process, it's not strictly required by Delaware law. The degree can be in:
- Clinical Psychology - Focus on assessment and treatment of mental health disorders
- Counseling Psychology - Emphasis on life transitions and developmental issues
- School Psychology - Specialization in educational settings and child development
- Educational Psychology - Research and application of learning theories
- Psychological and Brain Sciences - Neuroscience and cognitive psychology focus
- Other Psychology Specialties - Including forensic, health, or neuropsychology
Programs typically include coursework in research methods, statistics, psychological assessment, ethics, and specialized training in your chosen area. Most doctoral programs require a dissertation demonstrating an original research contribution to the field.
Complete Educational Path and Timeline
The journey to becoming a licensed psychologist in Delaware follows a structured educational progression. Many students proceed directly from bachelor's to doctoral programs, skipping the master's degree:
| Educational Stage | Duration | Key Requirements | Delaware Options |
|---|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree | 4 years | Psychology major preferred, minimum GPA 3.0, research experience | University of Delaware, Delaware State University |
| Master's Degree (Optional) | 2-3 years | Thesis or comprehensive exam, clinical practicum | Wilmington University, online programs available |
| Doctoral Degree | 4-6 years | Dissertation, internship, comprehensive exams | University of Delaware PhD program, or nearby PA/MD programs |
| Supervised Experience | 1 year minimum | 1,500 hours with licensed psychologist | Various clinical settings throughout Delaware |
Delaware Psychology Programs and Schools
In-State Doctoral Programs
University of Delaware offers a PhD in Psychological and Brain Sciences, providing doctoral-level training within state borders. This program features:
- Research-focused curriculum with clinical applications
- Specializations in behavioral neuroscience, clinical science, and cognitive psychology
- Full funding opportunities for qualified candidates
- Access to state-of-the-art research facilities
- Connections with Delaware healthcare systems for practicum experiences
Additional In-State Options
Delaware State University offers undergraduate psychology programs that provide opportunities for research involvement and mentorship. Students can build strong foundations for graduate studies while establishing professional connections in Delaware.
Wilmington University offers flexible master's programs in clinical mental health counseling and applied psychology. These programs cater to working professionals and individuals seeking career advancement prior to pursuing doctoral studies.
Nearby APA-Accredited Doctoral Programs
Delaware residents also commonly attend these nearby programs:
- Widener University (Chester, PA) - Clinical Psychology PsyD and PhD programs
- University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA) - Clinical and Counseling Psychology PhD
- Drexel University (Philadelphia, PA) - Clinical Psychology PhD and Counseling Psychology PhD
- University of Maryland (College Park, MD) - Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychology programs
- Temple University (Philadelphia, PA) - Clinical Psychology PhD and School Psychology programs
Many Delaware students also pursue online doctoral programs from accredited institutions, though internship and practicum requirements still need local completion.
Supervision and Examination Requirements
After completing your doctoral degree, Delaware requires specific supervised experience before you can engage in independent practice. The state does allow supervised postdoctoral practice while working toward full licensure:
Supervised Experience Requirements
You must complete 1,500 hours of supervised professional experience over at least one year. During this supervised postdoctoral period, you can practice psychology under supervision but cannot practice independently. Key requirements include:
- Supervision by a licensed psychologist in good standing
- Experience in your intended practice area
- At least 50 hours of face-to-face supervision
- Documentation through the Board's verification forms
- Evaluation of clinical competencies
- Ability to see clients under your supervisor's license during this period
Supervised experience can occur in various settings, including hospitals, community mental health centers, private practices, or academic institutions. The Delaware Board provides specific forms for documenting this experience.
Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
Delaware requires passing the EPPP, a standardized national examination covering:
- Biological bases of behavior
- Cognitive and affective bases of behavior
- Social and cultural bases of behavior
- Growth and lifespan development
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Treatment and intervention
- Research methods and statistics
- Ethical and legal issues
The exam consists of 225 multiple-choice questions, with a minimum score requirement of 500 in Delaware. Most candidates spend 3-6 months preparing using study materials from the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB).
PhD vs PsyD: Choosing Your Delaware Path
Understanding the differences between PhD and PsyD programs helps you choose the right path for your career goals:
| Aspect | PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) | PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) |
|---|---|---|
| Primary Focus | Research and academia | Clinical practice |
| Program Duration | 5-6 years | 4-5 years |
| Dissertation | Extensive original research | Applied clinical project |
| Funding | Often fully funded | Usually self-funded |
| Career Options | Research, teaching, clinical practice | Primarily clinical practice |
| Delaware Opportunities | University positions, research centers | Hospitals, private practice, clinics |
Both degrees qualify you for Delaware licensure and clinical practice. PhD graduates often pursue academic or research positions at institutions like the University of Delaware or Nemours Children's Hospital. PsyD holders typically focus on direct patient care in Delaware's healthcare systems or establish private practices.
Delaware Psychology Career Outlook and Salaries
Delaware offers competitive compensation for psychology professionals, with salaries varying by specialization, experience, and practice setting. Based on 2024 Bureau of Labor Statistics data:
Psychology Salaries in Delaware (2024 Data)
| Position | Entry Level (25th %ile) | Median Salary | Experienced (75th %ile) | Top Earners (90th %ile) |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Clinical Psychologists | $78,000 | $106,930 | $135,000 | $165,000+ |
| School Psychologists | $65,000 | $85,900 | $105,000 | $125,000 |
| Marriage & Family Therapists | $49,840 | $63,360 | $76,350 | $81,830 |
| Mental Health Counselors | $41,630 | $49,680 | $65,270 | $78,510 |
Top Employers in Delaware
- ChristianaCare Health System - The State's largest healthcare provider
- Nemours Children's Hospital - Pediatric psychology specialists
- Delaware State Hospital - Psychiatric facility
- Private Practice Groups - Throughout New Castle, Kent, and Sussex counties
- School Districts - Christina, Red Clay, Brandywine, and others
- Veterans Affairs Medical Center - Wilmington location
Delaware's proximity to major metropolitan areas (Philadelphia, Baltimore, Washington D.C.) provides additional career opportunities while maintaining a lower cost of living than these cities.
Expected Timeline to Delaware Licensure
Understanding the typical timeline helps you plan your career path. The total time varies based on whether you pursue a master's degree:
Direct Path (Bachelor's to PhD/PsyD):
- Years 1-4: Complete a bachelor's degree with a psychology major
- Years 5-9: Complete doctoral program, including internship
- Year 10: Supervised professional experience (1,500 hours)
- Year 10-11: Passthe EPPP exam and receive a license
Total time from starting college to licensure: approximately 9-11 years
Path with Master's Degree:
- Years 1-4: Bachelor's degree
- Years 5-6: Master's degree
- Years 7-11: Doctoral program
- Year 12: Supervised experience and licensure
Total with master's: approximately 11-12 years
Continuing Education Requirements
Delaware requires licensed psychologists to complete 40 hours of continuing education every two years to maintain licensure. Requirements include:
- Minimum 3 hours in ethics or professional conduct
- Courses relevant to your practice area
- Approved providers include APA, Delaware Psychological Association, and accredited universities
- Documentation must be maintained for audit purposes
- Online courses accepted from approved providers
The Delaware Psychological Association offers regular CE programs tailored to the state practitioners' needs.
License Reciprocity and PSYPACT
Delaware participates in psychology licensure mobility programs, making it easier for qualified psychologists to practice across state lines:
PSYPACT Participation
Delaware is a member of PSYPACT (Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact). It's important to understand what PSYPACT does and doesn't allow:
PSYPACT DOES allow:
- Telepsychology practice with clients in other PSYPACT member states
- Temporary in-person practice (up to 30 days per year) in other PSYPACT states
- Streamlined ability to practice across state lines without obtaining multiple licenses
PSYPACT DOES NOT:
- Automatically transfer your license to another state
- Replace the need for a home state license
- Allow permanent relocation without obtaining licensure in the new state
Traditional Reciprocity Requirements
Psychologists licensed in other states who want to permanently practice in Delaware can apply for licensure through reciprocity if they:
- Hold a current, unrestricted license in another state
- Meet Delaware's education requirements (regionally accredited doctorate)
- Have passed the EPPP with Delaware's required score
- Complete application and background check
- Pay applicable fees
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I practice psychology in Delaware with a master's degree?
No, you cannot practice independently as a "psychologist" with only a master's degree in Delaware. However, you can work as a licensed professional counselor, marriage and family therapist, or in supervised positions with a master's degree.
How long does the Delaware licensing process take?
After completing your doctoral degree and supervised experience, the licensing process typically takes 3-6 months. This includes application review, EPPP scheduling, and final Board approval.
Can I work while completing my supervised hours?
Yes, Delaware allows supervised postdoctoral practice. You can see clients and gain clinical experience under your supervisor's license while completing your 1,500 required hours. This allows you to earn income while working toward full licensure.
Are online psychology programs accepted in Delaware?
Yes, Delaware accepts degrees from regionally accredited online programs. The program must meet the same standards as traditional programs, and you'll still need to complete in-person internship and practicum requirements. APA accreditation is preferred but not required.
How much does psychology licensure cost in Delaware?
Total costs include application fee ($277), EPPP exam fee ($687), and initial license fee ($143), totaling approximately $1,107. Additional costs may include transcript fees and background checks.
Can Delaware psychologists prescribe medication?
No, psychologists in Delaware are not authorized to prescribe medication. Only psychiatrists and other medical doctors can prescribe psychotropic medications. Psychologists focus on therapy and psychological testing.
Key Takeaways
✓ Education: Delaware requires a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from a regionally accredited program plus 1,500 supervised hours
✓ Timeline: The complete path from undergraduate to licensed psychologist takes approximately 9-11 years
✓ In-State Programs: University of Delaware offers an in-state PhD in Psychological and Brain Sciences
✓ Salary Outlook: Delaware psychologists earn a median salary of $106,930, with entry-level positions starting around $78,000
✓ Interstate Practice: PSYPACT membership allows telepsychology and temporary practice across state lines, but not full license transfer
✓ Supervised Practice: Supervised postdoctoral practice is permitted while completing licensing requirements
✓ Continuing Education: 40 hours of CE required every two years to maintain licensure
Ready to Start Your Psychology Career in Delaware?
Take the first step toward becoming a licensed psychologist in Delaware. Explore accredited psychology programs that match your career goals and get started on your educational journey today.
Additional Delaware Psychology Resources
- Delaware Psychology Schools and Employment Guide
- Delaware Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Delaware Social Work Licensing Guide
- Delaware Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing
- Explore Psychology Career Specializations
2024 US Bureau of Labor Statistics salary figures and job growth projections for Clinical and Counseling Psychologists, Industrial-Organizational Psychologists, School Psychologists, Psychologists-All Other; Psychiatric Techs; Psychiatrists; Substance Abuse, Behavioral Health and Mental Health Counselors; Marriage & Family Therapists; and Social Workers are based on state and national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed October 2025.
