How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Louisiana
To become a licensed psychologist in Louisiana, you need an APA-accredited doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), 3,000 hours of supervised experience (including 1 year pre-doctoral internship and 1 year post-doctoral), and must pass the EPPP exam with a minimum scaled score of 500, plus Louisiana's oral and jurisprudence exams. The process typically takes 8-12 years from a bachelor's degree to licensure, depending on program length and whether you pursue studies full-time or part-time.
Louisiana offers more than just Mardi Gras and Cajun cuisine. The state has a stable psychology industry with opportunities for qualified professionals. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, clinical and counseling psychologists nationwide earned a median salary of $96,100 in May 2023, with national job growth projected at 6% through 2034.
The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists maintains rigorous standards to ensure that only highly qualified professionals can practice. These requirements protect patients who place their mental health and well-being in the hands of their psychologist.
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Education Requirements for Louisiana Psychologist Licensing
Louisiana requires all psychologist candidates to complete a doctoral degree from an APA-accredited program. This means earning either a PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) or PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) in psychology from a program recognized by the American Psychological Association.
The doctoral program typically takes 5-7 years to complete after your bachelor's degree. Your program must include:
- Comprehensive coursework in psychological theory, research methods, and clinical practice
- A minimum of 300 practicum hours before internship, including at least 100 hours of direct client contact and 50 hours of individual supervision
- A pre-doctoral internship (usually 1 year full-time or 2 years part-time)
- Dissertation research and defense
Louisiana offers several strong doctoral programs. Explore Louisiana psychology degree programs to find APA-accredited options, including those at Louisiana Tech University and Louisiana State University.
Supervised Professional Experience Requirements
The Louisiana State Board requires candidates to complete 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience. This breaks down into two distinct phases:
| Experience Phase | Timing | Hours Required | Supervision Details |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pre-Doctoral Internship | During doctoral program | 1,500 hours (1 year) | APA-accredited internship with regular supervision |
| Post-Doctoral Supervised Practice | After degree completion | 1,500 hours (1 year) | Under Louisiana-licensed psychologist supervision |
Your post-doctoral supervision must be provided by a psychologist who holds an active Louisiana license in good standing. The supervisor will guide your clinical work, review cases, and ensure you're developing the professional competencies needed for independent practice.
During supervised practice, you'll document all hours worked and receive regular feedback on your clinical skills. Keep detailed records of your supervision sessions, as the Board will review these during the licensing process.
Louisiana Psychologist Examination Requirements
Louisiana requires candidates to pass three separate examinations before granting licensure. Each exam tests different aspects of professional competency.
The EPPP (Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology)
The EPPP is the national standardized exam required by all 50 states. Louisiana requires a minimum scaled score of 500 to pass. The exam covers:
- Biological bases of behavior
- Cognitive-affective bases of behavior
- Social and cultural bases of behavior
- Growth and lifespan development
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Treatment, intervention, and prevention
- Research methods and statistics
- Ethical and legal issues
The EPPP is a computer-based test with 225 multiple-choice questions. You'll have 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete it. Registration costs $600, and you'll need authorization from the Louisiana Board before scheduling your exam.
Study materials are available through the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). Most candidates spend 3-4 months preparing for the exam.
Louisiana Jurisprudence Examination
This state-specific exam tests your knowledge of Louisiana psychology laws, regulations, and professional standards. It covers the Louisiana psychology practice act, Board rules, and the APA Ethics Code as it applies to Louisiana practice.
Oral Examination
The final requirement is an oral examination conducted by the Board. During this exam, Board members will ask questions about your clinical judgment, ethical decision-making, and understanding of professional practice standards. Candidates who pass both the oral and jurisprudence exams receive their license the same day.
Psychology Career Outlook and Salary in Louisiana
The psychology field offers competitive compensation and steady job growth. Understanding salary expectations and employment trends helps you plan your career path.
Psychologist Salaries in Louisiana and Nationally
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics' May 2023 data, clinical and counseling psychologists nationwide earned a median annual salary of $96,100. Recent job posting data for Louisiana shows psychologists in the state earning competitive salaries ranging from $93,000 to $124,000 annually, depending on specialization and experience level.
| Experience Level | National Percentile | Annual Salary |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | Bottom 10% | $48,820 |
| Early Career (25th percentile) | Lower Quarter | $66,050 |
| Mid-Career (50th percentile/Median) | Middle | $96,100 |
| Experienced (75th percentile) | Upper Quarter | $129,020 |
| Top Earners (90th percentile) | Top 10% | $168,870 |
Salaries vary based on specialization, practice setting, and geographic location within Louisiana. Clinical psychologists in private practice and those working in medical settings typically earn higher salaries than those in school or community settings.
Employment Settings
Louisiana psychologists work in diverse settings, including:
- Private practice - Highest earning potential with established clientele
- Hospitals and medical centers - Collaborative healthcare environments
- Community mental health centers - Serving underserved populations
- Schools and universities - Educational and counseling services
- Government agencies - Veterans affairs, correctional facilities, social services
- Research institutions - Academic and applied research
Job Growth Projections
The BLS projects 6% national job growth for psychologists from 2024 to 2034, faster than the average for all occupations. This growth is driven by increased awareness of mental health issues and greater acceptance of psychological services. Louisiana's psychology job market is expected to remain stable with steady demand for qualified professionals.
How Long Does It Take to Become Licensed in Louisiana?
The path to psychology licensure is a significant time commitment. Here's a realistic timeline from start to finish:
| Education/Experience Phase | Duration | Cumulative Years |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree in Psychology | 4 years | 4 years |
| Doctoral Program (PhD or PsyD) | 4-7 years | 8-11 years |
| Pre-Doctoral Internship (included in doctoral program) | 1 year | (Within doctoral timeline) |
| Post-Doctoral Supervised Practice | 1 year | 9-12 years |
| Examination Preparation and Licensing | 3-6 months | 8-12 years |
Most psychology students complete the entire process in approximately 8-12 years from starting their bachelor's degree to receiving their Louisiana license. The timeline varies based on whether you attend full-time or part-time, the structure of your doctoral program (some PhD programs take longer than PsyD programs), and how quickly you complete post-doctoral supervision and exam preparation. Some accelerate this timeline through intensive programs, while others take longer due to career considerations or gaps between educational phases.
Frequently Asked Questions About Louisiana Psychologist Licensing
Can I practice psychology in Louisiana while waiting for my license?
Louisiana offers provisional licensure for candidates completing their post-doctoral supervised experience. You can practice under supervision while meeting the remaining requirements, but you cannot practice independently until you've passed all exams and received your full license.
What's the difference between a psychologist and other mental health professionals in Louisiana?
Psychologists hold doctoral degrees and can provide psychological testing, diagnosis, and psychotherapy. Licensed professional counselors, social workers, and marriage and family therapists have different educational requirements and scopes of practice.
Does Louisiana allow psychologists to prescribe medication?
Yes, Louisiana is one of only a few states that allows psychologists to prescribe psychiatric medications. However, this requires additional specialized training, including a post-doctoral master's degree in clinical psychopharmacology and passing the Psychopharmacology Examination for Psychologists (PEP).
Do I need continuing education to maintain my Louisiana psychology license?
Yes, Louisiana requires licensed psychologists to complete continuing education (CE) hours for license renewal. Contact the Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists for current CE requirements and approved provider information.
Can I transfer my psychology license from another state to Louisiana?
Louisiana has specific reciprocity agreements with some states, particularly Texas. Psychologists holding an ASPPB Certificate of Professional Qualification (CPQ) or ABPP diplomate status may qualify for streamlined reciprocity. However, you'll still need to pass Louisiana's jurisprudence exam and complete a background check. The Welcome Home Act (Act 253 of 2024) may provide additional pathways for currently licensed psychologists relocating to Louisiana.
How much does it cost to get licensed in Louisiana?
Expect to pay approximately $800-1,000 in direct licensing costs, including the application fee ($200), EPPP exam fee ($600), and various processing fees. This doesn't include the significant costs of doctoral education, which can range from $60,000 to over $200,000 depending on the program.
What happens if I fail the EPPP exam?
If you don't achieve the required scaled score of 500, you can retake the EPPP. The Louisiana Board and ASPPB have specific policies about waiting periods between attempts. Most candidates who fail use additional study materials and preparation time before their next attempt.
Key Takeaways
- Louisiana requires an APA-accredited doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), 3,000 hours of supervised experience (pre-doctoral and post-doctoral combined), and passing three exams (EPPP with a minimum 500 score, jurisprudence, and oral examination)
- The complete path from bachelor's degree to licensure typically takes 8-12 years, with variation based on program length and whether studies are pursued full-time or part-time
- Clinical and counseling psychologists earned a median salary of $96,100 nationally in 2023, with Louisiana psychologists reporting competitive salaries in the $93,000-$124,000 range
- National psychology job growth is projected at 6% through 2034, faster than average for all occupations, driven by increased mental health awareness
- Louisiana is one of few states allowing psychologists to obtain prescribing authority with specialized post-doctoral training in psychopharmacology
- The Louisiana State Board of Examiners of Psychologists oversees all licensing requirements and can be contacted at lsbep.org for official guidance
Ready to Start Your Psychology Career in Louisiana?
Find accredited doctoral programs in Louisiana that can set you on the path to licensure.
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Additional Psychology Resources for Louisiana
- Louisiana Counselor Licensing Requirements
- Louisiana Social Work Licensing Guide
- Louisiana Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing
- Explore Additional Psychologist Career Paths
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.
