How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Ohio
To become a licensed psychologist in Ohio, you'll need a doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited program, complete 2 years of supervised professional experience, including a pre-doctoral internship, and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP). The median salary for psychologists is $92,740 nationally, with Ohio psychologists earning a median of $87,130. The entire process typically takes 8-12 years froma bachelor's degree to full licensure.
Mental health services are more important than ever, and Ohio recognizes the critical role that licensed psychologists play in supporting individuals, families, and communities. Whether you're drawn to clinical practice, research, or working in schools and healthcare settings, becoming a licensed psychologist in Ohio opens doors to a rewarding career helping others navigate life's challenges.
The path to licensure is rigorous but straightforward. Ohio requires psychologists to meet high standards of education, supervised experience, and professional competency. This ensures that those who earn the title "psychologist" have the knowledge and skills to provide quality care. If you're ready to pursue this meaningful career, here's everything you need to know about becoming a licensed psychologist in the Buckeye State.
Table of Contents
Educational Requirements for Psychologists in Ohio
Ohio law requires all practicing psychologists to hold a doctoral degree from an accredited institution. This means you'll need either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) degree. A master's degree alone won't qualify you for independent practice as a licensed psychologist in Ohio, though it can be a stepping stone toward your doctoral degree.
The doctoral program must be accredited by a recognized agency, with the American Psychological Association (APA) being the gold standard. APA accreditation ensures your program meets rigorous educational standards and prepares you for professional practice. Ohio offers several excellent options for doctoral training, including programs at Ohio State University, Case Western Reserve University, and the University of Cincinnati.
A doctoral program typically takes 5-7 years to complete and includes coursework in areas like psychological assessment, research methods, psychotherapy techniques, ethics, and specialized areas of practice. You'll also complete comprehensive exams and a dissertation based on original research. Many programs integrate practical training throughout, giving you hands-on experience before you even graduate.
Supervised Professional Experience Requirements
Education alone isn't enough. Ohio requires 2 years of supervised professional experience to ensure you can apply your knowledge in real-world settings. This experience is divided into two distinct phases.
Pre-Doctoral Internship
The first year of required experience comes through a pre-doctoral internship, which you'll complete as part of your doctoral program. This full-time internship (or part-time equivalent) must be supervised by a licensed psychologist and typically takes place in settings like hospitals, mental health centers, university counseling centers, or private practices. During this time, you'll work directly with clients under close supervision, developing your clinical skills and professional judgment.
Post-Doctoral Supervision
After earning your doctoral degree, you'll need one additional year of supervised professional experience. This post-doctoral work allows you to practice with more independence while still receiving guidance from a licensed supervisor. The supervision must be provided by a psychologist who holds an active Ohio license, and you'll need to document your hours and activities carefully.
Together, these two years ensure you're truly prepared for independent practice. You'll gain experience across different populations, treatment approaches, and professional situations that classroom learning alone can't provide.
The EPPP Examination
The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is the final major hurdle on your path to licensure. This standardized exam is used across the United States and Canada, testing your knowledge of psychology's foundational concepts and applied practices.
The EPPP consists of 225 multiple-choice questions covering eight content areas: biological bases of behavior, cognitive-affective bases of behavior, social and cultural bases of behavior, growth and lifespan development, assessment and diagnosis, treatment and intervention, research methods and statistics, and ethical and legal issues. You'll have 4 hours and 15 minutes to complete the exam.
Ohio requires a scaled score of 500 or higher to pass. The exam costs approximately $687, and you'll schedule it through the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). Most candidates spend several months preparing using study guides, practice exams, and review courses. The nationwide first-time pass rate is approximately 63%, so thorough preparation is essential for success.
License Application Process
Once you've completed your education, supervised experience, and the EPPP, you're ready to apply for your Ohio psychology license. Here's how the process works:
- Verify your qualifications - Make sure your doctoral degree is from an accredited program, your supervised hours are properly documented, and you've passed the EPPP with a qualifying score.
- Complete the application - Submit your application to the Ohio State Board of Psychology. You'll need official transcripts, verification of supervised experience, EPPP scores, and letters of recommendation.
- Pay the application fee - The initial licensure application fee is $300.
- Undergo a background check - Ohio requires criminal background checks for all license applicants to protect public safety.
- Wait for board review - The Board reviews applications at regularly scheduled meetings. Processing time varies but typically takes 2-4 months.
- Receive your license - Once approved, you'll receive your psychology license and can begin independent practice.
For detailed information and current application materials, visit the Ohio State Board of Psychology website.
Salary and Career Outlook for Ohio Psychologists
Current Salary Data
Psychology offers strong earning potential, particularly once you're licensed and established in your career. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the national median annual wage for clinical and counseling psychologists was $92,740 as of May 2024. In Ohio, licensed psychologists earn a median salary of approximately $87,130, with significant variation based on experience, specialization, and work setting.
| Experience Level | Ohio | National |
|---|---|---|
| Entry-Level (10th percentile) | $50,000 | $49,710 |
| Mid-Career (Median) | $87,130 | $92,740 |
| Experienced (90th percentile) | $152,000 | $153,440 |
Job Growth Projections
The career outlook for psychologists is positive. The BLS projects 6% employment growth for psychologists from 2022 to 2032, which is faster than the average for all occupations. This growth translates to approximately 12,900 job openings nationally each year. The demand is driven by several factors: increasing awareness of mental health issues, growing acceptance of psychological services, an aging population needing more support, and expanded insurance coverage for mental health treatment.
Top-Paying Areas in Ohio
Salaries vary across Ohio's metropolitan areas. Cleveland, Columbus, and Cincinnati typically offer the highest compensation for psychologists, reflecting both the cost of living and demand for services. Psychologists work in diverse settings, including private practices, hospitals and medical centers, schools and universities, corporate wellness programs, and government agencies. Those in private practice or specialized fields like neuropsychology or forensic psychology often earn at the higher end of the salary range.
Continuing Education Requirements
Your license isn't a one-time achievement. Ohio requires licensed psychologists to complete continuing education (CE) to maintain their licenses and stay current with developments in the field. You'll need to renew your license every two years and complete a specified number of CE hours during each renewal period.
These continuing education requirements typically include courses in ethics, cultural competency, and emerging treatment approaches. You can earn CE credits through workshops, conferences, online courses, and approved training programs. The Ohio State Board of Psychology maintains a list of approved CE providers and specific requirements on its website.
Staying engaged with continuing education doesn't just fulfill a requirement. It keeps you sharp, introduces you to new research and techniques, and connects you with colleagues in your field.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to become a licensed psychologist in Ohio?
The entire process typically takes 8-12 years. This includes 4 years for a bachelor's degree, 5-7 years for a doctoral degree (which includes your pre-doctoral internship), and 1 year of post-doctoral supervised experience. Some people complete it faster, while others may take longer depending on their program and personal circumstances.
Can I practice psychology with a master's degree in Ohio?
No, you cannot practice independently as a psychologist with only a master's degree in Ohio. However, you can work in related fields with a master's degree, such as becoming a licensed professional counselor, school counselor, or working in research or assistant roles under a licensed psychologist's supervision.
What's the difference between a psychologist and a therapist?
The term "therapist" is a general term that can include psychologists, licensed professional counselors, marriage and family therapists, and social workers. Psychologists specifically hold doctoral degrees and are trained in psychological assessment, testing, research, and a wide range of therapeutic approaches. The title "psychologist" is legally protected in Ohio.
Does Ohio accept psychology licenses from other states?
Ohio does have provisions for licensure by endorsement if you hold a license in another state. However, you must still meet Ohio's requirements, including education, experience, and examination standards. The Board reviews each application individually to determine if your credentials are equivalent to Ohio's requirements.
How much does it cost to get licensed in Ohio?
Costs include your doctoral education (tuition varies widely), the EPPP exam fee ($687), and the Ohio license application fee ($300). You may also have costs for background checks, transcript fees, and continuing education. While the investment is significant, licensed psychologists typically earn strong salaries that provide a good return on investment.
What does the EPPP exam cover?
The EPPP covers eight major content areas: biological bases of behavior, cognitive-affective bases of behavior, social and cultural bases of behavior, growth and lifespan development, assessment and diagnosis, treatment and intervention, research methods and statistics, and ethical and legal issues. It's designed to test foundational knowledge across all areas of psychology practice.
Can I get licensed with an online psychology degree?
It depends on the program's accreditation. If the online doctoral program is accredited by the APA or another recognized accrediting body and includes the required supervised practicum and internship experiences, it may be acceptable. However, psychology education requires significant in-person clinical training, so fully online programs are rare at the doctoral level.
Do school psychologists need the same license?
School psychologists follow a different path. They typically need a specialist-level degree (EdS) or doctoral degree in school psychology and obtain licensure through the Ohio Department of Education rather than the State Board of Psychology. The requirements and scope of practice differ from those for licensed psychologists.
What's the difference between a PhD and PsyD?
A PhD (Doctor of Philosophy) emphasizes research and is often chosen by those interested in academic careers or research-focused practice. A PsyD (Doctor of Psychology) focuses more on clinical practice and applied work. Both qualify you for licensure in Ohio, so choose based on your career goals and learning style preferences.
How do I maintain my psychology license in Ohio?
You'll need to renew your license every two years, complete required continuing education hours, pay renewal fees, and maintain compliance with the Board's professional and ethical standards. You must also report any criminal convictions or disciplinary actions from other jurisdictions.
Can Ohio psychologists prescribe medication?
Currently, Ohio does not allow psychologists to prescribe medication. Only medical doctors (psychiatrists) and certain advanced practice nurses can prescribe psychiatric medications in Ohio. However, psychologists often work collaboratively with prescribers to provide comprehensive care.
What happens if I fail the EPPP?
If you don't pass the EPPP on your first attempt, you can retake it. There's typically a waiting period between attempts (often 90 days), and you'll need to pay the exam fee again. Many people pass on their second attempt after identifying areas for additional study. The ASPPB provides score reports that show your performance in each content area.
Key Takeaways
- A doctoral degree (PhD or PsyD) from an APA-accredited program is required to become a licensed psychologist in Ohio.
- You'll need 2 years of supervised professional experience: 1 year pre-doctoral internship and 1 year post-doctoral supervision.
- Passing the EPPP examination with a score of 500 or higher is required for licensure.
- The median annual salary for psychologists is $92,740 nationally, with Ohio psychologists earning a median of $87,130.
- The complete journey from bachelor's degree to licensure typically takes 8-12 years.
- Job growth for psychologists is projected at 6% from 2022-2032, faster than average for all occupations.
- Continuing education is required to maintain your license every two years.
Ready to Start Your Psychology Career in Ohio?
The path to becoming a licensed psychologist requires dedication, but the reward is a meaningful career helping others thrive. Explore accredited doctoral programs in Ohio and across the country to find the right fit for your goals and interests.
Additional Psychology Resources for Ohio
- Ohio Counselor Licensing
- Ohio Social Work Licensing
- Ohio Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing
- Explore Additional Psychologist Careers
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.
