How to Become a Licensed Psychologist in Texas: Requirements & Steps 2025
Learning how to become a licensed psychologist in Texas opens doors to one of the nation's fastest-growing psychology markets. The U.S. Department of Labor projects clinical and counseling psychology jobs in Texas will grow 15% through 2030, creating exceptional career opportunities with competitive salaries and benefits across the Lone Star State.
The pathway to psychology licensure in Texas requires meeting rigorous educational standards, completing supervised professional experience, and passing multiple examinations. This comprehensive guide outlines each requirement established by the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP), which operates under the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), to help you successfully navigate the licensure process.
Important Note: The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists operates under the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), which provides oversight for licensing across behavioral health professions including psychology, social work, counseling, and marriage and family therapy. Always verify current requirements with TSBEP, as licensing standards, fees, and procedures are subject to periodic updates.
Table of Contents
Education Requirements for Texas Psychologist Licensure
The foundation for becoming a licensed psychologist in Texas begins with earning the appropriate graduate degree. Understanding these educational requirements is essential for planning your career path in psychology.
Doctoral Degree Requirements
The TSBEP requires candidates to graduate from a doctoral program in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or the Canadian Psychological Association. Your doctoral program must include coursework in:
- Scientific and professional ethics
- Research design and methodology
- Statistics and psychometrics
- Biological bases of behavior
- Cognitive and affective bases of behavior
- Social bases of behavior
- Individual differences and development
- Assessment and diagnosis
- Treatment and intervention
Texas offers several APA-accredited doctoral programs in psychology, including programs at the University of Houston, University of North Texas, and University of Texas at Austin. Most doctoral programs require 4-7 years to complete, including dissertation research. Learn more about psychology degree programs in Texas.
Exception for School Psychologists
The doctoral requirement does not apply to individuals pursuing licensure as a Licensed Specialist in School Psychology (LSSP). School psychology candidates may qualify with a master's or specialist-level degree from a program approved by the National Association of School Psychologists (NASP). LSSP candidates must pass the National School Psychology Examination (Praxis II) rather than the EPPP.
Supervised Professional Experience Requirements
Gaining hands-on experience under qualified supervision is a critical component of how to become a licensed psychologist in Texas. The TSBEP mandates specific supervised experience requirements to ensure candidates develop competency in professional practice.
Overview of Experience Requirements
| Requirement Type | Duration | Details |
|---|---|---|
| Total Supervised Experience | 2 years minimum | At least 3,000 hours of supervised professional experience |
| Pre-Doctoral Experience | Up to 1 year | May be completed during doctoral program (internship/practicum) |
| Post-Doctoral Experience | At least 1 year | Must be completed after earning doctoral degree |
| Supervision Hours | 1 hour per week minimum | Individual face-to-face supervision required |
Note: Requirements are subject to change. Verify current supervised experience standards with TSBEP.
Supervision Requirements
Your supervising psychologist must hold an active, unrestricted license to practice psychology in Texas or another jurisdiction. Supervisors must provide at least one hour of individual, face-to-face supervision weekly, documenting your progress in developing professional competencies across assessment, intervention, consultation, and ethical practice.
Many doctoral programs incorporate supervised practicum and internship experiences that count toward your pre-doctoral requirement, making it strategic to choose programs that offer robust clinical training opportunities.
Required Examinations for Texas Psychologist Licensure
Aspiring psychologists must pass three separate examinations to demonstrate competency and knowledge of professional standards in Texas.
1. Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP)
The EPPP is a nationally recognized examination administered by the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB). This computer-based exam assesses foundational knowledge across 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, intervention, and prevention
- Research methods and statistics
- Ethical and legal issues
Exam Format: 225 multiple-choice questions | Passing Score: 500 (scaled score) | Cost: Approximately $687 (fees subject to change; verify current pricing with ASPPB)
2. Texas Jurisprudence Examination
The Texas Jurisprudence Examination tests your knowledge of state-specific laws, rules, and regulations governing psychological practice. Administered by the TSBEP, this exam covers:
- Board composition and administrative procedures
- Scope of practice and professional boundaries
- Supervision requirements
- Record-keeping and confidentiality standards
- Mandatory reporting obligations
- Ethical standards and disciplinary procedures
Exam Format: 100 multiple-choice questions | Passing Score: 75% | Format: Open-book, online examination (format and passing scores subject to change; verify with TSBEP)
3. Oral Examination
After successfully passing both written examinations, candidates must complete an oral examination conducted by TSBEP board members or designated examiners. This face-to-face assessment evaluates your ability to apply psychological knowledge to realistic practice scenarios, demonstrate ethical decision-making, and communicate professionally.
The oral exam typically lasts 60-90 minutes and includes case vignettes, ethical dilemmas, and questions about professional judgment in clinical situations.
Important Licensing Information: The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists (TSBEP), operating under the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC), regularly updates licensing requirements, examination fees, and application procedures. The information in this guide reflects standards as of 2025, but candidates should always verify current requirements, costs, and deadlines by visiting the official TSBEP website or contacting the board directly at (512) 305-7700.
Complete Texas Psychologist Licensure Timeline
Understanding the complete timeline helps you plan your career progression effectively. Here's what to expect when pursuing psychology licensure in Texas:
| Stage | Timeline | Key Milestones |
|---|---|---|
| Bachelor's Degree in Psychology | 4 years | Complete undergraduate prerequisites, research experience, GRE preparation |
| Doctoral Program (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) | 4-7 years | Coursework, practicum, comprehensive exams, dissertation, internship |
| Post-Doctoral Supervised Experience | 1-2 years | Minimum 1,500 hours post-doctoral supervision |
| EPPP & Jurisprudence Exams | 3-6 months | Exam preparation, scheduling, and completion |
| Oral Examination & Licensure | 2-4 months | Schedule oral exam, final board review, license issued |
| Total Timeline | 9-13 years | From bachelor's degree to full licensure |
Note: Timelines are approximate and may vary based on individual circumstances and program requirements.
Psychology Career Outlook in Texas
Texas offers exceptional career opportunities for licensed psychologists across diverse settings. The state's robust healthcare infrastructure, growing population, and expanding mental health services create strong demand for qualified professionals.
Employment Opportunities
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, Texas currently employs approximately 9,760 clinical, counseling, school, and specialty psychologists. Major employment sectors include:
- Healthcare facilities: Hospitals, clinics, and integrated care centers
- Private practice: Solo and group practice settings
- Educational institutions: Schools, colleges, and universities
- Government agencies: Veterans Affairs, correctional facilities, state health departments
- Research institutions: Universities and medical research centers
- Corporate settings: Employee assistance programs and organizational consulting
Major metropolitan areas including Houston, Dallas-Fort Worth, Austin, and San Antonio offer the highest concentration of psychology positions, though demand continues growing in mid-sized cities and rural communities addressing mental health access gaps.
Texas Psychologist Salary Information (2025)
Understanding earning potential is an important consideration when planning your psychology career in Texas. Compensation varies based on specialization, experience level, geographic location, and practice setting.
Salary Data Notice: The salary figures below are based on 2022-2023 Bureau of Labor Statistics data and represent averages that may not reflect current market conditions. Actual compensation varies significantly by employer, location, experience, and specialization. Always research current salary trends when making career decisions.
| Psychology Specialty | Average Annual Salary (Texas)* | National Comparison |
|---|---|---|
| Clinical & Counseling Psychologists | $84,860 - $107,910 | Median: $89,290 (national) |
| School Psychologists | $77,000 - $95,000 | Median: $81,500 (national) |
| Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $105,000 - $145,000 | Median: $139,280 (national) |
*Salary ranges are estimates based on historical data and are subject to change based on economic conditions, demand, and other factors.
Salary by Experience Level
- Entry-level (0-2 years): $50,000 - $65,000
- Mid-career (3-7 years): $70,000 - $95,000
- Experienced (8-15 years): $90,000 - $125,000
- Senior-level (15+ years): $110,000 - $168,790+
The lowest 10% of clinical and counseling psychologists nationally earn less than $42,760, while the top 10% earn annual salaries exceeding $168,790. Private practice psychologists in high-demand specializations like neuropsychology or forensic psychology often earn at the higher end of this range.
Find information regarding tuition, financial aid, enrollment dates, and curriculum by requesting information from the programs below:
Additional Psychology Resources for Texas
Explore related mental health licensing pathways and career options in Texas:
- How to Become a Licensed Professional Counselor in Texas
- Texas Social Work Licensing Requirements
- How to Become a Licensed Marriage and Family Therapist in Texas
- Explore Additional Psychologist Career Specializations
Professional Organizations in Texas
- Texas Psychological Association (TPA) - State advocacy and professional development
- American Psychological Association (APA) - National professional organization
- National Association of School Psychologists (NASP) - School psychology resources
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Data Sources and Disclaimer: Salary figures and employment statistics are based on 2022-2023 data from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics and O*NET (a website sponsored by the U.S. Department of Labor) for clinical and counseling psychologists, school psychologists, and psychologists (all other). These figures represent national data and are not school-specific. Actual salaries, licensing requirements, examination costs, and job market conditions vary by location, specialization, and individual circumstances and are subject to change. This guide is intended for informational purposes only and should not replace consultation with the Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists or qualified academic advisors. Data accessed October 2025.
Licensing Authority: The Texas State Board of Examiners of Psychologists operates under the Texas Behavioral Health Executive Council (BHEC). For official, current licensing requirements, contact TSBEP at (512) 305-7700 or visit www.bhec.texas.gov.
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.
