How to Become a Psychologist in Wyoming
Wyoming is a pioneering state for more reasons than many people might realize. Since earning its nickname as the Equality State in the latter part of the 19th century after being the first in the Union to guarantee woman the right to vote and the ability to hold public office, it's been a place that upholds high ideals. And today, the people from around here who are drawn to the field of psychology continue that legacy of doing the right thing, providing people with a place to turn for help and support during the most challenging moments of their lives.
The strict requirements in the state of Wyoming are in place to ensure that the licensed psychologists here are highly qualified and ready to take on the responsibility of caring for patients. A psychologist is often a patient’s greatest ally in battling or managing a mental or emotional disorder or illness, so the psychologist needs a sound foundation to pull from that includes adequate education and experience.
Education Requirements for Psychologist Licensing in Wyoming
The Wyoming Professions and Occupations Code states that men and women who possess an earned doctorate degree in psychology from an educational institution approved by the Wyoming Board of Psychology will meet the requirements for licensure. The University of Wyoming offers up a few great doctoral programs, but you can find a full list of campus-based and online doctoral programs available here.
An exception to this requirement is made for individuals performing duties as a school psychologist. To become a school psychologist in Wyoming, individuals must hold a Bachelor’s degree or higher from an accredited college or university and satisfy the State of Wyoming basic skills requirement.
A doctoral program typically takes between 2 and 4 additional years to complete, once you've earned a Master's Degree. The actual length of time will depend upon how much education you currently have and which program you choose. Many include supervised residencies and internships which can help you accumulate the required supervised professional experience. Learn more about WY psychology degrees and schools.
Supervised Professional Experience Requirements for a Psychologist in Wyoming
Applicants for licensure in Wyoming also need to complete a minimum of 2 years of what the state calls “supervised professional experience.” This may be completed prior and subsequent to obtaining the degree. At least one year (1,500 clock hours) must be completed after obtaining the doctorate degree. These hours must be uniformly distributed over not less than 12 months and not more than 24 months. This experience must include a post-doctoral training program registered with the Association of Psychology post-doctoral and internship centers, or post-doctoral work experience that meets the following criteria:
- 2 hours of supervision for every 40 clock hours of work experience.
- Half of those 2 hours must be face to face supervision with a psychologist.
Examinations for the Psychologist License in Wyoming
Before taking the examination required, individuals must submit an application to the Wyoming Board of Psychology. Approval or rejection will be given in time for the next testing date. The examination required by the state of Wyoming is the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology or EPPP. This is a nationally-recognized, 225-question, multiple-choice examination administered by the American Psychology Association. The tests are given at numerous testing sites throughout the country. Candidates must obtain a passing score and the scores and relevant information should be forwarded to the Wyoming Board of Psychology. Candidates will receive their approval or rejection from the Board after review.
Note: You may find additional information about how to earn a psychology license in Wyoming by visiting the Wyoming Board of Psychology.
Psychology Career Outlook in Wyoming
The Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) reports that there were just about 110 clinical, counseling, school, and other types of psychologists licensed throughout Wyoming as of May 2022. In that relatively small group of indispensable psychology professionals, the average salary that year ranged from $70,360 to $98,900 depending on specialty.
To understand the full range of salaries involves looking at BLS data on Wyoming psychologists at each end of the spectrum. Clinical and counseling psychologists were at the bottom of the average salary range. School psychologists were in the middle at $80,610, placing psychologists in other subfields at the top. However, the top 10% of clinical and counseling psychologists in Wyoming reported earnings of $135,560 and up in 2022.
Find information regarding tuition, financial aid, enrollment dates, and curriculum by requesting information from the programs below:
*Sponsored Schools
Additional Psychology Resources in Wyoming:
- Wyoming Counselor Licensing
- Wyoming Social Work Licensing
- Wyoming Marriage and Family Therapist Licensing
- Explore Additional Psychologist Careers
2022 US Bureau of Labor Statistics job market trends and salary figures for clinical and counseling psychologists, school psychologists, and psychologists (all other) are based on national data, not school-specific information. Conditions in your area may vary. Data accessed July 2023.
