Content Navigation
Menu
TABLE OF CONTENTS

The Evergreen State of Washington may be hiding in the Northwest corner of the country, but there are plenty of educational opportunities to be found in this beautiful part of the world. More than 2,000 psychologists are currently working in the state, many of them educated at institutions such as the University of Washington and Washington State University. At Washington psychology schools and graduate programs, students will find areas of study such as animal behavior, clinical psychology, behavioral neuroscience and quantitative psychology.

To see the variety of graduate programs and psychology schools to pick from in the state of Washington, check out the convenient search tool below.

Search Tool

State
Degree Level
School Type
Environment

To practice psychology in Washington, it is necessary to obtain a license. Becoming licensed not only requires an education in the field, but also the completion of a number of other steps. Only when all of the requirements have been met will an individual be able to receive an official license from the state.

Psychologist Licensing in Washington

Acquiring a psychology license in Washington enables an individual to offer a number of services and programs, such as the following:

  • Treatment and therapy aimed at solving addiction problems like dependency on drugs or alcohol
  • One-on-one therapy sessions which can address any number of mental issues such as depression or anxiety
  • Group therapy which will bring together individuals facing similar challenges in life

Washington Psychology Licensing Authority

The Examining Board of Psychology is part of the Washington State Department of Health, and is the body responsible for issuing licenses to practice psychology. Carefully following all of the requirements for experience and education is important for any individual who wishes to successfully acquire a license.

The following is an outline of the licensure process in Washington:

Complete a doctoral education in psychology from an accredited institution

Finish a total of 3,300 supervised work experience hours, with at least 1,500 hours in internship

Pass two exams

Submit to a background check, and supply the Board with all necessary paperwork and fees

Washington Psychology Licensing Exams

The Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology and a Washington State Jurisprudence exam must be passed in order to be considered eligible for licensure in Washington.

Recognized Psychology Licensing Specializations in Washington State

  • Cognitive Psychology
  • Developmental Psychology
  • Social Psychology
  • School Psychology

Specialization Requirements

  • Fulfill all of the standard requirements for licensure in Washington as well as any specialization requirements

License Renewal

  • Complete 60 hours of continuing education every three years
Other Licensing Resources for Washington Psychology

Salary and Employment Trends for Psychologists in Washington

Washington Psychologists vs. Nationwide – Growth and Employment Rate

Clinical, Counseling & School Psychologists Growth 2012-2022

Nationwide 11%

Washington 18.8%

Psychologists, Other Growth 2012-2022

Nationwide 11%

Washington 7.4%

Number Clinical, Counseling, & School Psychologists and Psychologists, Other employed 2014

Nationwide 115,810

Washington 2,170

Psychologists Earnings in Washington State vs. Nationwide Averages

Clinical, Counseling & School Psychologists   Psychologist , Other

Nationwide

 Median Wage Annually

$68,900

  

$92,110

Washington

 Median Wage Annually

$66,850

  

$94,060

Washington

 Median Wage Hourly

$32.14

  

$45.22

Washington

 Lowest 10% yearly wage

$49,560

  

$45,070

Washington

 Highest 10% yearly wage

$93,430

  

$115,080

To learn more about the field of psychology in Washington, please take a moment to review some of the links included below.

Washington Psychology Resources