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Connecticut Psychology Licensure Requirements – How to Become a Psychologist in Connecticut for 2025
Connecticut is facing a growing demand for mental health services, with 30% of all adults reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression. However, 23.2% of these individuals said they did not receive the necessary treatment (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2022). This unmet need for mental health services will create opportunities for psychologists throughout the decade.
If you aim to become a licensed psychologist, consider the career benefits of practicing in the Constitution State. Here, we cover the job outlook, how to obtain a psychology license in Connecticut, and top-ranked schools offering doctoral psychology programs, like a behavioral sciences degree online or on-site.
Best Psychology Schools in Connecticut Table of Contents
Overview of the Psychology Industry in Connecticut for 2025
Connecticut needs 84 additional psychologists to satisfy the demand for mental health services, necessitating an over 90% workforce growth (Kaiser Family Foundation, 2022). However, state projections indicate that job growth will be slow for local psychologists from 2020 to 2030 (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d.).
Demand is projected below the national average rates for most in-state psychologists. However, the demand for psychologists in niche roles, like those with a sports psychology bachelor degree, is expected to surpass the national average with a growth rate of 10.7% (Projections Central, n.d.). The Connecticut Psychological Association (CPA) posts resources for professional development and jobs on its website to help local psychologists find employment.
While in-state opportunities will rise slowly, psychologists can benefit from Connecticut psychology license reciprocity. As of 2023, Colorado is one of 38 participating states in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), which allows psychologists to practice telepsychology and provide temporary in-person services in other states without obtaining additional licenses (PSYPACT, n.d.).
Role
Projected Job Growth Nationwide (2020-2030)
Projected Job Growth in CT (2020-2030)
Psychologists, All Other
2%
10.7%
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
10.2%
9.8%
Psychiatrists
12.5%
5.6%
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
10.4%
5.1%
Psychiatric Technicians
12.8%
2.4%
The Constitution State also offers psychologists some of the most attractive salaries in the nation. According to 2022 BLS reports, Connecticut is the fifth-highest-paying state for psychiatrists and psychology teachers. It is also the fourth-highest-paying for psychiatric technicians, who earn about $55,040 in-state versus the $40,760 national average (U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, n.d.).
Role
Average Salary in CT
Average Salary Nationwide
Psychiatrists
$308,690
$247,350
Psychologists, All Other
$102,970
$99,560
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists
$112,280
$102,740
Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary
$98,950
$88,470
Psychiatric Technicians
$55,040
$40,760
Educational Requirements for Psychologists in Connecticut
To qualify for a psychology license in Connecticut, you must hold a doctorate from a program or institution approved by the American Psychological Association (APA). If your degree is not APA-approved, it will be subject to individual review by the Connecticut State Board of Examiners of Psychology (CSBEP). Should it not satisfy licensure requirements, you may be required to complete the required coursework post-doctorally in an APA-accredited program.
Moreover, your degree should focus on a clinical or applied area of psychology. If your degree is not aligned, you must pursue re-specialization in an applied psychology program approved by the APA (Connecticut Department of Public Health, n.d.).
Connecticut Licensure Application and Renewal Process
Psychology license in Connecticut requirements include a doctoral degree, supervised work experience, and passing scores on two pre-licensure exams. To help you stay on track with your submissions, we have listed the license application and renewal process in order.
Earn a Doctoral Degree
Both a Ph.D. in Psychology and a Doctor of Psychology (Psy.D.) can count towards prerequisites for a psychology license in Connecticut. A Ph.D. in Psychology is typically research-focused and can be completed in five to seven years. Meanwhile, a Psy.D. is practice-focused and can be completed in four to six years. These programs typically do not require a master’s credential for admission but may require a psychology-related bachelor’s credential like a business psychology undergraduate degree.
Submit Your Applicant Information
Following your doctoral graduation, you can register as a psychology license applicant online. To do this, you must create an account on the State of Connecticut’s eLicense website, fill out an applicant information form, and pay the $565 psychology license in Connecticut cost (Connecticut State Department of Public Health, n.d.). Once your registration form has been reviewed, you will receive an email with instructions to move forward in the application process.
Gain Clinical Experience
As part of CT psychologist licensure requirements, you must submit documentation of at least 1,610 hours of supervised work experience (SWE). You must serve 35 hours a week for 46 weeks over 12 consecutive months to satisfy the minimum requirement. Alternatively, you can complete 1,800 hours over 24 consecutive months. Hours completed as part of a required internship will not count.
While you obtain the SWE for a psychology license in Connecticut, you must be supervised by a licensed doctoral-level psychologist. For every 40 work hours, at least three must be under direct supervision; at least one should be allotted for individual, face-to-face supervision or consultations.
The state of Connecticut does not require license applicants to obtain provisional licenses while fulfilling their SWE requirements. However, the license exemption will be revoked if you do not pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) within two years of completing the required experience (Connecticut State Department of Public Health, n.d.).
Submit Requirements for a Psychology License in Connecticut
Once you have completed the required SWE, you must submit your application requirements to the Connecticut State Department of Public Health (DPH) to move on to the next step of the licensing process. At this stage, your submission should include:
An official transcript from your doctoral psychology program, mailed directly from your school
Verification of completed supervised work experience hours, mailed directly from your supervisor
If your degree is not appropriately accredited: a Verification of Doctoral Education Program Form, mailed directly from the evaluator
If you are substituting licensed work experience for SWE: a verification letter, mailed directly from your employer
If you are previously licensed: verification of all current and expired psychology licenses held
Pass the Licensure Exams
Once you have submitted the requirements for an online psychology license in Connecticut application, you will be advised to sit for two exams: the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the Connecticut Jurisprudence Examination.
The EPPP is a two-part exam that assesses understanding of psychological theories and their practical applications. You will receive a link and instructions to register for the exam online and subsequently, instructions for scheduling your exam. You must schedule and pay the exam fees within 60 days of registering; otherwise, you may incur a penalty. Sitting for the EPPP will cost you around $1,226: $688 for part one and $538 for part two (Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, n.d.). To count towards requirements for a psychology license in Connecticut, you must score at least 500 points (Connecticut State Department of Public Health, n.d.). You may have your score sent directly to the DPH through the ASPPB Score Transfer Service.
Meanwhile, the 25-item Jurisprudence Exam will test your knowledge of Connecticut legislation related to the practice of psychology. The exam is offered six times annually and does not charge a sitting fee. You must score 72.5% or higher for your result to count towards licensure requirements.
Receive Your License
State authorities will review your application within four weeks of receiving your complete requirements. Once approved, you will receive your psychology license in Connecticut and your credentials may be verified via CT psychology license lookup.
Renew Your License and Complete Required Continuing Education
In Connecticut, psychology licenses expire annually by the end of the license holder’s birth month. You will receive a notice 60 days before expiration, including instructions for online renewal. CT psychology license renewal will cost you $570 (Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards, n.d.). To renew, you must pay the fee and submit documentation of continuing education (CE).
Connecticut psychologists must complete at least 10 hours of CE each year after their first renewal. You can earn these hours by participating in approved courses, seminars, workshops, and programs. No more than five hours may be completed remotely.
There is no subject matter requirement for your annual CE. However, in your second year as a licensed psychologist, and at least once every six years thereafter, two of your 10 CE hours must be allocated for training on mental health conditions common to veterans and their families, including PTSD, suicide, depression, and grief (Connecticut State Department of Public Health, n.d.).
After you submit your renewal fee and CE documentation online, you will be issued a new psychology license in Connecticut.
List of Top Psychology Programs in Connecticut for 2025
To help you decide which academic institution will prepare you best for a psychology license in Connecticut, we have highlighted schools offering top-ranked doctoral psychology degrees, including advanced degrees in business psychology.
Yale University
The Yale University Ph.D. psychology program, which offers five specialization options, is renowned worldwide. The rigorous curriculum highlights the historical and theoretical contexts of psychology, as well as the impact of psychology research on individual, community, and societal problems. Yale aims to graduate researchers who will broaden and deepen the knowledge base of psychology. As such, Ph.D. students are encouraged to develop independent research interests and participate in faculty-led studies. Admission to the program is highly competitive, enrolling only 15 new students each year.
Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)
University of Hartford
The University of Hartford’s Psy.D. program in Clinical Psychology is a practice-oriented program that prepares students to become competent, compassionate, and self-aware clinical psychologists. As a National Council of Schools and Programs of Professional Psychology (NCSPP) member, UHart has aligned the doctoral program curriculum with NCSPP standards for preparation, curriculum, and diversity of education for professional psychologists. This commitment is reflected in the diverse program faculty, students, and clients, as well as in its curriculum, which includes coursework on diversity and multicultural issues.
Program Length: Five to seven years
Tracks/concentrations: Child and Adolescent
Estimated Cost per Credit: $1,269
Required Credits to Graduate: 96
Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)
University of Connecticut
Ranked among the top psychology departments for total research and development spending by the National Science Foundation, the University of Connecticut provides an excellent foundation for a psychology career. The school offers a Ph.D. in Psychological Sciences with eight applied specializations. Students gain mastery of the field through classroom instruction, research, clinical practice, and outreach experiences. It has successfully prepared students to earn a psychology license in Connecticut. According to the university, 97% of Ph.D. graduates from the clinical psychology track became licensed psychologists.
Program Length: Five to six years
Tracks/concentrations: Behavioral Neuroscience and Neuroscience, Clinical Psychology, Developmental Psychology, Ecological Psychology, Industrial and Organizational Psychology, Language and Cognition, Social Psychology
Estimated Cost per Credit: $1,046
Required Credits to Graduate: 24-60
Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)
Understanding Connecticut’s Initiatives to Address the Psychologist Shortage
To bridge the gap between the demand for mental health services and the availability of qualified professionals, Connecticut has launched targeted initiatives to expand its psychologist workforce. These efforts include providing state-funded scholarships, loan repayment programs for mental health professionals working in underserved areas, and partnerships with local organizations to promote psychology careers among students.
Connecticut colleges and universities are also playing a critical role by designing innovative programs that align with state needs. Aspiring psychologists can explore such options through the best colleges for psychology in Connecticut to find programs that not only meet licensure requirements but also equip graduates to address the unique mental health challenges faced by the state’s population.
In addition, Connecticut has emphasized inter-state collaborations through the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), enabling licensed psychologists to offer telepsychology services across participating states. These measures aim to enhance accessibility to care, particularly in rural and underserved regions.
By taking advantage of these initiatives, both new and practicing psychologists can contribute meaningfully to addressing the state’s pressing mental health needs while advancing their professional development.
What factors should you consider when choosing an online psychology program?
When selecting an online Psy.D. program, prospective students must weigh various factors to ensure they receive a quality education that meets licensure requirements. Here are key considerations to guide your decision:
Accreditation: Ensure the program is accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) or a similarly recognized body. Accreditation confirms the program meets high academic standards and is often required for licensure. Learn more about online PsyD programs accredited to explore top options that align with your goals.
Program Format and Flexibility: Look for programs offering asynchronous classes and part-time options if you need to balance studies with personal or professional responsibilities. Flexible scheduling allows you to tailor the pace of your education to fit your lifestyle.
Clinical Practicum Opportunities: Online Psy.D. programs should provide access to local practicum placements. These opportunities are essential for gaining supervised work experience, a critical step toward obtaining a psychology license in Connecticut.
Faculty Expertise: Investigate the qualifications of program faculty. Choose programs led by experienced psychologists actively engaged in research or practice, as they offer valuable mentorship and industry insights.
Cost and Financial Aid: Compare tuition rates and explore available scholarships or grants. While online programs are often more affordable, ensure you budget for hidden costs like clinical fees or exam prep materials.
Licensure Preparation: Review the program’s licensure exam pass rates. Programs with high success rates on the EPPP and other licensure exams demonstrate their effectiveness in preparing students for professional practice.
What additional certifications can boost a psychologist's practice in Connecticut?
Expanding expertise through specialized certifications can enhance clinical offerings and position psychologists for emerging market demands. For instance, acquiring credentials in behavior analysis enables practitioners to implement targeted, evidence-based interventions. Psychologists may review the steps to become a BCBA as one such avenue. Additional certifications in areas like neuropsychological assessment, trauma-informed care, or child and adolescent therapy further diversify skill sets while promoting interdisciplinary collaboration and improved client outcomes.
How can psychologists in Connecticut promote mental health awareness within the community?
Psychologists in Connecticut can play an essential role in fostering mental health awareness and reducing stigma within their communities. Here are some effective ways they can make an impact:
Educational Workshops: Hosting workshops at schools, workplaces, and community centers helps educate the public on mental health, warning signs, and coping strategies, encouraging early intervention.
Collaboration with Local Organizations: Partnering with local organizations, such as nonprofits and health agencies, enables psychologists to reach diverse groups and advocate for mental health awareness in various community sectors.
Public Speaking Engagements: Psychologists can participate in public speaking events, webinars, or panel discussions on mental health topics to raise awareness and dispel common myths.
Social Media Campaigns: By sharing informative content on social media, psychologists can engage a broader audience, offering tips on mental wellness and encouraging conversations around mental health.
Community Support Programs: Developing community support groups for different mental health challenges provides a safe space for individuals to share experiences, fostering a supportive environment and reducing isolation.
Through these initiatives, psychologists can contribute to a more informed, compassionate community that values mental health care.
Professional Development and Career Advancement for Psychologists in Connecticut
As a psychologist in Connecticut, continual professional development is essential not only for license renewal but also for advancing your career. Participating in workshops, attending conferences, and pursuing additional certifications can increase your expertise and make you more competitive in the job market. Specializing in high-demand areas such as clinical neuropsychology, forensic psychology, or sports psychology can also open doors to more advanced roles with higher earning potential.
For those interested in flexible learning options, enrolling in an accredited online psychology degree program, like a 2-year psychology degree online, can help expand your knowledge base while balancing work and personal life. These programs allow you to explore niche topics and gain specialized skills that can lead to career advancement. Additionally, joining professional organizations such as the Connecticut Psychological Association (CPA) can provide networking opportunities, access to valuable resources, and the chance to collaborate with like-minded professionals on projects that promote mental health awareness and research in the state.
By committing to lifelong learning and actively engaging in the Connecticut psychology community, you can enhance your career prospects and make a lasting impact in the field.
What other licenses can psychologists in Connecticut pursue?
In addition to a psychologist license, professionals in the field may also be interested in obtaining a MFT license in Connecticut to expand their practice and career opportunities. This can involve working with families, couples, and individuals to address relationship issues and mental health concerns. By pursuing additional licenses and certifications, psychologists in Connecticut can enhance their skills, increase their job prospects, and provide more comprehensive services to their clients.
How can psychologists enhance substance abuse intervention strategies in Connecticut?
Psychologists can broaden their practice by integrating targeted approaches for substance abuse, aligning mental health treatment with addiction recovery. Building strategic partnerships with local treatment centers and community health initiatives enables early detection of co-occurring disorders and supports comprehensive care. Specialized training and certification can further equip professionals to design effective dual-diagnosis treatment plans. For a focused career pathway in this area, consider exploring how to become a substance abuse counselor in Connecticut.
How can psychologists leverage academic research to enhance community mental health?
Psychologists can extend their clinical expertise by establishing research collaborations with academic institutions and community organizations. Such partnerships enable data-driven treatment innovations, offer opportunities to partake in cutting-edge clinical trials, and support the development of community programs tailored to unique local needs. Engaging with university-led initiatives can also provide access to advanced methodologies and tools—informing best practices that improve patient outcomes. For professionals looking to bridge research with practice, exploring academic pathways, such as how to become a school psychologist in Connecticut, may offer valuable insights into integrating research findings into everyday clinical settings.
How can psychologists diversify their practice with behavior analysis?
Board certification in behavior analysis offers psychologists an opportunity to broaden their clinical repertoire and adopt integrative treatment approaches. This certification enhances evidence-based intervention skills and supports collaboration with multidisciplinary teams, ultimately improving client outcomes. Psychologists seeking to expand into behavior analytic services can access targeted training programs and clear pathways for certification. For detailed guidance, review how to become a BCBA in Connecticut.
How can psychologists access affordable advanced behavior analysis training?
Psychologists aiming to expand their expertise through behavior analysis may find that selecting cost-effective training programs is essential for long-term career sustainability. Evaluating program affordability alongside accreditation, curriculum quality, and certification outcomes can help streamline the decision-making process. Access to well-reviewed, competitive programs is available through resources like BCBA online programs, which provide insights into online options that balance quality with affordability without sacrificing rigorous standards.
What steps can psychologists take to integrate counseling licensure into their practice?
Psychologists aiming to broaden their service offerings may consider pursuing dual licensure in counseling. This additional credential can enhance treatment flexibility, enabling professionals to address a wider spectrum of mental health needs and foster stronger interdisciplinary collaborations. Evaluating the overlap between psychology and counseling coursework, securing necessary supervised experience, and meeting state-specific examination requirements are essential steps. For detailed guidance on aligning your current qualifications with counseling pathways, review how to become an LPC in Connecticut.
How can psychologists collaborate with social workers to enhance holistic care?
Integrating the expertise of social workers and psychologists can help address the multifaceted needs of clients by merging clinical therapy with robust social support. By forging interdisciplinary relationships, practitioners can share insights on community resources, improve referral frameworks, and jointly develop strategies that consider both psychological and socio-environmental factors. Understanding the educational pathways in both fields is essential; for instance, learn more from our guide What degree do you need to be a social worker in Connecticut? to facilitate effective collaboration.
How can psychologists transition into forensic psychology roles in Connecticut?
Psychologists interested in exploring forensic domains can enhance their practice by incorporating crime-related assessments and legal collaboration into their service model. This transition involves targeted forensic training and certification programs that develop expertise in evaluating criminal behavior and supporting legal proceedings. Professionals can further diversify their clinical offerings by integrating specialized methodologies that address forensic case evaluations. For detailed guidance on necessary steps and certification pathways, please refer to how to become a criminal psychologist in Connecticut.
How do evolving regulatory standards affect psychologist practice in Connecticut?
Recent updates in state and federal regulations are reshaping practice protocols, licensure requirements, and reimbursement policies in Connecticut. Staying informed on these changes enables psychologists to adapt their clinical model, maintain compliance, and explore alternative pathways such as dual licensure for enhanced service offerings. Monitoring these guidelines can also reveal strategic opportunities for integrated practice innovations. For professionals evaluating expedited licensure options, consulting resources like the shortest path to become a counselor in Connecticut may offer valuable insights.
Earn Your Psychology License in Connecticut
Connecticut is an ideal place to pursue a psychology career, with opportunities available in various professional settings. Obtaining a psychology license in Connecticut allows you to practice in-state and to take advantage of lucrative job opportunities throughout the country.
The top-notch psychology programs offered in Connecticut can set you up for success in your career. With a strong educational foundation and a CT psychology license, you will be well-positioned to apply psychology to business, educate the next generation of mental health practitioners, and directly impact patients’ lives.
Key Insights
Growing Demand for Mental Health Services: Connecticut is experiencing a significant need for mental health services, with 30% of adults reporting symptoms of anxiety or depression and 23.2% not receiving necessary treatment. This unmet demand presents opportunities for psychologists.
Lucrative Salaries: Psychologists in Connecticut enjoy some of the highest salaries in the nation. For example, clinical and counseling psychologists earn an average salary of $112,280, significantly higher than the national average of $102,740.
Licensure Reciprocity: Connecticut participates in the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), allowing licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology and provide temporary in-person services in other participating states without additional licenses.
Educational Requirements: To become a licensed psychologist in Connecticut, you must hold a doctoral degree from an APA-approved program, complete supervised work experience, and pass the EPPP and Connecticut Jurisprudence Examination.
Top-Ranked Programs: Institutions like Yale University, University of Hartford, and University of Connecticut offer top-ranked doctoral programs in psychology, providing robust training and research opportunities.
FAQ
What is the job outlook for psychologists in Connecticut?
The job outlook for psychologists in Connecticut shows a slower growth rate compared to the national average. However, niche roles such as sports psychology are expected to grow faster, with a projected growth rate of 10.7% from 2020 to 2030.
What are the average salaries for psychologists in Connecticut?
Psychologists in Connecticut earn competitive salaries, with clinical and counseling psychologists making an average of $112,280 annually. Psychiatrists earn an average of $308,690, making Connecticut one of the highest-paying states for these roles.
What are the educational requirements to become a licensed psychologist in Connecticut?
To become a licensed psychologist in Connecticut, you must obtain a doctoral degree in psychology from an APA-approved program, complete supervised work experience, and pass the EPPP and the Connecticut Jurisprudence Examination.
How do I apply for a psychology license in Connecticut?
After earning a doctoral degree, you can register as a psychology license applicant on the Connecticut eLicense website. You must submit your application, including your official transcript and verification of supervised work experience, and pay the application fee of $565.
What are the requirements for supervised work experience in Connecticut?
You need to complete at least 1,610 hours of supervised work experience, which can be achieved by working 35 hours a week for 46 weeks over 12 consecutive months or 1,800 hours over 24 consecutive months. Supervision must be provided by a licensed doctoral-level psychologist.
What exams do I need to pass to become a licensed psychologist in Connecticut?
You need to pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) and the Connecticut Jurisprudence Examination. The EPPP is a two-part exam that assesses psychological theories and their practical applications, while the Jurisprudence Exam tests your knowledge of Connecticut laws related to psychology.
How often do I need to renew my psychology license in Connecticut?
Psychology licenses in Connecticut expire annually at the end of the license holder's birth month. Renewal requires payment of a $570 fee and submission of documentation for continuing education, including 10 hours of CE each year.
Which universities in Connecticut offer top-ranked psychology programs?
Yale University, University of Hartford, and University of Connecticut offer top-ranked doctoral programs in psychology, providing comprehensive training and research opportunities for aspiring psychologists.
What continuing education is required for license renewal in Connecticut?
Connecticut psychologists must complete at least 10 hours of continuing education each year after their first renewal. This includes training on mental health conditions common to veterans and their families at least once every six years.
Can I practice psychology in other states with a Connecticut license?
Yes, Connecticut is part of the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact (PSYPACT), allowing licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology and provide temporary in-person services in other participating states without obtaining additional licenses.
U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (n.d.). 25-1066 Psychology Teachers, Postsecondary. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Retrieved September 18, 2023, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes251066.htm