Fastest Growing Psychology Major Jobs for 2025

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

The demand for psychologists is projected to grow by 7% annually from 2024-2033, according to the BLS. This makes it one of the most in-demand majors in the United States. But with so many graduates entering the field, students and recent grads are asking a critical question: Which psychology career paths are growing the fastest—and offer the best opportunities for impact and income?

In this article, we’ll explore the fastest growing jobs for psychology majors, from traditional roles like counseling to emerging careers in tech, healthcare, and business—so you can align your education with a future-focused career path.

Key Things to Know About the Fastest Growing Psychology Major Jobs

Psychology majors are no longer limited to clinical or counseling roles—jobs in tech (like UX research), healthcare, education, and business are expanding rapidly, creating diverse opportunities for graduates.
While many entry-level jobs are available with a bachelor’s degree, the fastest-growing and highest-paying psychology careers—such as clinical psychologist, industrial-organizational psychologist, or licensed counselor—often require a master’s or doctoral degree.
The demand for mental health professionals has surged, with roles like behavioral therapists, licensed counselors, and school psychologists among the fastest growing due to increased public awareness and healthcare funding.
Psychology majors with strong research, statistics, or data analysis skills are in demand in roles like market research analyst, human factors specialist, and behavioral data scientist—areas seeing rapid job growth.
Many of the fastest growing careers, especially in clinical and counseling psychology, require state licensure or national certification. Understanding these requirements early can help you plan your academic and professional path more effectively.

What are the fastest growing psychology major jobs?
What are the typical salaries for fastest growing psychology positions?
What are the fastest growing psychology jobs by state?
What’s the fastest growing psychology role in healthcare?
Are psychology jobs more available in urban or rural areas?
What are the fastest growing government jobs for psychology graduates?
What are the highest paying psychology jobs in 2025?
How does graduate school impact salary and job outlook for psychology majors?
Is the Return on Investment Worth the Cost of an Advanced Psychology Degree?
What Additional Certifications and Specialized Training Can Bolster Your Psychology Career?
What Are the Key Qualities of Affordable Marriage and Family Therapy Programs?
What is the fastest way to become a counselor?
What psychology careers require a master’s or doctoral degree?
Which growing fields hire psychology majors without a graduate degree?
Other Things To Know About Fastest Growing Psychology Major Jobs

What are the fastest growing psychology major jobs?

Based on current data and projections, here are some of the fastest-growing psychology major jobs:

Mental Health Counselors

This field is experiencing significant growth due to increasing awareness of mental health, reduced stigma, and greater access to care. Substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors, as well as marriage and family therapists, fall under this umbrella and are projected to see substantial employment increases.

Around 11-18% is the projected growth for mental health counselors through 2032, which is much faster than the average for all occupations. For those wondering, can you be a clinical psychologist with a master's, roles like mental health counseling are often more accessible at the master’s level, although full clinical psychologist licensure typically requires a doctorate.

Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychologists

These professionals apply psychological principles to the workplace, aiming to improve employee productivity, satisfaction, and organizational effectiveness. As businesses recognize the importance of employee well-being and efficient work environments, the demand for I-O psychologists is rising.

While some sources cite slightly lower overall growth for "psychologists, all other" which includes I-O psychologists (around 5-6%), the field is consistently highlighted for its increasing relevance in modern organizations.

School Psychologists

With a growing emphasis on students' mental health and well-being, and often high counselor-to-student ratios in schools, the demand for school psychologists is expected to increase at a faster-than-average rate.

Around 10-11% is cited in some reports for the broader category of clinical, counseling, and school psychologists. More specifically, one source indicates a 6% growth for school psychologists from 2021 to 2031, which is about as fast as the average for all occupations.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA) Therapists:

This field focuses on understanding and changing behavior, often working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities. The increasing recognition of ABA's effectiveness has led to high demand for qualified therapists.

While specific overall growth rates for ABA therapists alone are harder to pinpoint in general statistics for psychologists, the field is consistently described as a "rising star" and experiencing "widespread recognition" and increasing demand.

Forensic Psychologists

This field, which applies psychological principles to legal and criminal justice settings, is also noted for its growth and high interest. Forensic psychologists work in various capacities, including criminal profiling, assessing competency, and providing expert testimony.

While specific numbers vary, forensic psychology is frequently mentioned as one of the "fastest-growing psychology careers" due to increasing interest in understanding criminal behavior.

What are the typical salaries for fastest growing psychology positions?

In 2023, a total of 140,711 students earned bachelor’s degrees in psychology, highlighting the continued popularity and foundational importance of the discipline at the undergraduate level across the United States.

Here are the typical salary ranges for the fastest-growing psychology major jobs in the United States as of May 2025:

Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors: The average annual salary typically ranges from $57,000 to $75,000, with entry-level positions potentially starting in the $40,000s to low $50,000s. Experienced counselors can earn upwards of $88,000 to $101,000 or more in some regions.
Marriage and Family Therapists: The average annual salary is generally between $63,000 and $85,000, with a broader range from the high $40,000s to over $118,000 depending on experience, location, and employer.
Clinical and Counseling Psychologists: The median annual wage is approximately $81,000 to $96,000, but salaries can vary significantly from around $48,000 to over $168,000 based on factors like specialization, years of experience, and work setting.

In related fields, speech language pathologist demand has also been on the rise, reflecting the broader need for professionals who address communication and developmental challenges—often working alongside psychologists and therapists in schools and healthcare environments.

The following chart presents data on psychology degrees awarded in the United States during the 2023 academic year. It breaks down the number of degrees conferred at various levels, from bachelor's to doctoral degrees, offering insights into the landscape of psychology education.

What are the fastest growing psychology jobs by state?

Employment projections and growth rates for specific psychology major jobs are often reported at a national level or sometimes for broader regions. State-level data tends to focus on overall employment numbers and sometimes average salaries rather than precise growth percentages for each specialization.

However, based on a combination of national trends, areas with reported high need, and projected growth for specific psychology fields, we can infer some states where certain psychology jobs are likely to be among the fastest growing.

Across the nation, 1,455 accredited institutions offered psychology programs in 2023, including the accelerated psychology programs online, demonstrating the wide accessibility of psychology as a major and the broad support for this academic path within higher education.

Here's a breakdown considering both overall demand and projected growth of key psychology specializations:

Utah: This state frequently appears as having a high need for mental healthcare providers and strong job projections for psychologists overall. Given the national trend, mental health counselors (including substance abuse and behavioral disorder counselors) and school psychologists are likely to be among the fastest-growing roles here to meet this demand.
Oregon: Oregon shows a high median salary adjusted for the cost of living and projects over 10% job growth for psychologists overall. With a reported above-average rate of mental illness, the demand for clinical and counseling psychologists, as well as mental health counselors, is expected to be significant and growing.
Texas and Florida: These states have large and growing populations, which generally translates to an increased need for mental health services across various sectors. While one source suggests Florida might be becoming saturated for therapists, the sheer population growth likely still fuels demand for school psychologists, mental health counselors, and potentially I-O psychologists in expanding businesses. Texas is frequently mentioned as having high demand for mental health professionals.
Washington: This state shows a strong projected employment change for psychologists. Similar to Oregon, the need for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists is likely to be on the rise. Additionally, the presence of major tech companies could drive growth in Industrial-Organizational Psychology roles.
Arizona and Georgia: These states are listed as having strong projected employment metrics for psychologists. This suggests growth across various specializations, with mental health counseling, school psychology, and potentially I-O psychology benefiting from overall population and economic growth.

Total accredited psychology programs in 2023

What is the fastest growing psychology role in healthcare?

Based on current trends and projections, Mental Health Counselors represent one of the fastest-growing psychology major jobs within the broader healthcare sector.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors will experience a growth rate of 18% from 2022 to 2032, which is significantly faster than the average for all occupations. This substantial growth is driven by increasing awareness of mental health issues, reduced stigma surrounding seeking help, and greater integration of mental health services within healthcare settings. As healthcare systems increasingly recognize the importance of addressing the psychological well-being of patients, the demand for qualified mental health counselors is expected to continue its rapid rise. This also means that the demand for the most affordable online psychology degree will continue to rise.

Are psychology jobs more available in urban or rural areas?

While it might seem intuitive that more psychology major jobs would be available in densely populated urban areas, the reality for psychology jobs in the U.S. presents a more nuanced picture. In 2023, a total of 7,194 doctorate degrees in psychology were awarded by colleges for doctorate in psychology, underscoring the field’s strong emphasis on research, clinical expertise, and academic leadership at the highest level of education.

Here's a breakdown of job availability in urban versus rural areas:

Urban Areas

Higher Concentration of Positions: Cities generally have a larger number of psychology-related jobs due to the higher population density, leading to more hospitals, clinics, schools, universities, and private practices.
More Specialization Opportunities: Urban areas often allow for greater specialization due to a larger client base and more diverse institutions. You might find more niche roles in areas like neuropsychology, forensic psychology, or specific types of therapy.
Greater Competition: The higher concentration of jobs also attracts more professionals, potentially leading to greater competition for available positions.
Better Access to Resources and Professional Networks: Cities typically offer more opportunities for professional development, networking, and access to specialized resources.

Rural Areas

Significant Shortages and High Demand: Rural areas across the U.S. face a critical shortage of mental health professionals, including psychologists. This translates to a high demand for services and potentially more job openings relative to the number of professionals.
Less Competition: Due to the challenges of living and working in rural areas (e.g., isolation, fewer amenities), there may be less competition for available positions.
Broad Scope of Practice: Psychologists in rural settings often need to be generalists, addressing a wider range of mental health issues due to the limited number of specialists.
Challenges in Recruitment and Retention: Rural areas often struggle to attract and retain mental health professionals due to factors like lower salaries, professional isolation, and lifestyle differences.
Incentive Programs: To address the shortages, some states and federal programs offer incentives (e.g., loan repayment) for psychologists who work in designated Health Professional Shortage Areas (HPSAs), which are often in rural locations.

What are the fastest growing government jobs for psychology graduates?

In the 2022-23 academic year, 38,033 individuals completed master’s degrees in psychology, reflecting a growing trend of students seeking advanced training and specialization to access more competitive and higher-paying roles within the field.

Based on current trends, areas of high need within government, and the general growth of certain psychology specializations, here are some government job sectors likely to see significant growth for psychology graduates in the U.S.:

Mental Health Counselors within Government Agencies: With increasing awareness of mental health needs, government agencies at the federal, state, and local levels are expanding their mental health services. This includes roles in departments of health and human services, correctional facilities, and veterans' affairs, driving demand for counselors with a psychology background. The national projection for substance abuse, behavioral disorder, and mental health counselors is very strong.
School Psychologists in Public Education: The demand for school psychologists continues to rise due to a greater focus on students' mental health and well-being, and efforts to reduce counselor-to-student ratios. Federal and state mandates often support the hiring of more school psychologists. For those weighing career paths in education, it also sparks broader questions like "is a teaching degree worth it?"—especially when roles like school psychology offer both educational impact and specialized training.
Correctional Psychologists and Counselors: The correctional system has a significant need for professionals who understand criminal behavior, provide mental health services to inmates, and assist with rehabilitation efforts. This area is likely to see growth as the focus on mental health within the justice system increases.
Social Workers with Psychology Backgrounds: Government social service agencies at all levels rely heavily on individuals with an understanding of human behavior and mental health. While a social work degree is common, a psychology background can be a strong asset in roles related to child welfare, family services, and support for vulnerable populations. The projected growth for social workers is faster than average.
Human Resources Specialists in Government: Psychology graduates often possess valuable skills in understanding human behavior, communication, conflict resolution, and employee relations, making them well-suited for HR roles within government agencies. As government agencies manage their workforce and focus on employee well-being and effectiveness, demand for skilled HR professionals, including those with psychology backgrounds, is expected to remain steady.

Federal Government Agencies with Psychology-Related Roles

Department of Veterans Affairs (VA): Employs numerous psychologists and mental health professionals to serve veterans.
Department of Health and Human Services (HHS): Includes agencies like the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and the Substance Abuse and Mental Health Services Administration (SAMHSA), which hire individuals with psychology expertise for research, policy, and service delivery.
Federal Bureau of Prisons (BOP): Employs psychologists for assessment, treatment, and counseling within federal correctional facilities.
Department of Defense (DoD): Hires psychologists for various roles within the military, including clinical care, research, and personnel management.
Department of Homeland Security (DHS): May employ individuals with psychology backgrounds in roles related to border security, emergency management, and analysis.

Total psychology master's degree conferred in 2023

What are the highest paying psychology major jobs in 2025?

Of all psychology master’s programs, counseling psychology stood out in 2023 by awarding 167,028 degrees, making up 31% of all psychology degrees granted, and indicating a significant demand for professionals trained to support mental health, career guidance, and personal development.

Based on available information and anticipated trends for 2025, here are some of the highest paying psychology jobs in the U.S., along with salary ranges. Please note that these figures are estimates and can vary based on experience, location, specialization, and employer:

Psychiatrist

While technically a medical doctor (MD or DO) specializing in mental health, psychiatry is closely related to psychology and often considered one of the highest-earning fields. Psychiatrists can prescribe medication, conduct therapy, and diagnose complex mental illnesses.

Estimated Average Salary: $208,000 - $335,000+ per year.

Neuropsychologist

These professionals focus on the relationship between the brain and behavior. They assess and treat cognitive and behavioral problems associated with brain disorders or injuries. This specialized field requires a doctoral degree and often a post-doctoral fellowship.

Estimated Average Salary: $103,000 - $140,000+ per year, with some sources citing averages closer to $120,000 - $130,000.

Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychologist

I-O psychologists apply psychological principles to the workplace to improve employee productivity, satisfaction, and organizational effectiveness. They work in consulting firms, large corporations, and government agencies. A doctoral degree is often preferred for higher-paying positions.

Estimated Average Salary: $110,000 - $147,000+ per year.

Engineering Psychologist

This field involves applying psychological principles to the design of products, systems, and technologies to improve usability, safety, and efficiency. They often work in technology companies, research labs, and government sectors. A Master's or Doctoral degree is typically required.

Estimated Average Salary: $90,000 - $146,000+ per year.

Forensic Psychologist

Forensic psychologists apply psychological principles to legal and criminal justice settings. They may conduct evaluations for the courts, provide expert testimony, and work with law enforcement or correctional facilities. A doctoral degree is generally necessary for most positions.

Estimated Average Salary: $92,000 - $105,000+ per year, with potential for higher earnings depending on experience and setting.

The next chart illustrates the distribution of psychology master's degrees conferred across different subfields in the United States in 2023. It highlights the relative popularity and prevalence of various specializations within master's-level psychology programs.

How does graduate school impact salary and job outlook for psychology majors?

Pursuing graduate school has a significant positive impact on both the salary and job outlook for psychology majors. While a bachelor's degree can open doors to some entry-level positions, a master's or doctoral degree is often essential for more specialized, higher-paying roles and independent practice.

Graduate education, such as a clinical psychology degree online, equips individuals with advanced knowledge, research skills, and clinical training, leading to greater job opportunities in fields like clinical, counseling, school, and industrial-organizational psychology, which are projected to grow faster than the average for all occupations. Furthermore, salaries for psychologists with graduate degrees are substantially higher compared to those with only a bachelor's degree, reflecting their advanced expertise and expanded scope of practice.

Is the Return on Investment Worth the Cost of an Advanced Psychology Degree?

Evaluating an advanced degree in psychology requires a careful analysis of both upfront expenses and long-term career benefits. Considerations include tuition costs, licensing fees, and the opportunity cost of time invested versus incremental earnings later on. Critical factors to review are program accreditation, clinical placement opportunities, and post-graduation employment rates. Prospective students may also benefit from comparing program affordability by reviewing the cheapest online PsyD programs to identify options that align financially with their career objectives.

What Additional Certifications and Specialized Training Can Bolster Your Psychology Career?

In today’s competitive job landscape, targeted certifications and specialized training provide an edge beyond advanced degrees. Earning industry-recognized credentials in areas such as digital mental health or data analytics for behavior research can diversify your capability and improve job market appeal. For instance, specialized study in forensic psychology opens unique avenues in legal and investigative sectors. Prospective candidates may explore cost-effective options offered by the cheapest online master's in forensic psychology to expand their expertise without incurring excessive expenses. Strategic investments in additional certifications ensure that professionals remain aligned with evolving industry standards and can seamlessly adapt to emerging demands in the psychology field.

What Are the Key Qualities of Affordable Marriage and Family Therapy Programs?

When evaluating marriage and family therapy programs that fit your budget, it is crucial to focus on accreditation standards, curriculum quality, clinical practicum opportunities, and flexible learning formats. Cost-effective programs often provide robust support services and career resources that align closely with industry requirements. Prospective students should verify that the institution is recognized by relevant accreditation bodies, ensuring that their education meets professional benchmarks. Additionally, examining graduation success rates and licensure outcomes can offer valuable insights into the program’s long-term value. For more information on cost-effective options for advanced studies in this field, consider reviewing cheap MFT programs online.

What is the fastest way to become a counselor?

Completing a counseling career efficiently involves selecting programs that integrate accelerated coursework with targeted clinical training. Focusing on degree pathways that combine classroom instruction and practical experience can help streamline licensure requirements without compromising quality. Assess program accreditation, state-specific guidelines, and practicum opportunities to minimize delays in entering the field. For additional insights on program duration and streamlined pathways, consider exploring resources that discuss how many years of college to be a counselor.

What psychology careers require a master’s or doctoral degree?

Many of the highest paying jobs with a psychology degree require a master's or doctoral for entry-level positions, independent practice, or specialized roles. Generally, positions involving direct clinical work, research, and teaching at the university level necessitate advanced degrees.

Within doctoral programs, clinical psychology represented 39% of all psychology PhDs awarded in 2023, showcasing its central role in training psychologists for practice in hospitals, private clinics, and academic research settings.

Here are some key psychology careers that typically require a master's or doctoral degree:

Careers Requiring a Doctoral Degree (PhD, PsyD, EdD)

Clinical Psychologist: Diagnoses and treats mental, emotional, and behavioral disorders. Often works in private practice, hospitals, mental health centers, and universities. Requires licensure, which mandates a doctorate.
Counseling Psychologist: Focuses on personal and interpersonal functioning across the lifespan, addressing issues like stress, relationships, and career development. Similar work settings to clinical psychologists and also requires a doctorate for licensure.
Neuropsychologist: Assesses and treats cognitive and behavioral problems related to brain function and disorders. Requires a doctorate and often a post-doctoral fellowship.
School Psychologist (Doctoral Level): While some school psychology positions may accept a master's degree (EdS or Master's), a doctorate often leads to more advanced roles, leadership positions, and sometimes higher salaries within school systems or private practice.
Industrial-Organizational (I-O) Psychologist (Doctoral Level): While some entry-level I-O roles might be available with a master's, research-intensive positions, consulting roles, and higher-level positions typically require a doctorate.

For those exploring related fields, questions like "do you need a masters for speech pathology?" often arise, since speech pathology also involves specialized training and typically requires at least a master’s degree for clinical certification and practice.

Careers Where a Master's Degree is Often the Minimum Requirement

Mental Health Counselor: Provides therapy and counseling services for individuals, couples, families, and groups dealing with various mental health and life issues. Requires a master's degree in counseling or a related field and state licensure.
Marriage and Family Therapist (LMFT): Specializes in addressing relationship issues and family dynamics. Requires a master's degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field and state licensure.
School Psychologist (Master's/EdS Level): Assesses and supports students' academic, social, emotional, and behavioral well-being within school settings. A Master's degree (MA, MS) or an Education Specialist (EdS) degree is the typical entry-level requirement, along with state certification.
Substance Abuse Counselor: Helps individuals struggling with addiction. While requirements vary by state and setting, a master's degree in counseling, social work, or a related field is increasingly preferred and often required for higher-level positions and independent practice.
Applied Behavior Analyst: Works with individuals with autism and other developmental disabilities to modify behavior using ABA principles. Requires a master's degree in behavior analysis or a related field and BCBA certification.

Clinical Psychology PhDs awarded in 2023

Which high growth sectors hire psychology majors without a graduate degree?

While an online doctorate in psychology degree significantly expands career options and earning potential for psychology majors, several growing fields hire individuals with a bachelor's degree. These roles often involve applying psychological principles in various helping, research, and business-oriented capacities. Here are some growing fields where a bachelor's in psychology can be valuable:

Mental Health and Social Services

This sector is experiencing significant growth due to increasing awareness of mental health needs and the expansion of social service programs.

Social and Human Service Assistants: These professionals assist social workers and psychologists in providing client services, including case management, intake interviews, and connecting clients with resources .The job outlook for social and human service assistants is projected to grow faster than average.
Psychiatric Technicians/Aides: They work under the supervision of psychiatrists and nurses, assisting patients with mental illnesses in hospitals, residential treatment centers, and other facilities. The demand for psychiatric technicians is expected to grow at an average rate.

Applied Behavior Analysis (ABA)

The demand for individuals working with individuals with autism spectrum disorder and other developmental disabilities is rapidly increasing.

Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs): RBTs work directly with clients under the supervision of Board Certified Behavior Analysts (BCBAs) to implement behavior intervention plans. While certification is required, a bachelor's degree in psychology is often a preferred qualification for this growing field.

Business and Human Resources

A psychology degree equips graduates with valuable skills in understanding human behavior, communication, and interpersonal dynamics, making them suitable for various roles in the business sector.

Human Resources Assistants/Specialists: Psychology majors can work in HR departments, assisting with recruitment, employee relations, training, and benefits administration. The HR field is expected to see steady growth.
Market Research Analysts: Understanding consumer behavior is central to market research. Psychology graduates' analytical and research skills are highly transferable to this field, which is projected to grow at an average rate.

Research

While leading independent research typically requires a graduate degree, bachelor's-level graduates can find positions as research assistants.

Research Assistants: They work under the supervision of a principal investigator, assisting with data collection, analysis, and other aspects of research projects in universities, hospitals, government agencies, and private research firms.

Here’s What Professionals Have to Say About Their Psychology Major Jobs

After earning my psychology degree, I became a behavioral therapist working with children on the autism spectrum. It’s incredibly fulfilling to see their progress each week, and the demand for specialists in this area means I’ve always had job security and opportunities for growth. Lena

I transitioned into user experience (UX) research after majoring in psychology, and it’s been an exciting blend of data, design, and human behavior. Companies are eager to hire people who understand how users think, making this one of the most dynamic and fast-growing career paths out there. Marcus

Becoming an industrial-organizational psychologist has allowed me to improve workplace culture and performance across several major companies. Not only is this field booming, but it also gives me a real sense of impact and influence on people's professional lives. Priya

Key Findings

140,711 bachelor's degrees in psychology were awarded across the United States in 2023.
A total of 38,033 master's degrees in psychology were granted in 2023, while 7,194 doctorate degrees in psychology were awarded in the same year.
1,455 institutions across the U.S. offered psychology majors in 2023.
Counseling psychology accounted for the highest number of psychology master's degrees awarded in 2023, with 167,028 degrees, representing 31% of all psychology degrees.
Clinical psychology doctorate degrees made up 39% of all psychology doctoral degrees awarded in 2023.

Other Things to Know About the Fastest Growing Psychology Major Jobs

What are good entry-level jobs for psychology majors?

Entry-level jobs for psychology majors often involve applying their understanding of human behavior in supportive roles. Common options include social and human service assistants, psychiatric aides, research assistants, and entry-level positions in human resources or market research, providing opportunities to gain practical experience and further explore career interests. These roles typically require a bachelor's degree in psychology and can serve as stepping stones to more advanced positions with further education.

Which entry-level psychology jobs have the most growth potential?

Several entry-level psychology jobs offer significant growth potential, particularly in the expanding fields of mental health and applied behavior analysis. Roles such as Substance Abuse and Behavioral Disorder Counselors and Registered Behavior Technicians (RBTs) are in high demand and provide opportunities for specialization and advancement with experience and further certifications. The increasing focus on mental health services and the growing recognition of ABA therapy contribute to the strong growth outlook for these positions.

How can you advance your career after an entry-level psychology role?

Advancing your psychology career after an entry-level role typically involves pursuing further education, such as a master's or doctoral degree, to qualify for more specialized and higher-paying positions like licensed therapist or psychologist. Gaining specific certifications (e.g., BCBA for ABA roles) and accumulating supervised clinical hours or research experience are also crucial steps for career progression and increased responsibility.

Do you need a license to get started in psychology-related roles?

The need for a license to work in psychology-related roles depends heavily on the specific job and your location. Roles involving direct clinical care, such as therapists and psychologists, almost always require a license to practice independently. However, some entry-level positions like research assistants or human service assistants may not require a specific psychology license to get started, although certifications might be beneficial.