Licensed Psychologist (Psy.D., Ph.D., or LP)

Licensed Psychologists provide counseling and psychotherapy services for clients dealing with a variety of mental health issues or disorders. Typically, a Licensed Psychologist would be involved in more serious or difficult issues than would a Licensed Professional Counselor, but that is not always the case.

Psychologists are the only mental health professionals required to hold a doctorate degree. Other mental health professionals such as Professional Counselors, Licensed Marriage & Family Therapists and Social Workers are typically only required to hold a Master's degree for licensure. Licensed Clinical Psychologists cannot prescribe medication - a function limited to Psychiatrists and other medical doctors, but psychology associations are pushing hard for the right to do so.

For licensure, most states require that a psychology doctorate program include an internship (sometimes called a residency) of one year, which includes supervised work experience with clients. Psychologists can hold a doctorate from a traditional Ph.D. program or the newer Psy.D. program. A Ph.D. program focuses both on academic research and clinical patient treatment while a Psy.D. program focuses much more on the clinical side.

After graduation, Licensed Psychologists must complete 2000 to 3000 hours of supervised work experience, and must pass a licensure exam. For license renewal, some states require psychologists to complete between 20-40 hours of continuing education.