WHAT ARE PSYCHOLOGISTS?

In California, licensed clinical psychologists hold a doctoral degree in Psychology, spend two full time years in pre- and post-doctoral internships and are required to pass state tests to be licensed by the Board of Psychology to engage in independent practice.  The Board of Psychology requires that licenses be renewed every two years.  Renewal is not automatic, psychologists have to show proof of updating their knowledge base.  The Board of Psychology might require a certain course for that licensing cycle.  Psychologists spend an average of 7.2 years, in addition to their undergraduate college degree, in education and training.  Other states might have other requirements. To find out more about the Board of Psychology, click here.

Not all psychologists have to have a license.  Researchers and College Professors do not need a license. 
Educational psychologists can have master’s level of doctoral level education and are specialists in the school settings and educational matters.  Educational Psychologists have their own licensing requirements.

PSYCHOLOGISTS CANNOT PRESCRIBE MEDICATIONS IN THE STATE OF CALIFORNIA

You may have read reports that in some states psychologists have been allowed to prescribe certain medications.  At this time, California psychologists are not licensed to do so.  If you need medication support for your mental health issues you would seek a psychiatrist or your family physician.