About Psychologists

PSYCHOLOGISTS:

  • Are one of several types of mental health care providers in Michigan.
  • Diagnose, evaluate and treat emotional disorders, mental diseases, stress, anxiety, substance misuse and psychological components of physical diseases.
  • Promote optimal physical health and well-being by addressing behavioral determinants of health
  • Are uniquely qualified and trained to administer and interpret psychological tests, which provide information useful in diagnosing psychological problems and developing appropriate treatment plans.
  • Work in a variety of settings, including but not limited to: private offices, inpatient facilities, medical hospitals, community mental health boards, universities, schools and the corrections system.
  • Apply their knowledge and training to help resolve individual, family, group, organizational and societal problems.
  • Often work with attorneys on legal problems with psychological dimensions, such as divorce, child custody questions, personal injury lawsuits, commitment proceedings and criminal charges.

The psychotherapy component of psychologists' training is significantly larger than the same component in the training of all other mental health care providers, including psychiatrists.

Qualifications of Licensed Clinical Psychologists in Michigan:

The State of Michigan issues a license to individuals to practice as psychologists, who are independent healthcare providers. To be a Fully Licensed Clinical Psychologist (independent practice) the following requirements must be met:

  1. The person must attain a doctoral degree in psychology. Required coursework deals with knowledge about general human behavior, as well as abnormal and dysfunctional behavior. The person must understand the biological, social and cognitive bases of human behavior as well as cultural, family, gender and individual differences.
  2. The person must complete one to one-and-one-half years of closely supervised clinical work prior to completion of the doctorate as a practitioner and intern student. This clinical experience must be acceptable both to the clinical site and to the university to qualify as part of the training.
  3. The person must pass a standard National Examination (passing score of 500) that evaluates the individual's knowledge of key areas related to what an independent practicing psychologist needs to know.
  4. After completing all of the above the person must complete 2,000 hours of post-degree supervised experience in no more than two consecutive years.

On average, the training and experience required for the Full License in Michigan take about seven to nine years after finishing college.

Qualifications of Limited Licensed Psychologists in Michigan:

The State of Michigan issues a license to individuals to practice as psychologists.  To be a Limited Licensed Psychologist the following requirements must be met:

  1. The person must attain a doctoral or master's degree in psychology. Required 45-60 credit hours and coursework deals with knowledge about general human behavior, as well as abnormal and dysfunctional behavior. The person must understand the biological, social and cognitive bases of human behavior as well as cultural, family, gender and individual differences.
  2. The person must complete 500 supervised clinical hours.
  3. The person must pass a standard National Examination (passing score of 450) that evaluates the individual's knowledge of key areas related to what a practicing psychologist needs to know.
  4. Limited licensed psychologists practice under the supervision of licensed psychologists except in governmental and non-profit settings.
  5. Specifics on lifetime supervision are as follows:
  • Two hours/month for individual with less than 10 years of license
  • One hour/month for individuals with more than 10 years of license


Members of the American Psychological Association, of which the Michigan Psychological Association is an affiliate, are bound by strict ethical guidelines that are enforced by the state association. State and Federal laws protect confidentiality, medical records, and information.