How to become a psychologist: 5 steps to get started

Psychology courses are available on multiple levels, such as certificate and diploma courses, bachelor’s degrees, and psychology postgraduate degrees. 

You can access these courses full-time, part-time or online. A psychology course comprises learning and understanding of human brain development, consciousness, behavior, and personality, among other topics.

Let’s take a look at the following points to know how to become a psychologist – 

Get a degree

The first steps to becoming a psychologist starts with passing the 10+2 exam with Psychology as one of the subjects.

Complete a Bachelor’s degree in psychology focusing on “personality development, psychotherapy, stress management, and neuro-psychology” in the curriculum.

As you move towards a post-graduate degree, you can also opt for a specialization that aligns with your area of interest.

After completing your Master’s degree, you can also opt for a Ph.D. or M.Phil program for further education. These doctoral programs focus more on research, which is beneficial for pursuing either a research or teaching profession. 

Several online psychology programs are available to enhance the knowledge you’ve gained through the traditional courses. Many schools and institutions also offer online psychology courses that allow students to learn at their pace. 

While studying via an online class, you can access online assistance without the need to travel. Working professionals have more flexibility when it comes to earning their degrees. 

Picking up a specialization

Another step in your quest to become a psychologist is to pick a specialization that aligns with your interest.

Students are taught a bit of everything in their undergraduate program, whereas postgraduate studies allow them to specialize in a field or subject. 

Specialization allows you to be more proficient in the subject of your interest.

Your interest in a specialization might help you narrow down your psychology degree options. 

Some of the various specializations include – 

• Clinical Psychologists, 
• Community Psychologists, 
• Counselling Psychologists, 
• Developmental Psychologists, 
• Environmental Psychologists, 
• Forensic Psychologists, 
• Health Psychologists, 
• Rehabilitation Psychologists, and 
• School Psychologists

Developing the Necessary Qualities

While we are answering your question about how to become a psychologist, developing the necessary skills is equally important as taking up the right educational route.

You should possess the following qualities if you wish to be successful in the field of psychology – 

• Good communication abilities to successfully advise people suffering from mental illnesses
• An analytical mind for an accurate diagnosis
• Patience as the patients recover. Psychologists will also help you stay calm under pressure while dealing with a tedious case.

Go for an Internship

You must opt for an internship after completing your degree. An internship in the psychology field can help you ‌get hands-on experience and the correct guidance while working with professional psychologists.

It is important to note that you must complete an internship as part of your curriculum if you are pursuing a doctorate because internships are a prerequisite for becoming a licensed psychologist. 

Internships are available in clinical, counseling, educational, and healthcare settings. These settings include – 

• Research Labs, 
• Mental Health Centres, 
• Hospitals, 
• College and University Counselling Centres, and 
• Cognitive Development Labs and others.

Obtain a license

‘How to become a licensed psychologist’ is yet another most important question you may have while becoming one.

To practice psychology, you must first get a license from the licensing authority in your country. The rules to obtain a license vary based on location. 

The license requirements may also change based on your specializations. For example, the requirements for a school psychologist may be different from that of an industrial psychologist.

What we have to say

With the above-mentioned points, we believe that how to become a psychologist isn’t a daunting question for you anymore.

Not everyone who studies psychology works as a psychologist. A psychology degree may open many doors and lead to various occupations in businesses and organizations globally.

However, the most significant advantage of a psychology degree is that it will help you get better at assisting others in leading a peaceful and enriching life.

Comment below and share your thoughts with us!

FAQ’s

Q1. Do you need to pass the NEET exam to become a psychologist?

Answer – No, you do not need to pass a NEET exam to become a psychologist.

Q2. Do you need to take Maths as a subject in your 12th grade to become a psychologist?

Answer – No, you needn’t take Maths as a subject in your 12th grade to become a psychologist.

Q3. Is Psychology an art or science?

Answer – Psychology is officially a field of science.