Become a Psychologist in Alabama - AL

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: January, 7 2010

From the sunny beaches on Alabama’s Gulf Coast to the “Rocket City” of Huntsville, this state offers scenic natural beauty, historic landmarks and a growing arts and culture scene. To those interested in knowing how to become a psychologist in Alabama this may be very appealing. Work and quality of life meld in a way that makes it easy to see why over 500 Psychologists call Alabama home.

How to Become a Psychologist in Alabama:

• Obtain the Alabama license application package (available only by regular mail) by submitting an e-mail request to: albdpsychology@mindspring.com
• Be of good moral character and at least 19 years of age
• Have a doctoral degree granted from an accredited school or department of psychology
• Pass the Examination for the Professional Practice of Psychology (EPPP)
• Complete Alabama’s Professional Standards Examination (PSE), achieving a minimum passing score of 80 percent
• Not be engaged in unethical practices, per the Ethical Principles of Psychologists and Code of Conduct of the American Psychological Association (APA)
• Not have failed an exam given by the Board within the six months prior to license application
• Submit the completed and notarized psychology licensure application form with all required documents and fees to the Board

Worthy of mention for students interested in learning how to become a psychologist in Alabama is the fact that the Alabama State Board recognizes areas of specialization in Clinical, Counseling, Industrial / Organization and School psychology, provided applicants have met all other requirements for licensure and are graduates of on APA-accredited program (including completing any required associated APA-accredited internships). Recognition of specialty areas outside the aforementioned may be granted, subject to Board approval, provided that applicants meet all other state requirements for licensure and are credentialed in these specialties by the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP). Alabama applicants seeking specialty area recognition and unable to meet either of the above conditions should review special alternative options available on the Board’s website.

Currently, the State of Alabama has no formal reciprocity agreements with any of the other U.S. states. Practitioners holding current or past valid psychology licenses from other states must meet all Alabama licensure requirements. However, these candidates are strongly encouraged to review the information on the Board’s website and, as appropriate, to contact the Board, since certain licensing prerequisites may be subject to waiver.

License renewal is an annual requirement that must be completed by October 15 each year.