Psychologist Degrees in Arkansas - AR

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

Psychologists study and analyze human behavior and the processes of the mind. Empathy is an important tool for students declaring a psychology major in Arkansas, but it takes intense training and education, usually culminating in a doctorate-level psychology degree in Arkansas, to earn the title of doctor.

A doctoral psychology degree in Arkansas rather denotes the title of Doctor of Psychology. Unlike psychiatrists, they are not medical doctors. Although a couple of U.S. states allow psychologists, after consultation with a psychiatrist, to prescribe medications, Arkansas is not one of them. Psychologists in Arkansas rely on “prescribing” tests such as the Rorschach (inkblot) test to remedy psychological maladies ranging from heartache to the mental effects of a debilitating spinal cord injury.

Psychologists in Arkansas may choose to practice in a hospital, medical facility, educational institution, or even in the sports world. However, 34% of psychologists in Arkansas are self-employed. These professionals delve into analyzing the behaviors and actions of their patients, whether the person is plagued with deep psychological issues or simple everyday issues. They can also focus on research through a university or private facility that offers a psychology degree in Arkansas.

A doctoral-level psychology degree in Arkansas is required for licensing as a psychologist in this state. Graduates who have a psychology major in Arkansas and who have specialized, increase their chances of employment and higher compensation. The comprehensive page of Allied Health Word (/psychology.html) provides an excellent listing of the specialties within this profession.

In lieu of an accredited internship, applicants who have declared a psychology major in Arkansas may complete a 2,000-hour one approved by the Arkansas Board of Psychology. If an applicant has a doctorate in acceptably related field from an accredited school, the Board may also grant such candidates a license.

Some associations beneficial in keeping psychologists abreast of industry trends and continuing education opportunities appear below.

American Psychological Association (APA)
(The largest association in the world, with 150,000 members)
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
(800)-374-2721
(202) 336-5500
www.APA.org

American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP)
(Certifies experienced psychologists who hold doctorate degrees and show competence in a specialty(ies))
600 Market Street, Suite 300
Chapel Hill, North Carolina 27516
(919) 537-8031
office@abpp@org

Arkansas Psychological Association (ArPA)
(Represents Arkansas’ professional mental health care community)
P.O. Box 21220
1500 Macon Drive – Suite D-7
Little Rock, AR 72221
(501) 614-6500
admin@arpapsych.org

Arkansas Psychology Consortium
P.O. Box 166654
Little Rock, Arkansas 72216
Contact: Brad Williams, Ph.D., LP
(501) 225-1604
Shrink2007@comcast.net

Continuing Education Requirements/Licensure Renewal For Arkansas Psychologists

Licensed psychologists in Arkansas must earn at least forty (40) hours of continuing education (CE) for license renewal. Courses approved by the APA and collaborative, independent study with another psychologist qualify as CE’s. The Board’s in-depth licensing rules and regulations (http://www.sos.arkansas.gov/elections/elections_pdfs/register/march_03_reg/074.00.03-001.pdf) list several other options for satisfying CE requirements.

Psychologists must submit evidence of completion of qualified CE’s to the Board by January 31st of even numbered years. The Board grants extensions to complete or report CE requirements on a case-by-case basis.