Psychologist Degrees in Washington - WA

By an allied health world contributing writer
Published: February, 19 2010

When working towards a psychology degree in Washington, internship experience must be 1500 hours, and approved by the American Psychological Association.  The experience must be planned out generally in advanced.  Four hours of supervisory meetings, seminars, conferences, co-therapy, and/or case discussion must accompany every 40 hours of internship experience.  A licensed psychologist must conduct 75% of the supervision.

While working to earn a psychology degree in Washington, the final 1500 hours of the supervisory component of the application process can either be pre-internship experience or post-doctoral experience.  The real difference between these two options is when exactly they happen.  The pre-internship is conducted before the internship; however, four hours of supervisory activities accompany every 20 hours of experience, instead of every 40.  Alternatively, if 3000 hours of internship have not been completed by the end of the applicant’s doctoral education in pursuit of a psychology degree in Washington, a post-doctoral supervisory period, no more than 1500 hours, may be completed.  Again, the post-doc must be well planned out in advanced between the applicant and the supervisor.  Moreover, the applicant at this time must call him/herself an “assistant psychologists”, “psychological intern”, or some similar title.

Continuing Education and Renewal of Licensure for Psychologists Washington

In Washington State, psychology licenses must be renewed every three years.  The renewal fee is $310.  An additional $142.50 must be paid if the renewal application is late.  During the three years, professional psychologists must complete at least 60 hours of continuing education.  Continuing education can include classes, seminars, or workshops offered by a university or the American Psychological Association.  Credits may also be earned by teaching continuing education courses.  At least four of the continuing credit hours must involve ethics training.

Psychologist Associations in Washington State

The Washington State Psychological Association was established in 1947 and has over 600 members.  Information about continuing education is available to professional psychologists at their website, given below.  Information about job openings, professional networking, and various events will be useful to both practicing psychologists and students.  Psychology students may become members by paying an annual $25 fee.  There are also various fees for associate members and full members.

Washington State Psychological Association
711 N 35th Street, Suite 206
Seattle, WA  98103
Tel:  206-547-4220
Fax:  206-547-6366
http://www.wapsych.org/index.cfm

The American Psychological Association is particularly necessary for psychologists in Washington State, since it must approve all continuing education credits.  More information about this association can be found at the website given below.

American Psychological Association
750 First Street, NE
Washington, DC 20002-4242
Tel:  (800) 374-2721
http://www.apa.org/