The answer to this question depends on the specific requirements and regulations of the country or state you plan to practice in. In many places, a diploma in counselling psychology alone may not be sufficient to become a licensed psychologist.
In general, to become a psychologist, a higher level of education and training is typically required, such as a master's or doctoral degree in psychology. Here are some common steps to become a psychologist:
Bachelor's Degree: You usually need to complete a bachelor's degree in psychology or a related field.
Graduate Degree: Most countries and states require a graduate degree in psychology to become a psychologist. This typically includes either a master's degree or a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology.
Licensure or Certification: After completing your graduate degree, you will often need to obtain licensure or certification to practice as a psychologist. The requirements for licensure can vary significantly between different regions, but it usually involves completing a certain number of supervised hours of clinical practice and passing a licensing exam.
Specialization: Depending on your area of interest within psychology, you may choose to specialize in fields such as clinical psychology, counseling psychology, school psychology, or industrial-organizational psychology, among others.
It's essential to research the specific licensing requirements in the country or state where you intend to practice as a psychologist. In some cases, additional coursework, exams, or supervised practice may be necessary beyond the diploma in counselling psychology.
Keep in mind that a diploma in counselling psychology can still be valuable and open up career opportunities in related fields, such as counseling or mental health support roles. However, if your goal is to be a licensed psychologist, further education and training will generally be required.