Yes, in California, you can become a licensed psychologist with a Ph.D. in psychology that is not specifically in clinical psychology. California's licensing requirements for psychologists are governed by the California Board of Psychology.
To become a licensed psychologist in California, you typically need to meet the following general requirements:
Earn a Doctoral Degree in Psychology: You must have a doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in psychology from an accredited institution. The degree should be relevant to the practice of psychology and meet the educational requirements set by the Board of Psychology.
Supervised Professional Experience: After completing your doctoral degree, you'll need to gain supervised professional experience. This often involves completing a specified number of supervised hours in a psychology-related setting, which could include clinical work, research, or other psychological practices.
Examination: You'll need to pass the California Psychology Law and Ethics Examination and the national Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
Application and Background Check: Submit an application to the California Board of Psychology, along with any required documentation and fees. You may also need to undergo a background check.
It's important to note that while a Ph.D. in psychology from a non-clinical specialization can qualify you for licensure, the specific requirements and processes might vary depending on the exact program and focus of your doctoral degree. Additionally, if your Ph.D. program didn't include clinical training, you may need to complete additional postdoctoral supervised experience in clinical psychology to meet the licensure requirements for clinical practice.
If you're considering becoming a licensed psychologist in California, I recommend checking the California Board of Psychology's official website or directly contacting them to get the most up-to-date and accurate information regarding licensure requirements for psychologists in the state.