The requirements for becoming a clinical psychologist vary from one jurisdiction to another, so it's essential to check the specific regulations and licensing requirements in the region where you plan to practice. However, I can provide some general information.
In many places, to become a licensed clinical psychologist, you typically need to earn a doctoral degree in clinical psychology from an accredited program. This clinical psychology program is designed to provide specialized training and supervised experiences in clinical settings, focusing on assessment, diagnosis, and treatment of mental health issues.
A PhD in a non-clinical psychology field like social psychology, cognitive psychology, or any other psychology subfield might not directly qualify you for a clinical psychology license. However, it may still be possible to become a clinical psychologist with a non-clinical PhD by pursuing additional training and supervised hours in a clinical setting.
In some cases, individuals with a non-clinical PhD may be able to gain admission to a postdoctoral clinical psychology program or a specialization track within a clinical psychology program. These programs are designed to provide the necessary clinical training to individuals with a background in other areas of psychology.
Additionally, some jurisdictions might allow individuals with non-clinical PhDs to apply for a license based on "equivalency" or by demonstrating additional clinical experience and coursework in areas relevant to clinical psychology. Again, this varies depending on the specific regulations of the licensing board or professional organization governing psychologists in your area.
If you are considering this route, it's crucial to research the specific requirements in the jurisdiction where you wish to practice and consult with professionals in the field of clinical psychology to understand the pathway and possibilities for individuals with a non-clinical psychology PhD.