The requirements to work as a clinical psychologist can vary from one country to another, and they can also differ depending on the specific job or position you are seeking. In Australia, to become a registered clinical psychologist, a doctoral degree is typically required.
the standard pathway to becoming a clinical psychologist in Australia involves the following steps:
Obtain an accredited undergraduate degree in psychology (Bachelor's degree) from a recognized institution.
Complete an accredited fourth-year Honours program in psychology or a Graduate Diploma in Psychology.
Pursue a Master's degree or a Doctoral degree (Ph.D. or Psy.D.) in clinical psychology, which is accredited by the Australian Psychology Accreditation Council (APAC).
After completing the clinical psychology degree, graduates usually need to undertake a period of supervised practice and gain practical experience. This usually involves completing a period of supervised internship or supervised practice, which can take about two years.
Once the required supervised practice is completed, individuals can apply for registration with the Psychology Board of Australia and become endorsed as a clinical psychologist.
Please note that these requirements are subject to change, and it's crucial to verify the most up-to-date information from official sources such as the Psychology Board of Australia or the Australian Psychological Society (APS).
If you are considering working as a psychologist in Australia with a Master's degree from another country, you might need to have your qualifications assessed to determine their equivalence to the Australian standards. This process is typically handled by the Australian Psychological Society or other relevant authorities.
If you are unable to pursue a doctorate in clinical psychology due to financial constraints or other reasons, you may want to explore alternative career paths within the psychology field that don't require a doctorate, such as those mentioned in the previous response. Alternatively, you could consider studying in a country where a Master's degree in clinical psychology is sufficient to become a licensed or registered psychologist, if such options are available and feasible for you.