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In California, with certain exceptions, only licensed psychologists may practice psychology independently. Psychologists have over seven years of education and training beyond their bachelor’s degree. Licensing requires a doctorate from an accredited institution, 3000 or more hours of supervised clinical practice, and passing both national and California Board of Psychology (BOP) written examinations.

Psychologists are trained to diagnose and treat psychopathology, behavioral disorders, interpersonal problems, and the consequences of everyday stressors and life transitions. They use a variety of techniques based on theoretical principles, the best available research, and their clinical skills and experience, while taking into account the person's unique values, goals and circumstances. Some psychologists are generalists while others focus on specific populations or clinical activities. Psychologists must have appropriate education and training to provide certain specialized services (neuropsychology). Licensing authorizes psychologists to develop, administer, and interpret a wide variety of psychological assessments.

Clinical psychologists may practice independently or as part of a treatment team, often in collaboration with allied mental health professionals, physicians, nurses, and school personnel. For example, a physician may consult with a psychologist about a patient with physical problems that cause emotional distress, require significant behavioral changes, or have underlying psychological causes. And psychologists regularly work with physicians and psychiatrists when prescription medications are indicated. Many clinical psychologists also conduct research, teach, provide supervision and consultation, and engage in primary prevention and intervention.

The BOP requires a background check for all applicants – utilizing Live Scan fingerprinting to check for criminal history and national reporting data banks to rule out license disciplinary action in other states. Psychologists must complete 36 hours of continuing education every two years.

Licensed psychologists are bound by the ethical principles of the American Psychological Association.

Adapted from the CA Board of Psychology, California Psychological Association, and American Psychological Association (2008)
 

And How Are They Educated and Trained?

Registered Psychologists have doctorate degrees in psychology, completed at least one year of supervised professional experience, and are registered by the Board of Psychology. They are authorized to work at nonprofit community agencies that receive at least 25 percent of their funding through a government source. They are not allowed to prescribe medications.

Psychological Assistants are psychologists in training, have at least master’s degrees in psychology, and are registered by the Board of Psychology. They are authorized to provide limited psychological services only under the direct supervision of a licensed psychologist or a board-certified psychiatrist. Often these individuals are earning hours of supervised professional experience toward meeting psychologist licensing requirements. They are not allowed to prescribe medications.

Pre-Licensed Clinical Psychology Candidates are 1) Psychological Assistants who are earning hours toward licensure or who are working toward passing the licensing exam, or 2) individuals who are part of a formalized training program and are either working toward or have completed their doctoral degrees in counseling or clinical psychology. Pre-doctoral interns have completed their coursework, had their dissertation topic approved and are working on completing 1500 hours of supervised clinical work. Post-docs have finished their dissertation, earned their doctoral degrees and are completing the final 1500 supervised training hours of the 3000 required to sit for the Psychologist licensing exam.

Psychiatrists are physicians licensed by the Medical Board of California. They must have doctorate degrees in medicine, serve four-year residencies, pass the California State Board examination and be board-certified in psychiatry by the American Board of Psychiatry and Neurology. They are authorized to prescribe medication, and some also provide psychotherapy.

Licensed Clinical Social Workers (LCSW) have master’s degrees in Social Work, complete a supervised internship, and pass the Board of Behavioral Sciences examinations. Licensed Clinical Social Workers provide mental health interventions in private practice, hospital and government settings. They cannot provide psychological assessment, testing, or prescribe medications.

Marriage and Family Therapists (MFT) have master’s degrees, complete a two-year internship, and pass the Board of Behavioral Sciences examinations. They can provide counseling for marriage/relationship problems, family and child issues. They have strict limitations in doing psychological assessment or testing, and cannot prescribe medications.

Educational Psychologists have master’s degrees, three years of experience as school psychologists, and passed a Board of Behavioral Sciences exam. They can provide limited educational testing only and cannot prescribe medications.

Psychiatric Technicians have undergraduate degrees. After licensure, they can provide counseling and related medical services in state hospitals. They cannot provide psychological testing or prescribe medications.

Clergy or Pastoral Counselors are limited in scope to providing spiritual counsel. They are not trained to treat emotional disorders, do psychological testing, or prescribe medications.