Working In The US

Sc591 · 02-06-2013 9:10pm #1

Hi there,

Does anyone know, if you qualify as a psychologist in Europe, how hard it is to work as one in the U.S? I think there are two different systems and that if someone qualified in Europe they wouldn't be able to work in America straight away, but is there some sort of 'top-up' course available in the U.S for psychologists from abroad?

I've been looking around for information on this online but can't seem to find any! Thanks very much.

cobblerusa · 03-06-2013 8:35am

Hi,
First and foremost only people who have PhDs can call themselves a psychologist. The area of psychology is highly regulated. Next, the APA (American Psychological Association) only recognises phd program's and there is not point in studying in a program not recognised by them since most jibs require that you graduated from an APA recognised phd program.
Once in the state you wish to work in you must take a state licensing test. It costs over $1,000 last time I heard. Actually to set up is very expensive. There seem to be tests for everything. Also, it seems, based on the experiences of a friend of mine in South Carolina, many of the psychotherapy jobs, those held by people at masters levels, are now taken by social workers.
Finally, before I forget the psychology associations have strict requirements around doing your annual continuing professional development. If this is not maintained to the required standard then you are at risk of not being allowed to work. Still, it is important to check out the laws and regulations of the state you wish to go to and then the requirements of the association you wish to belong to.

My friend said she noticed a lot of psychotherapists, including the lecturers in her masters, are leaving the profession due to how legislated it has become. Also, apparently psychology is no longer a popular major to take in college due to how hard it is to find work. Sorry if this is sounding bleak but the States operates in a very different manner. I hope this helps

Sc591 · 03-06-2013 10:34am

Thanks very much for your informative response. It does sound a bit bleak but that's not your fault! Haha. So if someone did a psychology degree and Masters in Ireland and then a PhD in the US, would that mean they were technically qualified to work as a psychologist in America? (Because they seem to focus hugely on PhDs, judging by your last post).

cobblerusa · 03-06-2013 2:31pm

You would still have to pass the licensing test for that state at the very least. I would suggest contact the APA for details and by the way, it costs a lot more money to go to college in America than here. My old college is about $40,000/yr for an undergrad degree although state colleges are cheaper. Still, since I am guessing you are not American generally foreign nationals have to pay more fees. I am sure there are books in amazon that could help you learn about studying abroad but I also think you need to contact the APA with questions. Also, there is no guarantee a masters from here would be accepted. I think, this is my memory so I may be wrong, that each third level institution looks to see what is comparable with international education. I remember someone applying for her residency in America and there were certain med schools that did not accept med degrees from outside of America due to how much effort it takes to evaluate this.