Psychology Programs in Georgia

Anyone looking to become a successful psychologist in Georgia must attend a training program approved by the American Psychological Association. While there is no shortage of such programs in the area, choosing the best one for specific circumstances can be tricky.

Understanding the available options and what they offer in terms of awards and degrees is paramount for interested individuals in the state. In the guide below, we dive deeper into the licensure and certification requirements that candidates must meet to begin their careers on the proper foundation.

However, the guide’s main purpose is to provide a concise yet detailed list of the best psychology programs in the state. Afterward, readers will also discover the possible salary projections and career outlook for the field of psychology in Georgia.

Top Psychology Schools in Georgia

The following entries are among the best psychology schools in Georgia.

Licensure & Certification

Georgia, like most states across the country, requires all aspiring psychologists to receive a license from the state before they can start practicing in a professional capacity. Candidates here have to meet the requirements set by the Georgia Secretary of State, which oversees the licensure process for the profession.

To begin, graduating from a doctorate program approved by the American Psychological Association is needed. Afterward, candidates must acquire 800 hours of direct client contact, a year of accredited internship, and 1,500 hours of supervised work after completing a doctoral program.

Candidates in Georgia can also receive temporary permits by endorsement, allowing them to start working while they are still applying for a permanent license.

After earning a psychology license in Georgia, candidates are expected to renew it every two years. This can be done online and requires 40 hours of continuing education.

Salary & Career Outlook

Psychologists in Nicholls are the highest-paid in Georgia, with an annual average salary of $263,514. They are followed by those in Alamo, with an annual average salary of $250,795, and those in Savannah, with an annual average salary of $211,513.

Atlanta is also among the top locations for psychologists in the state, with an annual average salary of $208,709, as is Decatur, with an annual average salary of $129,296.

Generally, without focusing on a particular location, psychologists in Georgia can expect to make an annual average salary of $232,379 if they are in the middle of the earning category and $164,940 if they are among the bottom 10%.

The highest-paid psychologists in Georgia take home around $327,393 in salary at the end of each year. As expected, location is not the only key factor to consider when examining the state’s average annual salary for psychologists.

Professional leverage, experience, and specialization also play their roles.

Job Outlook

Psychologists in Georgia are expected to experience significantly high demand over the coming decades. The 6% increase in demand revealed by the Bureau of Labor Statistics is higher than the national average for other professions.

Among the reasons provided for the increase are the continual improvement in mental health awareness, the need for employers to work with psychologists to create a functional working environment, and the need for more psychologists as the population ages.