Explore jobs
Find specific jobs
Explore careers
Explore professions
Best companies
Explore companies
Job outlook for licensed psychologist directors in the United States
Are licensed psychologist director jobs in demand?
Licensed psychologist director job and salary trends over time
Licensed psychologist director jobs over time
Licensed psychologist director job growth rate over time
| Year | # of jobs | % of population |
|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 1,469 | 0.00% |
| 2020 | 1,898 | 0.00% |
| 2019 | 1,931 | 0.00% |
| 2018 | 1,884 | 0.00% |
| 2017 | 1,842 | 0.00% |
Average licensed psychologist director salary over time
Licensed psychologist director salary by year
| Year | Avg. salary | Hourly rate | % Change |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | $95,328 | $45.83 | +2.1% |
| 2025 | $93,393 | $44.90 | +1.6% |
| 2024 | $91,948 | $44.21 | +2.5% |
| 2023 | $89,679 | $43.11 | +2.5% |
| 2022 | $87,505 | $42.07 | +3.8% |
Licensed psychologist director jobs by state
Most common states for licensed psychologist directors
| Rank | State | Population | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Iowa | 3,145,711 | 850 | 27% |
| 2 | North Dakota | 755,393 | 187 | 25% |
| 3 | South Carolina | 5,024,369 | 1,216 | 24% |
| 4 | South Dakota | 869,666 | 186 | 21% |
| 5 | Delaware | 961,939 | 176 | 18% |
| 6 | West Virginia | 1,815,857 | 271 | 15% |
| 7 | Nebraska | 1,920,076 | 261 | 14% |
| 8 | Hawaii | 1,427,538 | 194 | 14% |
| 9 | Minnesota | 5,576,606 | 747 | 13% |
| 10 | Washington | 7,405,743 | 899 | 12% |
| 11 | Oklahoma | 3,930,864 | 479 | 12% |
| 12 | North Carolina | 10,273,419 | 1,116 | 11% |
| 13 | New Jersey | 9,005,644 | 1,004 | 11% |
| 14 | Alabama | 4,874,747 | 534 | 11% |
| 15 | Kansas | 2,913,123 | 325 | 11% |
| 16 | Rhode Island | 1,059,639 | 118 | 11% |
| 17 | Missouri | 6,113,532 | 605 | 10% |
| 18 | Colorado | 5,607,154 | 534 | 10% |
| 19 | Louisiana | 4,684,333 | 475 | 10% |
| 20 | Montana | 1,050,493 | 102 | 10% |
Most common cities for licensed psychologist directors
| Rank | City | # of jobs | Employment/ 1000ppl | Avg. salary |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Indianapolis | 1 | 0% | $89,976 |
Licensed Psychologist Director job outlook: Expert opinions
Our panel of licensed psychologist director experts
University of Baltimore
University of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Pacific Lutheran University
University of La Verne
SUNY Buffalo State
Pennsylvania State University
Mars Hill University
Regent University
Albright College
Marian University - Indianapolis
Gupta College of Science
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP
Clinical Associate ProfessorWhat general advice would you give to a Licensed Psychologist Director?
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP: When starting your career in counseling psychology, look for opportunities to diversify your practice wherever possible. For example, even if you are working full-time in some sort of mental health context as a psychologist, look for opportunities to take on additional, smaller pieces of work that branch outside of your primary work responsibilities. This may include adjunct teaching or serving as a clinical supervisor in a doctoral training program, consulting with human resources or executive recruiting firms, or many other types of industry that would benefit with the expertise and skills you have as a counseling psychologist.
What Licensed Psychologist Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP: Two of the most important skills for counseling psychologists in the near future will be leadership and interprofessional collaboration skills. With more proliferation of Master's-level mental health clinicians, doctoral-level counseling psychologists will be called upon perhaps less to provide direct services to individual clients, but more to be leaders in the field. This leadership may include overseeing and supervising other clinicians, running larger mental health departments or organizations, or providing thought leadership to design programs. With more innovation occurring in the mental health space broadly, and more companies working to capitalize on the fact that the mental health field is currently not meeting the broader societal needs, counseling psychologists are poised to collaborate with professionals in other fields (such as engineers, AI specialists, etc.) to ensure that these innovations are ethical and truly beneficial.
What will help Licensed Psychologist Directors increase their earning potential?
Dr. A. Wright Ph.D., ABAP, ABPP: Graduates in counseling psychology have a great number of different skills, and they shouldn't limit themselves to traditional clinical practice settings only. The doctoral degree in counseling psychology--and the license as a psychologist--allows these professionals to practice in many different areas. The most obvious ones, such as private practice clinical work, doing clinical work in clinics and hospitals, or going into academia as researchers and faculty, are a great fit for many graduates. However, all the skills gained in a doctoral program in counseling psychology transfer seamlessly to many other areas and industries, as understanding human behaviors, emotional development, and wellness are applicable widely.
What general advice would you give to a Licensed Psychologist Director?
Madeline Stenersen: There are several specific things people can do to maximize salary but it will depend on which area of the field you are in. In the clinical are, ensuring that you're compensated at a Ph.D. level and if you are looking to maximize salary I would recommend looking into positions not only as a clinician but also into administrative positions like clinic director, program coordinator, etc. Assessment administration and getting on insurance boards can also increase compensation. In teaching/faculty positions I would recommend getting a research focused postdoc before going on the job market to stay competitive and then negotiating a salary consistent with the cost of living but also with what you know others at the institution make. These positions expect negotiation so go for higher than your ideal and come down if necessary. In adjunct positions there is little power to negotiate and I would recommend finding an institution that also provides other benefits such as access to the library, mentorship, etc.
What Licensed Psychologist Director skills would you recommend for someone trying to advance their career?
Madeline Stenersen: Counseling Psychology in particular has seen a boom in it's popularity, relevance, and reputation in the field of psychology recently due to it's historical and large focus on ensuring students and practitioners are trained in inclusive, equitable practices, and encouraging advocacy efforts on the part of their students and graduates compared to other areas of psychology. Given the rise in mainstream societal recognition in inequities across the country these skills and way of thinking is desired in a job candidate and Counseling Psychology has been recognized for its experience in these areas. This, plus the growing popularity and need for therapeutic services for people in the United States make Counseling Psychology-specific clinical skills and experience especially prevalent. In 3-5 years I also believe skills in telehealth will prove particularly important as the world becomes more dependent on virtual health services.
What will help Licensed Psychologist Directors increase their earning potential?
Madeline Stenersen: I think one of the biggest pieces of advice I would give to a graduate beginning their career in the field of counseling psychology is to explore and think broadly about all of the possibilities that this degree can bring. With a PhD in this field you can be a full time clinician, a teacher at a university, a director of a clinical center, a full time researcher, or any of the combination of the above! Because all of these opportunities can be exciting and scary at the same time I would recommend that they look to the people in the field that are doing the things that they would love to do and reach out! Don't be afraid to apply for jobs that may seem out of reach. Sometimes Counseling Psychology is compared to Clinical Psychology and students are told that Clinical Psychology positions are out of reach. This is simply not true. I have worked alongside Clinical Psychologists and other wonderful mental health providers throughout my career and currently am a faculty member in a Clinical Psychology program. The sky's the limit and it really is an opportune time for this degree as the field of psychology broadly recognizes the increasing need to focus on cultural humility, DEI, and cross-cultural work - practices that Counseling Psychology has focused on throughout the history of the field.
John Donahue Psy.D.
Associate ProfessorUniversity of Baltimore
Clinical, Counseling And Applied Psychology
What general advice would you give to a Licensed Psychologist Director?
John Donahue Psy.D.: I recommend continuing your training and education so that you can develop specialty areas. What areas of mental health practice are most meaningful to you? Perhaps it is working with a certain problem area (e.g., anxiety disorders); perhaps it is working with a particular group of people (e.g., children, military veterans, etc.); perhaps it is a type of therapeutic modality (e.g., Prolonged Exposure for PTSD). Whatever it may be, by continuing to train in specific areas such as these, you can develop the necessary expertise to become a specialist that is sought after because of the particular skills and abilities you bring to the table.
What will help Licensed Psychologist Directors increase their earning potential?
John Donahue Psy.D.: Continue to focus on training and development as a clinician. While requirements vary across states, newly licensed counselors will typically need to work under the supervision of a fully credentialed mental health professional, and this is a critical period in a clinician's development. When interviewing for positions, I strongly recommend asking questions about the nature and quality of clinical supervision that is provided. Also, is this a clinic or organization that seems to value training and growth? Do they provide group consultations, training seminars, perhaps funds for continuing education? These are indicators that an organization is committed to investing in their clinicians' development and improved outcomes for their clients.
Debra Frame Ph.D.
Professor of PsychologyUniversity of Cincinnati Blue Ash College
Behavioral Science Department
What skills stand out on Licensed Psychologist Director resumes?
Debra Frame Ph.D.: Staff psychologists provide inpatient psychological and outpatient clinical services, including assessments and diagnostic evaluations, interventions, and consultations. To qualify, individuals must have a doctoral degree in Clinical Psychology or Counseling Psychology from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) and licensure from the state where they are employed. Staff psychologists also need an understanding of state and federal laws and the ability to uphold professional legal and ethical standards and experience with clinical assessment, diagnosis, and intervention for a broad range of mental, emotional, and behavioral symptoms. Unless otherwise noted, the ability to work with individuals, couples, families, and groups across all age ranges will make a job candidate stand out. Demonstrated experience in clinical and mental health assessment and preparing comprehensive psychological reports for various purposes will make an applicant more noticeable, especially when experience is from a site accredited by the American Psychological Association.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Licensed Psychologist Directors?
Michelle Ceynar Ph.D.: How could there not? The pandemic will likely result in lasting changes to all facets of our lives. I think the pandemic will likely change the way that employers function and their expectations for employees. This might have some positive effects in that we know that people can be productive working remotely so more people may have access to that flexibility. On the other hand, we've learned that people really do need to have some in-person connection with others. Young graduates who are starting their careers will have the opportunity to reshape their working environment in meaningful ways, bringing the best of both worlds together.
What type of skills will young Licensed Psychologist Directors need?
Michelle Ceynar Ph.D.: I'm sure that, as a result of the pandemic, employers will be looking for employees who have the ability to effectively use remote work technology. Otherwise, I think young graduates will need the same set of general skills as employers have looked for in past years. They need to have excellent communication skills-both oral and written. They need to show initiative and a desire to learn; have effective time management and organizational skills; and they need to work well in team settings. For current students, these are skills that can be developed and demonstrated in both in-person and remote coursework. I think one skill that new graduates can demonstrate with the shift from in-person to remote learning is that they are able to adapt to challenging circumstances and continue to learn and grow as individuals.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Licensed Psychologist Directors?
Jerry Kernes Ph.D.: There will undoubtedly be an enduring impact on graduates. The landscape of the workplace has changed in various ways, some obvious and some not so obvious. The same sort of jobs graduates expected to be working in may no longer exist. They may have spent years in college, with a targeted plan, only to find that they have to quickly pivot and apply what they have learned in another way.
There are also a great many "unknowns." For example, what skills or knowledge base are graduates lacking from nearly a year of remote learning? Graduates will be entering the workforce with less real-world experience than previous students.
What type of skills will young Licensed Psychologist Directors need?
Jerry Kernes Ph.D.: Effective communication is going to be most important. Graduates' written and verbal skills need to be sharp. Demonstrating a sense of empathy for others is now more important than ever. Self-awareness, so-called "soft skills" are important as well. The pandemic has shown that graduates need to build up their resiliency reserves to help them navigate prolonged isolation from friends and loved ones.
Dr. Robert P. Delprino
Professor and Assistant DeanSUNY Buffalo State
Department of Psychology
How would you rate the starting salaries for Licensed Psychologist Directors, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Dr. Robert P. Delprino: In psychology, the name of the game is typically to earn advanced degrees as a way to earn higher salaries. In time, salary will typically increase with experience. For a graduate beginning their career, a consideration in addition to salary should be the opportunities for growth and the development that a job provides. There are no guarantees that a degree will result in a certain salary. It is up to the individual to take advantage of opportunities provided and to create opportunities that will allow for a career that is both personally and financially rewarding.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Licensed Psychologist Directors?
Gina M. Brelsford Ph.D.: It is hard to tell what the enduring impact will be for current college students and graduate students. The economic challenges may pose difficulties in certain industries more than others. The upside of psychology graduate students and undergraduates is that they have skill sets that are highly desirable during and after this pandemic. Unfortunately, mental health needs are skyrocketing and will have a ripple effect for years to come. Thus, the need for both bachelor's level and master's level of psychological work will be more important than ever.
Ann Peiffer Ph.D.
Associate ProfessorMars Hill University
Department of Psychology, Art Therapy
What experience really stands out on Licensed Psychologist Director resumes?
Ann Peiffer Ph.D.: - Contact hours with client populations that match an agency's clients make one a natural fit for a company. Be sure to research the employer's client base and highlight the experience you have that matches. In addition to contact hours, consider your volunteer work and life experience as well.
- Be sure to gain exposure to billing insurance and office organization during your training.
- Grant writing is a definite skill to market with many non-profit agencies and would provide a stand-out item on the resume.
How do you envision technology impacting Licensed Psychologist Directors in the next 5 years?
Ann Peiffer Ph.D.: -Telehealth has been adapted in the mental health field and has room for improvement in therapeutic intervention delivery. Several pieces of the therapeutic experience, however, have not adapted to this delivery system. Therefore, advances could be made to assist clients by enhancing the connection between therapists and clients over telehealth. This will benefit rural availability to therapy if it remains as a billable hour once the pandemic situation clears.
-Artificial intelligence is advancing as computing power enhances to process more complicated algorithms for describing, labeling, and predicting human behavior. These algorithms will be seen as "objective" measures of human ability and mental fitness; however, there are ethical implications to these and the adaptability of these algorithms for changes in society's normalcy view. Is mental health-driven an adaptation to the environment, and changing the environment changes mental health, or is it biologically driven and treated as a condition? Is it both? What does it mean to label and carry a stigma? Finally, we have to keep in mind that looking back and explaining how someone got to where they are is often much more comfortable and definitive of critical periods or situations than taking a person and predicting where they will end up.
-There is the current development of emotional intelligence toys and games to establish prosocial and empathetic behavior in children. It will be interesting to see the impact this education will have on developing the next generation of individuals and how they interact with digital technology.
Will there be an enduring impact of the coronavirus pandemic on Licensed Psychologist Directors?
Ann Peiffer Ph.D.: -It will be a defining moment in the same vein as the 1918 influenza or WWI and WWII. Those who met this event in a growth mindset will adapt and pivot to position themselves for a changing employment market and ethos. Mental health is beginning to be discussed in broader terms, and the idea that you see someone to assist your thinking and processing of your life is becoming better accepted. I believe the enormous challenge for mental health professionals will be to discern life coaches' role and position compared to mental health counselors or therapists.
-Interruption of training and impact on contact hours will be a hardship for those most economically vulnerable. It will need to be addressed to enable those at the most significant economic risk to participate in the system. Unpaid internships only work for those financially secure enough to gain experience from a position with no pay.
What type of skills will young Licensed Psychologist Directors need?
Dr. Daniel Holland Ph.D.: As our nation's landscape continues to experience a level of polarization, graduates entering the workforce will need the ability to connect with individuals empathically, even those who hold values different from their own. They will need to walk with the hurting through difficult seasons, which will require them to develop and maintain healthy self-care practices. Firm, ethical boundaries, self-awareness, and sound judgment will continue to be highly valued.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Licensed Psychologist Directors to find work opportunities?
Dr. Daniel Holland Ph.D.: The increasing awareness of the importance of mental health care, the widespread acceptance of the benefits of counseling, and the retirement rate among many providers will likely continue to create an increased need for counselors, no matter where one would like to practice.
Brenda Ingram-Wallace Ph.D.
Associate Professor of Psychology; Director of Counseling ServicesAlbright College
Psychology Department; Gable Health and Counseling Center
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Licensed Psychologist Director job market given the pandemic?
Brenda Ingram-Wallace Ph.D.: The most significant trend for counselors in the future will be to integrate technology into their clinical practice. Although telehealth has been around on a limited basis, the pandemic has forced everyone to become comfortable using it. Understanding the ethics surrounding telehealth will be necessary for anyone who plans to work directly with clients.
Are there any particularly good places in the United States for Licensed Psychologist Directors to find work opportunities?
Brenda Ingram-Wallace Ph.D.: Interestingly, with the increase in telehealth, geography becomes less of an issue. There are initiatives already in the works to make it easier to work across state lines. Students must research the licensure requirements for the states where they desire to work and ensure that they gain all of the credentials for those states. A time is coming where geography limits will be less important than the breadth of knowledge and skills.
What are the biggest trends we'll see in the Licensed Psychologist Director job market given the pandemic?
Dr. Laurel Camp Ph.D.: Once the pandemic is under control, I think that there will be long-lasting social and economic impacts. Regardless, I believe that jobs in the helping professions and information technology and communication will continue to grow. We already see a shortage of workers in retirement communities, childcare programs, and facilities that serve children and adults with disabilities. Social work agencies continue to be overwhelmed by the increasing number of people who need various support services. The need for mental health support services (remote and in-person) also continues to grow in schools, frontline workers, and society.
Finally, more jobs will emerge in nonprofits and informatics, logistics, and distribution companies. These are all areas that psychology majors are prepared to do well in. However, to be competitive in an uncertain job market, they will need to highlight the transferable soft skills they have refined and provide evidence, such as individual and group projects and internships.
What technology do you think will become more important and prevalent for Licensed Psychologist Directors in the next 3-5 years?
Terry Pettijohn Ph.D.: New ways of communicating, such a virtual conference tools like Zoom, will be especially important and prevalent in the field in the next several years. Luckily, many of us have become experts on using these new software packages to communicate with teachers, clients, co-workers, family, and friends. It's incredible to think of how quickly the world moved to adopt these new technologies in response to COVID-19 to keep us all connected while safe. The availability and popularity of providing psychological and health services virtually have exploded, and new communication methods are being developed and enhanced due to this shift. Being mobile and providing psychological services and work from wherever you are will make the psychological services more available to everyone in the future.
How would you rate the starting salaries for Licensed Psychologist Directors, as well as the prospects for salary advancement?
Terry Pettijohn Ph.D.: While psychology graduates do not always earn high salaries as business and other specialized fields, psychology graduates do vital and rewarding work. In response to COVID-19, psychology is predicted to see job growth to meet the demand for an increased need for mental health services and other psychological skills. There will be plenty of new positions studying human behavior and mental health and finding ways to apply psychology to encourage mentally and physically healthy behaviors in a post-COVID-19 world.