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Psychologist near me, licensed PhD and PsyD psychologists in your area

A licensed psychologist holds a doctoral degree in psychology and a state license to practice. Psychologists provide therapy and, unlike most other therapists, are trained to give formal psychological testing. On NearbyTherapy you can search psychologists near you, see license details from the public federal registry and contact a practice directly. Searching is free for patients and no account is needed.

A row of framed diplomas and a state license on a wall in a therapist's office, seen at an angle, one plant below

What it means to be a licensed psychologist

In every US state, the title "psychologist" is protected by law. To use it in independent practice, a person generally needs a doctoral degree, a period of supervised experience and a passing score on licensing exams, then a license from the state board of psychology. The national written exam most states use is the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology, known as the EPPP, and many states add a jurisprudence exam on local law.

Clinical psychologists, counseling psychologists and school psychologists all exist as specialties. A profile may list which area a psychologist trained in, and you can always ask.

PhD, PsyD and other doctoral degrees

DegreeGeneral focus of training
PhD in clinical or counseling psychologyClinical training combined with a strong emphasis on research, ending in a research dissertation
PsyD (Doctor of Psychology)Clinical training with a stronger focus on practice, often with a smaller research project
EdD in counseling psychologyOffered by some education schools, with a clinical and applied focus

All of these can lead to the same state license. Doctoral programs usually take several years and include a supervised internship, and most states also require supervised postdoctoral hours before full licensure. The precise number of hours is set by each state.

Details not yet confirmed by the provider. Call to ask about insurance and fees.

What psychologists generally can and cannot do

Psychologists generally provide individual, couples, family and group therapy. They are trained to conduct psychological assessments, such as testing for learning differences, attention or cognitive functioning, which many other licensed therapists do not provide. Some work in hospitals, schools, research or forensic settings.

In most states, psychologists do not prescribe medication. A small number of states, such as New Mexico, Louisiana and Illinois, allow psychologists with additional specialized training and a separate credential to prescribe certain medications. Psychiatrists, who are medical doctors, and psychiatric nurse practitioners are the professionals who usually prescribe. Our article on psychiatrist vs psychologist explains the difference in more detail, and psychologist vs therapist compares psychologists with other licenses.

How to verify a psychologist's license

Checking a license takes a few minutes and is a sensible step before a first session.

  • Find the license number and state on the profile or ask the psychologist for it.
  • Look it up on the state board website. In New York this is the Office of the Professions, in California the Board of Psychology, in Texas the Behavioral Health Executive Council, in Illinois the Department of Financial and Professional Regulation and in Arizona the Board of Psychologist Examiners.
  • Confirm the license is active and check whether any public disciplinary actions are listed.
  • Search the NPI in the NPPES NPI Registry to see the provider's name, taxonomy and practice address as reported to CMS.

On NearbyTherapy, every registry listing shows the NPI and, when present, the license number and state from the registry. Claimed profiles carry a License verified badge after the license is checked against the registry and the state board.

Questions for a first call with a psychologist

  • What is your degree, and in which state are you licensed?
  • Do you offer therapy, assessment or both?
  • Which approaches do you use most often in therapy?
  • If I need testing, how long does it take and what does it cost?
  • Do you see clients online, and in which states can you do so?
  • Are you in network with my plan, or can you provide a superbill?

Typical costs for seeing a psychologist

Psychologists often charge more per session than some other licensed therapists, reflecting longer training, though fees vary widely. Psychological testing is usually priced separately from therapy and can cost considerably more. Read how much therapy costs and our guide to therapists that take insurance for general information.

Is a psychologist a doctor?

A licensed psychologist holds a doctoral degree, such as a PhD or PsyD, so many use the title Dr. They are not medical doctors. Psychiatrists are physicians.

Can a psychologist prescribe medication?

In most states, no. A few states allow specially trained psychologists with an additional credential to prescribe certain medications. Ask the provider and check the state board.

Do psychologists offer online sessions?

Many do. Psychologists generally must be licensed in the state where the client is located, though some states take part in an interstate agreement called PSYPACT that allows certain telehealth across member states.

How do I check if a psychologist is licensed?

Use the license lookup on the state board of psychology website and search the NPI in the NPPES NPI Registry. Both are public and free to use.

Need urgent help

NearbyTherapy is a directory, not a crisis or emergency service. If you are thinking about harming yourself, call or text 988 (Suicide and Crisis Lifeline). In an emergency, call 911. More options are on our crisis page.

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Enter your city or ZIP code, choose Psychologist and see licensed providers with license details. Free for patients, no account needed.

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