2026 Delaware Psychology Licensure Requirements – How to Become a Psychologist in Delaware

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Becoming a licensed psychologist in Delaware is a long but clearly defined path: you need the right graduate education, supervised clinical training, exam approval, and ongoing continuing education. The need is real. According to a 2025 NAMI report, 165,000 adults in Delaware experience a mental illness each year, creating demand for qualified professionals who can assess, diagnose, treat, and support people across clinical, school, community, and healthcare settings.

This guide is for students, career changers, psychology graduates, and licensed professionals in other states who want to understand how the Delaware psychology license process works. It also explains how accredited psychology degree programs fit into the licensure pathway, what kinds of psychology careers are available in Delaware, and how to compare degree options before investing years of time and tuition.

Below, Research.com breaks down Delaware’s psychology workforce data, education and supervised experience requirements, application and renewal steps, program options, online learning considerations, related mental health licenses, and practical questions to ask before choosing this career route.

Contents: Delaware Psychology License Requirements and Career Guide

1. Psychology careers and demand in Delaware
2. Education required to become a psychologist in Delaware
3. Delaware psychology license application, reciprocity, and renewal
4. Top psychology programs in Delaware for 2026
5. Why online psychology programs are becoming more common in Delaware
6. Career paths and leadership options for Delaware psychologistsOnline program considerationsDelaware psychology program options
7. Specializing in child psychology in Delaware
8. Becoming a BCBA in Delaware
9. Common challenges psychologists face in Delaware
10. Becoming an LPC in Delaware
11. Benefits and limits of online psychology education in Delaware
12. Substance abuse counseling career prospects in Delaware
13. Specializing in criminal psychology in Delaware
14. Other Delaware mental health licensing options
15. Lower-cost ways to earn a psychology degree in Delaware
16. Using psychology as preparation for social work in Delaware
17. Becoming a school psychologist in Delaware
18. Fastest ways to begin a counseling career in Delaware
19. How Delaware mental health licensing requirements compareCounseling timeline optionsSchool psychology pathwaySocial work pathwayAffordable psychology degree optionsAlternative licensesOnline education benefitsPsychology career pathsProgram list

Quick Answer: How do you become a licensed psychologist in Delaware?

To become a licensed psychologist in Delaware, you generally need a doctoral degree in psychology from a program accredited by the American Psychological Association, the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System, or an equivalent accrediting body; a qualifying predoctoral internship; registration as a psychological assistant; one year and 1,500 hours of postdoctoral supervised experience; a passing score on the EPPP; and approval from the Delaware Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Once licensed, Delaware psychologists renew every two years and complete 40 continuing education hours during each renewal cycle.

Psychology Careers and Demand in Delaware

Delaware is small geographically, but its need for mental health professionals is substantial. In 2026, the state employed 190 clinical and counseling psychologists, and the broader psychology job outlook remains positive. Employment for this field in Delaware is projected to grow by 10.1% between 2024 and 2034, which points to continued openings for trained professionals across healthcare, education, private practice, and community-based services.

Licensure matters because “psychologist” is a regulated professional role. A Delaware psychology license allows qualified professionals to practice independently within the legal scope of psychology, including clinical assessment and therapeutic services. It also signals to employers, insurers, and clients that a practitioner has completed doctoral-level preparation, supervised experience, and the required licensing exam.

Delaware also reports strong outcome indicators for doctoral psychology training. Doctoral programs in Delaware have recorded a 100% pass rate on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), which is one important measure of preparation for professional licensure.

Salary potential is another reason students consider this path, although earnings vary by employer, specialty, experience, location, and practice setting. Delaware’s average annual salaries are $98,666 for clinical psychologists, $99,549 for counseling psychologists, and $101,566 for school psychologists.

What psychologists do in Delaware

Licensed psychologists may work with individuals, families, groups, organizations, or school communities. Their work can include psychological testing, diagnosis, therapy, crisis intervention, behavioral consultation, program evaluation, research, and supervision. In Delaware, common employment settings include hospitals, outpatient clinics, schools, universities, correctional facilities, nonprofit agencies, government programs, and private practices.

Education Required to Become a Psychologist in Delaware

Delaware’s psychology licensure pathway is built around doctoral-level training. Before applying for a Delaware psychology license, candidates must complete a qualifying psychology program accredited by recognized bodies such as the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or an equivalent accrediting institution. Because accreditation affects licensure eligibility, students should verify program status before enrolling, not after graduation.

Step 1: Earn a Bachelor’s Degree

The first academic step is a bachelor’s degree, commonly completed in four years of full-time study. A psychology major is helpful because it typically covers statistics, research methods, developmental psychology, abnormal psychology, social psychology, and cognitive or biological foundations of behavior. However, students can enter graduate psychology programs from other majors if they complete required prerequisites.

If you are still choosing an undergraduate path, compare programs based on faculty mentoring, research opportunities, internship access, statistics coursework, and preparation for graduate admission. A low-cost bachelor’s degree can also reduce debt before the longer doctoral stage.

Step 2: Consider Whether a Standalone Master’s Degree Makes Sense

A separate master’s degree in psychology is optional for many future psychologists. Some students complete one to strengthen their graduate application, build research experience, or shift into psychology after majoring in another field. A standalone master’s program often takes two years, but many doctoral programs include master’s-level training along the way.

Step 3: Complete a Doctoral Degree in Psychology

Delaware requires a doctoral psychology degree for psychologist licensure. Students typically earn either a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Psychology or a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD). These programs commonly take four to seven years and combine advanced coursework, research training, supervised clinical experience, assessment practice, ethics, and professional preparation.

Doctoral training must also include a predoctoral internship. Delaware’s rules specify a minimum of 1,500 internship hours, with at least half of the hours in clinical settings. In addition, 25% of those clinical hours must involve direct face-to-face client contact, giving candidates supervised experience with real assessment and intervention responsibilities.

Step 4: Register as a Psychological Assistant and Complete Postdoctoral Supervision

After the doctorate, Delaware candidates complete supervised postdoctoral experience. To begin this stage, applicants submit an Application for Psychological Assistant Registration. The process includes a background investigation, submission of degree transcripts to the board, and a Psychological Assistant Report of Initial or New Supervisor.

The postdoctoral requirement is one year of supervised experience totaling 1,500 hours. Delaware requires this experience to be completed in not less than one calendar year and not more than three calendar years. This stage is important not only for licensure eligibility but also for developing independent clinical judgment, documentation habits, risk assessment skills, and ethical decision-making.

Delaware Psychology License Application, Reciprocity, and Renewal

The Delaware psychology license process becomes more administrative after the education and supervised experience requirements are complete. Candidates should keep copies of transcripts, supervision forms, internship documentation, exam communications, and board correspondence because missing paperwork can delay approval.

Pass the EPPP

After the board approves psychological assistant registration, candidates may register for the EPPP. The exam is administered through the Association of State and Provincial Psychology Boards (ASPPB) and is a standard licensing requirement for psychologists across many jurisdictions. Passing the EPPP is a required milestone for those seeking independent licensure in Delaware.

Submit the Delaware Psychology License Application

Once the supervised experience requirement is complete and the EPPP has been passed, applicants use Delaware’s online application process to apply for full licensure. The postdoctoral supervisor must also complete the Supervisory Reference Form and send it directly to the board.

Students researching the full career path can also compare Delaware’s process with broader guidance on how to become a psychologist, especially if they are deciding between psychology, counseling, social work, or school-based mental health roles.

Wait for Board Review

After submission, the application goes through board review. The expected processing period is four to eight weeks. Once the license is issued, the psychologist may practice without supervision within Delaware’s scope of practice rules.

Delaware Licensure by Reciprocity

Psychologists already licensed in another state may qualify for Delaware licensure through reciprocity. Applicants must meet specific criteria, such as holding an active psychology license in another state with at least two years of active practice, having a Certificate of Professional Qualification (CPQ), or holding credentials from the National Registry of Health Service Providers in Psychology (NRHSPP). The process begins with the board’s Application for Licensure as a Psychologist by Reciprocity, which must be notarized and submitted for review.

Renewal and Continuing Education

Delaware psychology licenses renew every two years. All licenses expire on July 31 of odd-numbered years. Before expiration, the Delaware Board of Psychology sends email instructions with renewal fee information and online renewal steps through Delaware Licensee Online Services.

Each two-year renewal cycle requires 40 hours of continuing education. At least 10 hours must come from in-person activities or live webinars. CE activities may include seminars, workshops, graduate courses, scholarly writing, conference presentations, and other qualifying professional development activities.

Top Psychology Programs in Delaware for 2026

Choosing a psychology program is one of the most important decisions on the path to licensure. Cost, accreditation, degree level, clinical training, faculty expertise, research fit, and student support all matter. If your long-term goal is psychologist licensure, remember that a bachelor’s or master’s program can prepare you for the next stage, but Delaware licensure as a psychologist requires a qualifying doctoral degree.

Students considering psychology as a high-paying major in college should also evaluate return on investment carefully. Psychology earnings can be strong at the doctoral level, but the pathway is longer than many undergraduate majors, and salaries are not guaranteed.

Delaware Psychology Program Comparison

1. Wilmington University

Wilmington University offers a Bachelor of Science in Psychology designed for students interested in human services, community work, mental health settings, or graduate study. The program covers behavior and brain science while developing skills in analysis, problem solving, statistics, communication, and interpersonal relations. It can be a practical starting point for students who want an undergraduate foundation before pursuing advanced psychology or counseling education.

• Program Length: Four years
• Cost-per-Credit: $353
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Accreditation: Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE)

2. Delaware State University

Delaware State University offers a Master of Science in Psychology with two tracks. One track supports preparation for counselor licensure in Delaware, while the other emphasizes neuropsychology research. Coursework includes Research Methods in Psychology, Statistics for Psychology, Abnormal Psychology, Clinical Psychology, Counseling Psychology, Human Development, Psychopathology, and an internship. This program may suit students who want graduate-level preparation before counseling practice, doctoral study, or research-focused work.

• Program Length: Two to three years
• Cost-per-Credit: $550 to $650
• Required Credits to Graduate: 36
• Accreditation: MSCHE

3. Goldey-Beacom College

Goldey-Beacom College provides a Master of Arts in Counseling Psychology for students interested in human services, education, management, and helping professions. The curriculum includes Child and Adolescent Counseling, Family Counseling, Group Processes, Crisis Intervention, Counseling Theories and Techniques, and Research Methodologies. Students also complete two faculty-directed 300-hour practicums, which provide structured field experience and applied counseling preparation.

• Program Length: Two years
• Cost-per-Credit: $554
• Required Credits to Graduate: 60
• Accreditation: MSCHE

4. IICSE University

IICSE University lists an MS in Applied Psychology focused on applying psychological concepts to organizational and contemporary human behavior challenges. The curriculum addresses psychological and interdisciplinary theories, assessment reliability and validity, sociocultural and global diversity, and core subjects such as Applied Cognitive Psychology, Research Methods, Community Psychology, Experimental Psychology, and Statistical Methods. Students considering this option should verify how its accreditation and degree structure align with their intended licensure or employment goals.

• Program Length: Four years
• Cost-per-Credit: $750
• Required Credits to Graduate: 120
• Accreditation: Quality Assurance in Higher Education (QAHE)

5. University of Delaware

The University of Delaware offers a PhD in Psychological and Brain Sciences with tracks in social psychology, cognitive psychology, behavioral neuroscience, and clinical science. The program emphasizes research training and the production of new psychological knowledge, with additional preparation in teaching and clinical psychology practice. Its listed APA and PCSAS accreditation is especially relevant for students pursuing licensure-oriented doctoral training.

• Program Length: Five years
• Cost-per-Credit: $1028
• Required Credits to Graduate: 90
• Accreditation: APA and PCSAS

Questions to ask before choosing a Delaware psychology program

• Does the program’s accreditation support my goal? Regional accreditation may be enough for many undergraduate or master’s goals, but psychologist licensure requires careful attention to doctoral program accreditation and Delaware board rules.
• What license does this program actually prepare me for? A counseling psychology master’s program may support counselor licensure, not psychologist licensure.
• How are internships and practicums arranged? Ask whether the school places students, helps students find sites, or expects students to secure placements independently.
• What is the total cost? Include tuition, fees, books, travel, internship expenses, exam fees, and lost income if you reduce work hours.
• Can I transfer credits? Transfer rules can significantly affect cost and time to completion.
• What are graduate placement outcomes? Ask about doctoral admissions, licensure exam preparation, supervised placement support, and employment outcomes.

Why Online Psychology Programs Are Becoming More Common in Delaware

Online psychology programs are attractive to Delaware students because they can reduce commuting, support working adults, and expand access to programs outside a student’s immediate area. For learners balancing employment, caregiving, or military responsibilities, online coursework may make a psychology degree more realistic.

However, online psychology education requires careful evaluation. Coursework may be online, but licensure-oriented programs often require in-person practicums, internships, residencies, supervised clinical hours, or local field placements. Students should not assume that an online format automatically satisfies Delaware licensing rules.

Students considering doctoral study should verify whether a program’s accreditation, internship model, and clinical training structure align with Delaware requirements. If you are comparing doctoral options, Research.com’s guide to online PsyD programs accredited can help you understand what to look for before applying.

Career Paths and Leadership Options for Delaware Psychologists

Psychologists in Delaware can work beyond the traditional therapy office. Clinical and counseling roles remain important, but psychologists also contribute to schools, hospitals, correctional systems, workplace consulting, research teams, public agencies, and healthcare administration. As mental health services become more integrated with primary care and community programs, psychologists with strong assessment, data, and leadership skills may find broader opportunities.

Leadership roles often require both experience and specialization. Licensed psychologists may become clinical supervisors, program directors, research leads, training coordinators, policy advocates, or administrators. Those with organizational psychology expertise may work with employers in Wilmington and other business centers on workplace productivity, employee well-being, leadership development, and assessment systems.

Delaware’s size can make professional networking especially valuable. Students can build local connections through internships, faculty mentors, professional associations, and field placements. If you are still selecting a school, comparing the colleges for psychology in Delaware can help you identify programs with local relationships and relevant training opportunities.

How can I specialize in child psychology in Delaware?

To move toward child psychology in Delaware, students should build expertise in developmental psychology, child assessment, family systems, school-based intervention, trauma-informed care, and evidence-based treatment for children and adolescents. Strong preparation usually includes graduate coursework, supervised practicums with young clients, and internships in schools, pediatric clinics, community mental health agencies, or family service organizations.

Future child psychologists should ask doctoral programs how much child-focused assessment and therapy experience students receive before internship. For a more detailed roadmap, see Research.com’s guide on how to become a child psychologist.

How can I become a BCBA in Delaware?

Becoming a Board Certified Behavior Analyst in Delaware typically starts with graduate study in behavior analysis, psychology, education, or a related field that includes applied behavior analysis coursework. Candidates must also complete verified fieldwork under approved supervision and pass the required certification examination. Because ABA practice can overlap with education, autism services, developmental disabilities, and behavioral health, professionals should also confirm any Delaware-specific practice or employer requirements.

For a focused explanation of the credentialing process, review Research.com’s guide on how to become a BCBA in Delaware.

Common Challenges Psychologists Face in Delaware

A psychology career in Delaware can be meaningful, but it also comes with practical challenges. Knowing these issues early can help students choose the right training environment and help new professionals protect their long-term effectiveness.

• Uneven access to mental health services: Some communities have fewer providers, making referrals, specialty care, and continuity of care harder to coordinate.
• Heavy caseloads: High demand can create pressure in clinics, schools, and community agencies. Psychologists need strong boundaries, documentation systems, and burnout prevention habits.
• Administrative burden: Licensure paperwork, insurance requirements, continuing education, documentation, and supervision records can take significant time.
• Changing client needs: Psychologists must stay current on cultural competence, trauma-informed care, telehealth ethics, substance use concerns, school mental health needs, and integrated care models.
• Limited specialty resources: Clients with complex needs may require coordination with psychiatrists, social workers, schools, medical providers, or higher levels of care.

The best preparation is not only academic. Students should develop consultation skills, referral networks, crisis protocols, ethical decision-making habits, and realistic expectations about documentation and workload.

How can I become an LPC in Delaware?

Becoming a Licensed Professional Counselor is a separate pathway from becoming a licensed psychologist. LPC candidates generally complete a graduate degree in counseling or a closely related field from an accredited institution, gain supervised clinical experience under qualified professionals, and pass a recognized examination. This route can be appealing for students who want a master’s-level counseling career rather than the longer doctoral pathway required for psychologist licensure.

For the full Delaware-specific process, see Research.com’s guide on how to become an LPC in Delaware.

Benefits and Limits of Online Psychology Education in Delaware

Online psychology education can be a smart option when it matches the student’s goals, budget, and licensing plan. It can also be risky if students enroll without confirming accreditation, clinical placement requirements, or whether the degree supports their intended career.

• Flexibility for working adults: Online courses can make it easier to study while maintaining employment or family responsibilities.
• Access to more programs: Students in rural or underserved areas can consider schools beyond commuting distance.
• Potential cost savings: Online students may reduce housing, relocation, parking, and commuting expenses, though tuition and fees still vary by institution.
• More specialization choices: Some online programs offer tracks that may not be available at nearby campuses.
• Clinical training still matters: Students pursuing counseling, school psychology, or psychologist licensure must confirm how fieldwork, internship, and supervision are completed.

For students who want to begin with a shorter credential, a 2-year psychology degree online may provide an affordable introduction to the field. However, an associate degree alone does not qualify someone to practice independently as a psychologist or counselor. It is best viewed as an entry point for transfer, support roles, or further education.

Online vs. campus psychology programs: which is better?

What are the career prospects for substance abuse counseling in Delaware?

Substance abuse counseling is a practical specialization for professionals who want to work in rehabilitation centers, community health organizations, correctional settings, prevention programs, or integrated behavioral health teams. It can be pursued through counseling, social work, psychology, or addiction-focused training pathways, depending on the credential and scope of practice.

Students interested in this field should compare required education, supervised experience, and certification or licensure expectations before choosing a program. For Delaware-specific steps, read Research.com’s guide on how to become a substance abuse counselor in Delaware.

How can I specialize in criminal psychology in Delaware?

Criminal psychology sits at the intersection of psychology, forensic assessment, behavior, and the legal system. Students interested in this niche should seek coursework in forensic psychology, psychopathology, assessment, ethics, criminal behavior, and the psychology of law. Field experience may come through correctional facilities, court-related services, forensic clinics, victim services, or research projects connected to criminal justice.

Because forensic work often involves legal documentation, testimony, risk assessment, and ethical complexity, specialized supervision is especially important. For a targeted overview, see Research.com’s guide on how to become a criminal psychologist in Delaware.

Other Delaware Mental Health Licensing Options

A psychology license is not the only way to build a mental health career in Delaware. Depending on your interests, timeline, and desired scope of practice, you may also consider counseling, marriage and family therapy, school psychology, social work, behavior analysis, or substance abuse counseling.

For example, students interested in relational and family systems work can review the requirements for an MFT license in Delaware. Marriage and family therapists work with individuals, couples, and families on mental health, communication, relational patterns, and family functioning. Comparing these options early can prevent students from choosing a degree that does not match their intended license.

Lower-Cost Ways to Earn a Psychology Degree in Delaware

Psychology education can become expensive, especially for students who continue through doctoral study. Cost-conscious students should compare in-state tuition, transfer pathways, online options, employer tuition benefits, assistantships, institutional scholarships, and federal aid eligibility. The least expensive program is not always the best choice if it fails to support licensure, but unnecessary debt can limit career flexibility after graduation.

Online programs may reduce relocation and commuting expenses, but students should still calculate technology fees, residency travel, practicum transportation, and supervision costs. To compare lower-cost options, review Research.com’s guide to the cheapest online psychology degree.

Common cost mistakes to avoid

• Looking only at tuition: Fees, books, travel, testing, and unpaid internship time can change the real cost.
• Ignoring transfer credit rules: A low-cost start is less useful if credits do not apply to the next degree.
• Choosing a nonaligned program: A cheaper degree can become expensive if it does not meet licensure or graduate admission requirements.
• Assuming online means cheaper: Some online programs have high tuition or mandatory travel requirements.
• Borrowing without a career plan: Estimate likely earnings, time to licensure, and repayment obligations before enrolling.

How can a psychology background support a social work career in Delaware?

Psychology can be strong preparation for social work because both fields require an understanding of human behavior, mental health, development, trauma, family systems, and social environments. A psychology background can help future social workers conduct assessments, communicate with clients, understand evidence-based interventions, and collaborate with healthcare or school teams.

However, psychology coursework does not replace social work licensure requirements. Students who want to become social workers should choose the correct social work degree and field placement pathway. For Delaware-specific guidance, see Research.com’s overview of what degree do you need to be a social worker in Delaware.

How can I become a school psychologist in Delaware?

School psychology is a specialized route for professionals who want to support student learning, mental health, behavior, and educational assessment. Preparation typically includes graduate-level study in child development, psychoeducational assessment, consultation, intervention planning, special education law, and school-based mental health services. Supervised school experience is central to this pathway.

Students should confirm Delaware certification requirements, field placement expectations, and whether a program is designed for school psychology practice rather than general counseling or clinical psychology. For more details, review Research.com’s guide on how to become a school psychologist in Delaware.

Fastest Ways to Begin a Counseling Career in Delaware

The fastest mental health route is not usually the licensed psychologist pathway because psychologist licensure requires doctoral study and postdoctoral supervised experience. Students who want to enter counseling sooner may consider master’s-level counseling, substance abuse counseling, school-based support roles, or related behavioral health positions, depending on their goals and legal scope of practice.

Speed should not come at the expense of accreditation or licensure fit. A shorter program only helps if it qualifies you for the credential you actually want. For Delaware-specific options, consult Research.com’s guide to the shortest path to become a counselor in Delaware.

How Delaware Mental Health Licensing Requirements Compare

Delaware’s mental health licenses differ because each profession has a different scope of practice. Psychologists need doctoral education, supervised clinical training, and the EPPP. Licensed Professional Counselors generally follow a master’s-level counseling pathway with supervised clinical experience and an approved exam. MFTs, social workers, school psychologists, BCBAs, and substance abuse counselors each follow separate requirements.

The right path depends on the work you want to do. If you want psychological testing, doctoral-level clinical practice, and the psychologist title, the psychology license pathway is appropriate. If your primary goal is counseling practice, a master’s-level route may be more direct. For counseling credential details, review Delaware LPC license requirements.

Is a Delaware Psychology License Worth It?

A Delaware psychology license can be worth it for students who are committed to doctoral-level clinical, counseling, school, research, or applied psychology work. The state reports 165,000 adults experiencing mental illness each year, 190 clinical and counseling psychologists employed in 2026, projected growth of 10.1% between 2024 and 2034, and average salaries of $98,666 for clinical psychologists, $99,549 for counseling psychologists, and $101,566 for school psychologists.

That said, the license requires a long training timeline. Students should be realistic about the cost of undergraduate study, possible master’s study, doctoral education, internship, postdoctoral supervision, exam preparation, and continuing education. Those interested in a career in child psychology or another specialty should choose field placements and doctoral training that directly support that focus.

Who should choose the psychologist pathway?

• You want doctoral-level preparation in assessment, diagnosis, therapy, research, or supervision.
• You are comfortable with a multi-year graduate training path before independent practice.
• You want the legal title and scope of practice associated with licensed psychologists.
• You are interested in clinical leadership, advanced assessment, research, teaching, or specialized practice.

Who should consider another mental health route?

• You want to begin counseling practice sooner through a master’s-level license.
• You are primarily interested in family systems, social work, school-based services, or applied behavior analysis.
• You do not want to complete doctoral education and postdoctoral supervision.
• You need the lowest-cost or shortest training path into the helping professions.

Common Mistakes When Planning for Delaware Psychology Licensure

• Assuming any psychology degree leads to psychologist licensure: Delaware psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, not only a bachelor’s or master’s degree.
• Failing to check accreditation: Accreditation can affect licensure eligibility, internship placement, and employer recognition.
• Choosing a program before choosing a license: Psychology, counseling, MFT, social work, school psychology, and BCBA pathways are different.
• Underestimating supervised experience: Predoctoral and postdoctoral requirements take planning and documentation.
• Ignoring renewal requirements: Licensed psychologists must complete 40 CE hours every two years, including at least 10 hours through in-person activities or live webinars.
• Assuming salary outcomes are guaranteed: Salaries vary by employer, specialty, experience, caseload, setting, and location.

Key Insights

• Delaware needs mental health professionals: A 2025 NAMI report states that 165,000 adults in Delaware experience a mental illness each year.
• Psychologist licensure is a doctoral pathway: A bachelor’s or master’s degree can be useful preparation, but Delaware psychologist licensure requires a qualifying doctoral degree.
• Supervised experience is mandatory: Candidates complete a 1,500-hour predoctoral internship and one year of postdoctoral supervised experience totaling 1,500 hours.
• The EPPP is a major licensing milestone: Delaware candidates must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology before full licensure approval.
• Career outlook is positive but not automatic: Delaware employed 190 clinical and counseling psychologists in 2026, and employment is projected to grow 10.1% between 2024 and 2034.
• Salaries are competitive for licensed roles: Average annual salaries are $98,666 for clinical psychologists, $99,549 for counseling psychologists, and $101,566 for school psychologists.
• Online programs can help, but verification is essential: Students should confirm accreditation, clinical placement requirements, internship structure, and Delaware licensure fit before enrolling.
• Other mental health licenses may be faster: LPC, MFT, school psychology, social work, substance abuse counseling, and BCBA routes may better fit students who do not need the licensed psychologist credential.
• Renewal is ongoing: Delaware psychologists renew every two years and complete 40 continuing education hours, including at least 10 hours from in-person activities or live webinars.

References:

• Department of Professional Regulation. (n.d.). Psychologist Licensure by Examination. https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/psychology/newlicense/
• Division of Professional Regulation. (n.d.). 3500 Board of Examiners of Psychologists. https://regulations.delaware.gov/AdminCode/title24/3500.shtml
• Division of Professional Regulation. (n.d.). Continuing Education and Audit Information. https://dpr.delaware.gov/boards/psychology/continuing-education-and-audit-information/
• National Alliance on Mental Illness (2025). Mental Health in Delaware. https://www.nami.org/wp-content/uploads/2025/05/Delaware-GRPA-Data-Sheet-8.5-x-11-wide.pdfDelaware continuing education information
• O*NET OnLine. (n.d.). Delaware Employment Trends. https://www.onetonline.org/link/localtrends/19-3033.00?st=DESAMHSA Delaware behavioral health data
• Salary.com. (2026). Clinical Psychologist Salary in Delaware. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/clinical-psychologist-salary/de
• Salary.com. (2026). Counseling Psychologist Salary in Delaware. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/counseling-psychologist-salary/de
• Salary.com. (2026). School Psychologist Salaries in Delaware. https://www.salary.com/research/salary/recruiting/school-psychologist-salary/wilmington-de