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

by Imed Bouchrika, PhD

Co-Founder and Chief Data Scientist

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Becoming a psychologist in Kansas is a long, regulated path, and the right route depends on whether you want independent clinical practice, school-based work, counseling, research, teaching, or another mental health role. In 2024, approximately 1,510 people were employed in psychology-related professions in Kansas, so the field is relatively small compared with many other career areas in the state.

This guide explains the Kansas psychology licensure requirements, the education and supervised experience you need, the exams involved, the license types available, and how to compare psychology programs in Kansas. It also covers salary expectations, related mental health licenses, rural service needs, specialization options, and practical questions to ask before investing years and tuition dollars into this career path.

If you are still comparing roles, it can help to review the broader career options in psychology before committing to a doctoral program, master’s pathway, or counseling license.

Kansas Psychology Licensure Requirements Table of Contents

1. Psychology careers and demand in Kansas
2. Education required to become a psychologist in Kansas
3. Kansas psychology license types, application steps, and renewal rules
4. Top psychology programs in Kansas for 2026
5. Substance abuse counseling licensure requirements in Kansas
6. Career value of earning a psychology doctorate in Kansas
7. How human services training can strengthen a psychology career in Kansas
8. Steps to become an LPC in Kansas
9. How psychologists and social workers can improve integrated care in Kansas
10. Strategies for addressing rural mental health gaps in Kansas
11. How criminal psychology specialization can support career growth in Kansas
12. Diversity and cultural competence in Kansas psychological practice
13. Advanced education and specializations for Kansas psychology careers
14. Behavior analysis certifications and psychology practice in Kansas
15. Career paths for psychology graduates in Kansas
16. Fastest route to become a counselor in Kansas
17. How regulatory changes can affect Kansas mental health practice
18. Networking and professional organizations for psychologists in Kansas

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

To become a Licensed Psychologist (LP) in Kansas, you generally need a doctoral degree in psychology, supervised professional experience that includes predoctoral internship and postdoctoral experience, approval from the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board, a passing score on the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP), and a passing score on the Kansas Jurisprudence Examination. After licensure, psychologists must meet continuing education requirements to keep the license active.

Overview of the Psychology Industry in Kansas

Psychology is a specialized workforce in Kansas rather than a large occupational category. Among psychology-related roles, school psychologists represented the largest group in 2024, with 620 employed statewide. Clinical and counseling psychologists grouped together accounted for 350 workers, postsecondary psychology teachers accounted for 230, and all other types of psychologists accounted for 110.

Kansas ranked 18th overall in mental health care. For students and career changers, that ranking matters because psychology careers are closely tied to access to care, school support services, community mental health, and availability of trained clinicians across urban and rural areas.

Psychologist Salary and Employment Expectations in Kansas

Kansas Department of Labor 2024-2026 projections show 116 annual openings for clinical, counseling, and school psychologists and 35 yearly vacancies for postsecondary psychology teachers. Those openings include new jobs as well as replacement needs, so applicants should look at local demand by region, employer type, and specialty rather than assuming demand is the same across the state.

Private practice may also be an option for psychologists who meet independent practice requirements. In 2026, as of writing, the reported average annual salary for clinical psychologists in Kansas was $213,898, which was within the same range as the national average. Reported pay also varied by city, with Leavenworth at $281,071, Overland Park at $217,607, and Kansas City at $197,586 among the top three highest-paying cities listed.

Kansas Psychology Licensure Requirements: Educational Requirements

The Kansas psychology licensure pathway is designed to verify that applicants have both formal academic preparation and supervised applied experience. The Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board sets the standards for psychology licensure, so applicants should treat the Board’s current rules as the final authority before enrolling in a program, applying for exams, or starting supervised work.

Doctoral Degree Requirement

For independent practice as a psychologist, Kansas generally requires a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited institution. Students usually meet this requirement through a Doctor of Psychology (PsyD) or Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) program. A PsyD is often more practice-focused, while a PhD commonly places heavier emphasis on research, teaching, and scientific contribution, although actual program design varies by institution.

If you are wondering, “Can you become a clinical psychologist with only a master’s degree?” the practical answer in Kansas is no for full independent clinical psychologist licensure. A master’s degree may qualify you for a master’s level psychologist license or help you move toward doctoral admission, but it is not the same as becoming a fully licensed independent clinical psychologist. Because rules can change and individual circumstances differ, applicants should verify requirements directly with the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board (BSRB).

Supervised Internship and Applied Training

Doctoral coursework alone is not enough. Kansas applicants also need supervised practical training so they can demonstrate clinical judgment, ethical decision-making, assessment skills, documentation habits, and professional conduct in real service settings. Predoctoral internships and postdoctoral supervised experience help bridge the gap between classroom learning and independent practice.

Why Accreditation Should Be a Nonnegotiable Factor

Accreditation affects licensure eligibility, internship competitiveness, transferability, employer confidence, and future mobility. Applicants should confirm whether a psychology program is accredited by an appropriate recognized body, such as the American Psychological Association (APA), and should ask the school to explain how its curriculum aligns with Kansas licensure requirements.

Kansas Psychology Licensure Requirements: Application and Renewal Process

The Kansas licensure process includes education review, supervised experience verification, exams, background-related documentation, fees, and license renewal obligations. Before applying, gather official transcripts, supervision records, references, exam information, and any Board-required forms. Missing documentation can delay approval, so it is wise to create a checklist directly from the Board’s current instructions.

Types of Psychology Licenses in Kansas

Kansas offers several psychology-related license and permit options. The right one depends on your degree level, supervised experience, exam status, and whether you are seeking independent practice or a more limited role.

1. Master’s Level Psychologist License: This credential is available to eligible applicants with a master’s degree. Applicants must document their education and submit four references to the Board, including one from either a practicum supervisor and one from a licensed psychological technician or licensed psychologist. The pathway also requires 100 hours of group supervised work and 50 hours of individual supervised work under an approved board supervisor. Applicants must apply for and pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) at 60% level. This license can support consulting work and employment in human services roles.

1. Temporary License: A temporary license may be available to applicants who have completed all doctoral degree requirements and have started, or are prepared to start, postdoctoral work hours. It ends when the permanent license is granted or after 24 months from the date of issuance.
2. Community-Based License: This option can apply when a candidate has met all licensure requirements except passing the examination and is employed by a community mental health center, federally qualified health center, psychiatric residential treatment facility, or private treatment facility as defined by statutes.
3. Licensed Psychologist (LP): This is the independent psychologist license requiring a doctoral degree, two years of supervised work experience, including predoctoral internship and postdoctoral experience, and successful completion of the EPPP exam.
4. LP Reciprocity: This pathway is for psychologists already licensed in another state who want Kansas licensure. The applicant’s current state requirements must be substantially equivalent to Kansas requirements or satisfy specific education and experience criteria.
5. Out-of-State Permit: This temporary permit allows independently licensed psychologists from another jurisdiction to practice for 30 days during its active year.

Step-by-Step Path to a Kansas Licensed Psychologist (LP) Credential

• Complete a bachelor’s degree and consider a master’s degree: A psychology bachelor’s degree can help you complete prerequisites, explore subfields, and prepare for graduate study. A master’s degree can deepen your preparation and may support doctoral admission or master’s-level licensure. In Kansas, bachelor programs are mostly offered on campus, while students interested in flexible graduate study can explore an online master’s degree in psychology option from Fort Hays University.
• Earn a doctoral degree in psychology: A doctorate is required for applicants who want independent practice as a Kansas Licensed Psychologist. Choose a program that supports your target area, such as clinical psychology, school psychology, assessment, research, or teaching.
• Apply to the Board for a temporary license when eligible: Submit the required application materials to the BSRB so you can begin the supervised postdoctoral phase under the proper status.
• Complete two years of supervised professional experience: Kansas requires supervised experience that includes one year of predoctoral internship and one year of postdoctoral experience.
• Submit your licensure application to the Board: Follow the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board process and provide documentation of education, supervised work, and any other required materials. Applicants should also review current background check procedures and applicable fees.
• Pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP): Kansas candidates may not take the EPPP until they apply and the Board confirms that they meet educational prerequisites. Applicants can apply before completing the 1800 hours of postdoctoral supervision and may still be eligible for the temporary LP license. The Kansas passing score is 500 or higher.
• Pass the Kansas Jurisprudence Examination: This online exam evaluates knowledge of Kansas laws and ethics governing psychology practice. The passing score is 75% or higher.
• Keep the license in good standing: Kansas licensed psychologists must complete 50 hours of continuing education every two years. Those hours must include at least three hours in professional ethics and six hours in mental disorder diagnosis and treatment. Remaining hours may come from approved activities such as training, self-study, publication, supervision, specialty board exam preparation, quality assurance, professional organization participation, and personal psychotherapy.

Common Mistakes to Avoid When Pursuing Kansas Psychology Licensure

• Choosing a program before checking licensure alignment: Do not assume every psychology degree meets Kansas requirements. Ask the school and the BSRB before enrolling.
• Looking only at tuition: Internship travel, exam fees, supervision costs, books, and lost income during full-time study can affect total cost.
• Assuming online study always works for licensure: Online coursework may be convenient, but applicants must confirm accreditation, practicum requirements, internship expectations, and state eligibility.
• Waiting too long to plan supervision: Postdoctoral supervision can be a bottleneck. Start identifying approved supervisors before graduation.
• Ignoring renewal rules: Continuing education is not optional. Missing CE deadlines can create compliance problems.

List of Top Psychology Programs in Kansas for 2026

Research.com reviewed Kansas psychology programs with attention to student outcomes, faculty expertise, research activity, and networking opportunities. These programs can help students understand psychology training pathways and, in some cases, prepare for Kansas psychology licensure requirements.

Tuition and fee details can change, so verify current costs directly with each school. If you are researching a specialty pathway and wondering, “How much does it cost to become a child psychologist?” include more than tuition in your estimate. Practicum travel, internship placement, licensure exams, and supervision time can all affect the total investment.

1. University of Kansas — On-Campus PhD in Clinical Psychology

The University of Kansas offers a PhD in Clinical Psychology built around the Boulder Model with a Clinical Science orientation. The program is designed to prepare psychologists who can understand scientific psychology, generate new research and theory, and contribute independently to the knowledge base that supports clinical practice.

1. Program Length: 5 to 7 years
2. Required Credits to Graduate: 96 (minimum)
3. Tuition Cost: $9,989 (in-state); $23,961 (out-of-state)
4. Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)

2. Wichita State University — On-Campus PhD in Clinical Psychology

Wichita State University offers a traditional PhD in Clinical Psychology that integrates clinical and community psychology. The program includes faculty from both areas as well as adjunct clinicians, and it prepares students to apply psychological science through clinical practice and applied research. Students complete supervised training in settings such as clinics, schools, and mental health agencies while also completing doctoral coursework.

1. Program Length: 3 years
2. Required Credits to Graduate: 101
3. Cost per Credit: $326.15 (in-state); $801.01 (out-of-state)
4. Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)

3. Emporia University — On-Campus Bachelor of Arts in Psychology

Emporia University offers a BA in Psychology that allows students to work with an advisor on a degree plan connected to their interests and career goals. Students can build foundational knowledge while participating in applied learning opportunities, including experiments and original research studies.

1. Program Length: 4 years
2. Required Credits to Graduate: 120
3. Cost per Credit: $326.15 (in-state); $801.01 (out-of-state)
4. Accreditation: American Psychological Association (APA)

4. Kansas State University — On-Campus BS in Psychology

Kansas State University offers an on-campus BS in Psychology with a concentration in clinical psychology. Coursework includes forensic psychology, abnormal psychology, lifespan personality development, and problems in psychology. The university is also recognized as a research setting for neuroscience and industrial/organizational psychology.

1. Program Length: 4 years
2. Required Credits to Graduate: 120
3. Tuition Cost: $11,876 (in-state); $28,348 (out-of-state)
4. Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

5. Fort Hays University — Online/Hybrid MS in Clinical Psychology

Fort Hays University offers an online/hybrid MS in Clinical Psychology for students interested in mental health work who need the flexibility of online learning. Courses include inferential statistics, foundations of professional practice, and developmental psychology. The program is designed with Kansas psychology licensure requirements in mind and is available to students residing in the US.

1. Program Length: 3 years
2. Required Credits to Graduate: 62
3. Cost per Credit: $319.45
4. Accreditation: Higher Learning Commission (HLC)

What Other Licensure Options are Available for Mental Health Professionals in Kansas?

Not every person interested in mental health practice needs to become a licensed psychologist. Kansas also has related pathways for counseling, marriage and family therapy, substance abuse counseling, social work, and behavior analysis. For example, students interested in couple and family systems may compare psychology licensure with an MFT license in Kansas, which generally involves a master’s degree in marriage and family therapy or a related field, supervised clinical experience, and the Association of Marital and Family Therapy Regulatory Boards (AMFTRB) exam.

What are the licensure requirements for substance abuse counseling in Kansas?

Substance abuse counseling in Kansas follows a separate pathway from psychologist licensure. Candidates commonly need education in counseling, psychology, behavioral health, or a related field from an accredited institution, along with addiction-focused coursework covering topics such as recovery models, intervention methods, and substance use treatment. Supervised clinical experience in behavioral health settings and a state-recognized certification or licensing exam are also typically part of the process.

Because addiction counseling credentials are regulated separately, applicants should confirm the current rules with the appropriate Kansas authority before choosing a program. For a focused walkthrough, see Research.com’s guide on how to become a substance abuse counselor in Kansas.

What Are the Career Benefits of Earning a Doctoral Degree in Psychology in Kansas?

A doctoral degree is the key academic credential for independent psychologist licensure in Kansas. It can also support access to higher-level clinical roles, research positions, academic appointments, supervision duties, and specialized practice areas such as neuropsychology, forensic psychology, and advanced assessment. Doctoral training may also prepare psychologists to contribute to mental health policy, program development, and multidisciplinary leadership.

The return on a doctorate depends on your specialty, location, debt level, supervised experience, and long-term career plan. If you are comparing the practical outcomes of doctoral training, review what you can do with a doctorate in psychology before deciding whether the time and cost are justified.

How Long Does it Take to Fulfill the Kansas Psychology Licensure Requirements?

The timeline varies by student, program structure, internship placement, and postdoctoral supervision. A doctoral degree in psychology commonly takes 4 to 6 years beyond the undergraduate level. After that, candidates typically complete supervised fieldwork that lasts one to two years.

From undergraduate study through supervised postdoctoral experience and exams, the full route can take 6 to 8 years or more. Students who already hold a relevant master’s degree may have a different timeline, but they still need to confirm whether credits transfer and whether the doctoral program accepts prior graduate work.

Students trying to manage costs should compare accredited options carefully, including the most affordable psychology degree programs online offered by accredited institutions. Affordability matters, but it should never replace accreditation, licensure fit, internship access, and faculty quality.

How can integrating human services enhance your psychology career in Kansas?

Human services training can make psychology professionals more effective in community-based environments where clients need more than therapy alone. Knowledge of social programs, case coordination, crisis support, family systems, housing barriers, and community resources can help psychologists collaborate more effectively with agencies and support teams.

This type of interdisciplinary background can be especially useful in rural communities, nonprofit settings, behavioral health agencies, and integrated care teams. If you are considering a complementary credential or career pivot, explore what you can do with a master’s in human services.

What are the steps to become an LPC in Kansas?

A Licensed Professional Counselor pathway is different from the psychologist pathway. In Kansas, prospective LPCs generally need a qualifying master’s program in counseling or a closely related field, supervised clinical experience, state-required exams, and compliance with continuing education rules after licensure.

This route can make sense if your goal is counseling practice rather than psychological testing, doctoral-level clinical work, or academic research. Before enrolling, confirm program eligibility, clinical hour rules, exam requirements, and renewal standards. For a detailed guide, review how to become an LPC in Kansas.

How can collaboration with social work professionals enhance integrated mental health services in Kansas?

Psychologists and social workers often serve the same clients from different professional angles. Psychologists may focus on assessment, diagnosis, therapy, behavior, and research-informed intervention, while social workers may bring strengths in advocacy, case management, benefits navigation, family support, and community resources.

Collaboration can be particularly valuable when clients face barriers such as transportation, housing instability, rural access gaps, family stress, or limited insurance options. Shared care planning, warm referrals, and coordinated outreach can make services easier to access. If you are comparing related careers, see what degree you need to be a social worker in Kansas.

What strategies address rural mental health disparities in Kansas?

Rural Kansas communities may face shortages of local clinicians, long travel distances, privacy concerns in small towns, and limited specialty care. Practical strategies include telepsychology expansion, partnerships with schools and community health centers, mobile outreach, community mental health events, and training pipelines that encourage professionals to serve underserved areas.

School-based services can also be part of the solution because students and families may have easier access to support through educational settings than through distant specialty clinics. Students interested in this work can learn more about how to become a school psychologist in Kansas.

How can specializing in criminal psychology boost your career in Kansas?

Criminal psychology can be a useful specialization for professionals interested in the intersection of mental health, behavior, risk, and the legal system. Training in this area may support work involving offender rehabilitation, behavioral analysis, court-related consultation, correctional settings, and collaboration with legal or law enforcement professionals.

This specialty is not the right fit for everyone. It may involve high-stakes evaluations, ethical complexity, safety concerns, and legal scrutiny. If the field aligns with your interests, review the training path for how to become a criminal psychologist in Kansas.

How does Kansas support diversity and cultural competence in psychological practice?

Cultural competence is important in Kansas because psychologists may serve clients across rural, urban, immigrant, LGBTQ+, socioeconomic, racial, ethnic, and faith-based communities. Competent care requires more than good intentions; it involves self-awareness, ethical practice, appropriate assessment, culturally responsive treatment planning, and willingness to adapt services to client context.

• Continuing education: Kansas psychologists may use approved training to strengthen skills in cultural competence, ethics, bias reduction, and treatment with diverse populations.
• Responsive clinical practice: Psychologists should consider language, culture, family expectations, stigma, geography, disability, and access barriers when planning care.
• Community-based work: Outreach and collaboration with schools, clinics, nonprofits, and local organizations can help reduce barriers in underserved communities.
• Graduate training: Psychology programs may incorporate diversity-related coursework, supervised experiences, and clinical discussions that prepare students for varied practice settings.

How can advanced education and specializations enhance your psychology career in Kansas?

Specialization can help psychologists serve specific populations and stand out in a smaller state workforce. Common areas include forensic psychology, school psychology, clinical neuropsychology, trauma, addiction counseling, child psychology, and assessment-focused practice. The right specialization should match your interests, local demand, supervision opportunities, and licensure scope.

Forensic psychology is one option for professionals who want to combine psychology with legal and criminal justice work. A graduate program in this area may cover assessment, legal processes, criminal behavior, and expert testimony. If you are considering that direction, compare forensic psychology master’s programs and confirm how each program connects to your intended license or career goal.

Post-doctoral fellowships and specialized certifications can also improve professional credibility, but they should be chosen strategically. Before enrolling in any certificate or fellowship, ask whether it is recognized by employers, compatible with your Kansas license, and relevant to the clients you want to serve.

How can behavior analysis certifications expand your practice in Kansas?

Behavior analysis credentials can complement psychology training for professionals who work with behavior change, developmental disabilities, autism services, school-based interventions, or applied behavioral programs. These credentials can help practitioners use structured behavior assessment and intervention strategies alongside broader psychological care.

Because behavior analysis has its own credentialing expectations, psychologists should verify scope of practice, supervision rules, and employer requirements before adding this pathway. For a Kansas-specific overview, see how to become a BCBA in Kansas.

Career Opportunities for Psychology Graduates in Kansas

A psychology degree can lead to different outcomes depending on the degree level. A bachelor’s degree may support entry-level roles in human services, research assistance, case support, or business settings. A master’s degree can support counseling-adjacent, research, or master’s-level psychology roles depending on licensure. A doctorate is generally needed for independent psychologist practice.

Clinical Psychology

Clinical psychologists in Kansas work in hospitals, private practices, community mental health centers, and integrated care settings. They assess, diagnose, and treat mental and behavioral health conditions. Clinical psychology can be financially attractive, with average annual salaries of $170,430, but outcomes vary by location, specialty, employment setting, and practice model. Students interested in workplace behavior and organizational applications may also explore a business psychology degree.

School Psychology

School psychologists support student learning, behavior, mental health, assessment, intervention planning, and collaboration with educators and families. Kansas had over 602 employed statewide as of 2024. This pathway may appeal to students who want a direct role in education systems and child development.

Research and Academia

Psychology graduates interested in teaching and research may pursue academic careers. Postsecondary psychology teachers earn an average annual salary of $80,000. These roles may include classroom teaching, mentoring students, publishing research, and working in areas such as neuroscience, industrial-organizational psychology, and developmental psychology.

Industrial-Organizational Psychology

Industrial-organizational psychologists apply psychology to workplaces, employee performance, leadership, hiring, training, engagement, and organizational systems. This can be a good fit for students who are interested in human behavior but prefer business environments over clinical treatment. A business psychology degree may help students explore that connection.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychologists work around legal questions, corrections, risk, evaluation, and criminal behavior. The work can involve collaboration with courts, attorneys, law enforcement, correctional systems, or treatment programs.

Community and Social Services

Psychology graduates may also work with nonprofit organizations, government programs, behavioral health agencies, and community outreach initiatives. These roles often focus on access, prevention, referral, education, and support for underserved populations.

What is the fastest route to become a counselor in Kansas?

The fastest appropriate route depends on your prior education. Someone who already has a relevant bachelor’s degree may move more quickly into a qualifying counseling master’s program than someone starting from scratch. However, “fastest” should not mean choosing a weak or nonqualifying program. Licensure eligibility, supervised practice, and exam preparation matter more than speed alone.

Accelerated programs can be useful when they combine efficient coursework with properly structured supervised experience. To compare realistic options, review Research.com’s guide to the shortest path to become a counselor in Kansas.

What impact do legislative and regulatory updates have on your practice in Kansas?

Licensure rules, continuing education requirements, supervision standards, telehealth guidance, documentation expectations, and reimbursement policies can affect day-to-day practice. Psychologists and trainees should monitor updates from the Kansas Behavioral Sciences Regulatory Board and other trusted professional sources instead of relying only on old program pages or informal advice.

Regulatory awareness is especially important for professionals who hold more than one credential or collaborate across disciplines. If you are comparing counseling requirements with psychology requirements, review the Kansas LPC license requirements to understand how standards differ.

Importance of Networking and Professional Organizations for Psychologists in Kansas

Networking is not just about finding jobs. For psychology students and licensed professionals in Kansas, it can help with supervised placements, referrals, continuing education, mentorship, research collaboration, and awareness of policy changes.

The Kansas Psychological Association (KPA) is one important professional organization for psychologists in the state. It can provide access to workshops, advocacy updates, professional development, and opportunities to connect with colleagues who understand the Kansas practice environment.

National organizations such as the American Psychological Association (APA) can also be valuable for research access, conferences, practice guidelines, specialty communities, and continuing education. Membership is most useful when professionals actively participate rather than simply paying dues.

Students and early-career professionals should also use university networks. Career fairs, research symposiums, alumni mentoring, practicum supervisors, and faculty connections at the best colleges for psychology in Kansas can lead to internships, postdoctoral opportunities, and long-term professional relationships.

Online networking through LinkedIn and field-specific professional communities can supplement local connections, especially for psychologists in rural areas or those pursuing niche specialties. However, licensure advice found online should always be verified with official regulatory sources.

Key Insights

• Kansas psychology licensure is a doctoral-level pathway for independent practice: A master’s degree can be useful, but full Licensed Psychologist status generally requires a doctoral degree, supervised experience, and exams.
• The workforce is small but specialized: In 2024, approximately 1,510 people worked in psychology-related professions in Kansas, with school psychologists representing the largest listed group at 620 employed statewide.
• Licensure requires planning beyond coursework: Applicants must account for internship placement, postdoctoral supervision, EPPP approval, the Kansas Jurisprudence Examination, fees, and continuing education.
• Salary varies by setting and location: In 2026, as of writing, the reported average annual salary for clinical psychologists in Kansas was $213,898, with reported city-level differences such as Leavenworth at $281,071, Overland Park at $217,607, and Kansas City at $197,586.
• Program choice should be licensure-driven: Before enrolling, confirm accreditation, supervised training support, exam preparation, faculty fit, and whether the program aligns with Kansas requirements.
• Other mental health licenses may be faster or better aligned: LPC, MFT, substance abuse counseling, social work, and BCBA pathways may fit students who want mental health work without pursuing independent psychologist licensure.
• Continuing education is part of the profession: Kansas licensed psychologists must complete 50 hours of continuing education every two years, including professional ethics and mental disorder diagnosis and treatment requirements.

References:

1. Indeed. (2026). Clinical psychologist salary in Kansas. Retrieved from Indeed.
2. Kansas Department of Labor. (2024). 2024-2026 Short-term occupational projections. Retrieved from the Kansas Department of Labor
3. Mental Health America. (2025). The State of Mental Health in America 2025. Retrieved from MHA.
4. Projections Central. (n.d.). Labor Market Projections. Retrieved from PMP.
5. U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. (2024). Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics Kansas. Retrieved from BLS.