Home Doctorate in Psychology Psychology Ph.D. and Psy.D. Degree Programs in Maine

Psychology Ph.D. and Psy.D. Degree Programs in Maine

Find Doctoral Degree Programs in Maine

The face of behavioral healthcare has changed, both in Maine and across the entire country. Once considered a luxury for those with extra money, behavioral healthcare and mental healthcare are now seen as necessities for a healthy, happy population. In addition, the Affordable Care Act requires insurance companies across the country to cover behavioral health services.

However, many Maine residents still struggle to get the care they need. In particular, those with extensive needs or complicating factors may need the expertise of doctoral graduates. By earning a Ph.D. or Psy.D. in Maine, you may be able to take on clinical care duties, spearhead research efforts in psychology, and improve access to care.

There are two degree options in Maine. Finding the program that fits your education and your career path is a big part of success. Learn more by contacting schools that offer doctorate in psychology degrees in ME.

Getting Your Doctorate Degree in Psychology in Maine

With so many psychology programs in Maine, you may be wondering how you can pick the psychology degree that is best tailored to your needs. Ph.D. and Psy.D. programs are the most common. Ph.D. programs combine clinical practice with research, empowering graduates to pursue careers in either setting. Ph.D. in psychology degrees in Maine tend to focus on a scientist-practitioner model of learning.

Psy.D. programs are much more focused on the clinical aspect of psychology. They do cover research to provide some information on conducting studies and using them in clinical work. Ed.D. in psychology programs in ME are centered on the educational applications of psychology, making them a good choice for teachers or other education professionals.

If you decide to pursue a Ph.D., you should complete at least 90 credits over a period of approximately six years.

You may earn your credits in courses like:

  • Basic and Advanced Methods in Assessment
  • Advanced Clinical Assessment
  • Supervision and Consultation
  • Readings in Diversity
  • Child Psychopathology and Therapy
  • Biological Bases of Infancy and Development
  • Social Development in Children

On top of your core classes, you will need to meet the experience requirements of your degree program. This typically includes research labs, supervised counseling experience, and a supervised internship.

As a Psy.D. student, you should start clinical experience as early as your first semester. Depending on your chosen school, you may work in many different settings.

The courses below are typically included in school psychology programs:

  • Physical Bases of Behavior
  • Cognitive and Affective Bases of Behavior
  • Psychological Measurement and Evaluation
  • Research Methods and Techniques
  • Diversity in the Science and Practice of Psychology
  • Child and Adolescent Psychopathology
  • Functional Behavior Assessment
  • Fundamentals of Counseling
  • Behavioral Principles of Learning

In a school psychology degree program, you may spend most of your time working with children and students of different ages and needs. You may also go into community care centers, specialized treatment centers, and on-campus health centers.

Working With Your Doctoral Degree in Psychology in Maine

With a doctorate degree, you may look into psychology careers in healthcare settings, educational settings, and research facilities. Your job outlook and income may be influenced by your area of focus and the type of doctoral degree you have.

Maine psychologists earn an average of $78,530 per year and psychology professors earn an average of $78,100 annually (Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2016). Between 2012 and 2022, O*Net expects demand for psychologists to increase 2% and demand for psychology professors to increase 8% (2016).

Prior to starting your career, however, you must complete the licensing process laid out by the Maine Board of Examiners of Psychologists. This involves paying a $250 licensing fee and renewing your license every year by April 30. You must submit documentation of your supervised experience, three professional references, official school transcripts, and your score on the Examination for Professional Practice of Psychology.
If you’re ready to increase your scope of practice and become part of the psychology community of Maine, request information from Ph.D. and Psy.D. in psychology degrees in Maine.