Michigan Psychology Programs
It’s an exciting but anxious time for mental health professionals in Michigan. In 2017, the state lifted its controversial 20-visit limit on psychotherapy for Medicaid recipients, giving the state’s poorest residents full access to the treatment they need. Right now, however, Michigan lawmakers are contemplating a bill that could limit who can seek mental health counseling for issues like PTSD, anxiety, depression, and addiction—as many as 10,000 counselors and 150,000 patients could be affected.
Despite the legal drama, psychology is a booming field in the state—some of the most popular specialties are expected to grow by more than 13% between 2016-2026. In order to join the rush, you’ll have to undergo years of training that includes education, more education, supervised experiences like internships and practicums, and licensing exams. It all starts with choosing a psychology program that gets you on the path. This page will introduce you to some of those programs while also explaining the different kinds of licenses and what it takes to earn them. You’ll also learn about specialties in the field, corresponding salaries, as well as scholarships, internships, and resources you can use to guide you through your journey.
How to Become a Psychologist in Michigan
In order to earn the title of “psychologist,” you have to complete a doctoral program. A master’s degree, however, is the final educational hurdle if you’re pursuing a career as a mental health counselor. Follow these steps to become a psychologist in the state of Michigan.
- Earn a bachelor’s degree: This is always the first step no matter your career goals. You don’t always have to major in psychology, but a field-specific concentration can certainly boost your grad school application. You can save money and stay local by starting your bachelor’s degree in psychology at a community college and then transferring into a full four-year undergraduate program.
- Earn a master’s degree: You don’t have to earn a master’s degree in psychology for admission into most doctoral programs, but it is the final degree you need for a career as a counselor or therapist. Some doctoral programs include master’s degrees as part of the outcome.
- Earn a doctoral degree: You’ll need to complete a doctoral degree—the heaviest lift in the world of academia—to earn the title of “psychologist.” A doctorate in psychology is the final educational hurdle before licensing.
- Complete all licensure requirements: All psychologists must earn a license in order to practice. The different types of licenses and their requirements are explained further down the page, but you can expect at least one comprehensive exam and the completion of a clinical program, internship, fellowship, apprenticeship, or other supervised experience.
- Choose a specialty: “Psychology” is a broad term that encompasses many sub-fields and specialties, which will be explained in greater detail later on. By the time you’re wrapping up your education, however, you should have an idea which concentration you want to pursue as a career.
Michigan Psychology Licensing & Exams
Here’s a look at the different types of licenses in Texas for mental health professionals, which vary by career choice and specialty, and what you have to do to earn one. All licenses require a criminal background check.
Licensed Psychologist
Licensed Clinical Social Worker (LCSW)
Marriage and Family Therapist (MFT)
Licensed Mental Health Counselor (LMHC)
National Certified Counselor (NCC)
Substance Abuse Counselor
When applying for licensure in the state of Michigan, you’ll have to pass one or more comprehensive tests.
Job Growth and Psychologist Salary in Michigan
Career | Michigan Median Salary (2018) | Average Salary Per Hour | % Expected Job Growth |
Licensed Psychologist | $101,763 | $37.99 | N/A |
Clinical, Counseling, and School Psychologists | $75,340 | $36.22 | 14% |
Industrial-Organizational Psychologists | $121,475 | $46.76 | N/A |
Mental Health Counselor | $46,580 | $22.39 | 22% |
Licensed Clinical Social Worker | $69,410 | $23.79 | 11% |
Marriage and Family Therapist | $37,420 | $17.99 | 20% |
Substance Abuse Counselor | $46,580 | $22.39 | 23% |
Recognized Psychology Specializations in Michigan
There are several different specializations that are available within the field of psychology itself. Each different role depends on what level of education you hope to attain, where you want to work, and what segment of the population you are hoping to help.
Michigan Psychology Spotlight Programs
Here are some of the top academic programs in the state of Michigan. They were chosen for the number and uniqueness of their offerings, as well as for their reputations.
Michigan Psychology Scholarships
Earning multiple degrees and completing all the other training needed to become a psychologist in Michigan is not cheap, but you can pursue both private and public scholarships to lighten the financial load. Visit the OPD scholarship page to learn more.
Michigan Internships and Fellowships
All major licenses in Michigan require supervised experiences like internships and fellowships. Here’s a look at some of the more interesting and more competitive in the state.
Michigan Psychology Resources
These resources and others can assist and guide you on your journey through licensure and throughout your career.

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- Associate of Arts in Psychology
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