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PSYCHOLOGIST

CAREER INFORMATION

Meet Dr. Swenson!

I was raised on Maui and attended Seabury Hall High School.  I did my undergraduate degree at Mount Holyoke College in MA, and I completed my Doctoral Degree in Clinical Psychology at Argosy University - Honolulu Campus. I did my APA accredited internship at Arizona Children's Center and my post-doctoral residency at Kapiolani Women and Children's Hospital in their Child Protection Center. Currently, I work at Maui Memorial Medical Center as an inpatient psychologist. I always wanted to return to the islands and serve the community and I feel grateful to be home.

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What do they do?
What equipment do 
they use?

  • Conduct research on the human mind and behavior

  • Provide therapy to individuals, couples, and families

  • Consult with businesses and organizations on issues related to human behavior

  • Teach psychology at colleges and universities

  • Write about psychology for the general public

  • Conduct psychological evaluations

  • Administer psychological tests

  • Supervise the work of other mental health professionals

  • Norm-referenced psychological tests

  • Informal tests and surveys

  • Verbal interviews

  • School and medical reports

  • Computer, patient charting software, and other office supplies

RESPONSIBILITIES
EDUCATION
Education Guide

To become a psychologist, earn a degree in psychology and gain experience. Then, pass examinations and receive your license to be able to practice.

STEP 1

Obtain a bachelor's degree (4 years) in any major.

Bachelor's Degree

  • Although recommended, a psychology major is not required​​

  • (Optional) Master's degree in preparation for applying to doctoral programs

STEP 2

Earn a master's degree in psychology (optional prior to obtaining a doctoral degree).

OPTIONAL - Master's Degree in Psychology (2 Years)

  • Complete either a Master of Science or Master of Arts in Psychology​​

  • May be completed in preparation for obtaining a doctorate

  • Allows mental health counseling or marriage and family counseling​

    • For this specific career path, only a master's degree is required.​

  • To practice as a clinical psychologist, a doctoral (PhD) degree is required

STEP 3

Earn a doctoral degree (PhD) in psychology.

Doctoral Degree in Psychology (4-7 Years)

  • Attend American Psychological Association (APA)-accredited program to complete either PsyD or PhD in Psychology

  • Complete a dissertation (long essay related to the course of study) and a clinical research project

  • Complete adequate internship and practicum hours 

STEP 4

Complete two years of supervised experience.

Supervised Experience

  • Mandatory part of application to the Board

STEP 5

Submit application to the American Board of Professional Psychology (ABPP) for approval.

STEP 6

Pass examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).

Pass Examination

  • Once your application has been approved, you will be able to take the EPPP exam

  • EPPP exam scores will be sent to the Board

STEP 7

Receive license upon passing EPPP exam and begin practicing as a psychologist.

​

(Continued education required to keep license active)

What opportunities are in Hawaiʻi?

Brigham Young University-Hawaii

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  • Bachelor's in Psychology, General

Chaminade University of Honolulu

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  • Certificate in Pastoral Studies/Counseling

  • Bachelor's in Psychology, General - Online

  • Master's in Pastoral Studies/Counseling

  • Master's in Counseling Psychology

University of Phoenix-Hawaii

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  • Doctorate in Mental Health Counseling/Counselor - Online

  • Master's in Mental Health Counseling/Counselor - Online

Hawaii Pacific University

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  • Bachelor's in Psychology, General - Online

  • Master's in Clinical, Counseling and Applied Psychology, Other

University of Hawaii at Hilo

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  • Bachelor's in Psychology, General

  • Master's in Psychopharmacology

  • Master's in Counseling Psychology

University of Hawaii at Manoa

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  • Bachelor's in Psychology, General

  • Doctorate in Psychology, General

  • Doctorate in Educational Psychology

  • Master's in Psychology, General

  • Master's in Educational Psychology

CAREERS
CAREERS

Psychology Specialties

  • Clinical psychology

  • Counseling psychology

  • Experimental psychology

  • Forensic psychology

  • Humans Factors psychology

  • Industrial-organizational psychology

  • School psychology

  • Social psychology

Work Environments

  • Laboratories

  • Hospitals

  • Courtrooms

  • Schools

  • Prisons

  • Corporate offices

Work Schedule

  • (Dependent on the employer and working environment)

  • May set own hours in private practice

  • Full-time or part-time

  • Some may work evenings, weekends, and/or holidays

Salary
Average for the State of Hawaiʻi

  • Entry level: $53,248

  • Average: $96,678

  • Experienced: $123,219

*Job Market Trends*

*Average pay as of 2024*

SOURCE: Hawaii Career Explorer

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RESOURCES

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