Becoming a Clinical Psychologist in Canada: How Long It Takes, How Much It Costs, and More

Co-authored by George Sachs, PsyD

Last Updated: March 11, 2024 References

If you’re looking for a rewarding career where you can really help people, make a difference, and earn a pretty penny while you’re at it, being a clinical psychologist may be the one for you! Clinical psychologists work directly with their clients to help treat and manage any psychological symptoms they’re dealing with. In Canada, it’s a very in-demand and well-paying job, and while it can take a lot of time and money to become a clinical psychologist, it can be really worth it. To help you get a clearer picture, we’ve answered a few of the most common questions that people have about what it takes to become one.

Question 1 of 7:

What qualifications do I need to be a psychologist in Canada?

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You need to have a master’s or doctoral degree in psychology. Your first step to become a psychologist in Canada is to earn a bachelor’s degree in psychology from a university. Then, obtain a master’s degree such as a Master of Arts (M.A.) or a Master of Science (M.S.) which will prepare you for entry into a doctoral program. At the doctoral level, you can earn a Ph.D. in clinical or experimental psychology, or a Psy.D., both of which will prepare you for professional practice as a clinical psychologist.^{[1]
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- Most provinces in Canada require you to have a doctoral degree in order to be a licensed clinical psychologist, but some may allow you to work as a psychologist with just a master’s degree, such as Saskatchewan, Alberta, and Newfoundland.
- Some bachelor’s degree programs may allow you to go straight into a Ph.D. program without having to earn a master’s degree. Check out the school’s website to see if they have a program that allows you to do it.
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You’ll need to spend at least a year as an intern. In order to learn how to practice as a clinical psychologist and treat patients, you need to learn from an experienced person. After you earn your doctoral degree, you can apply for an internship or supervised practice where you’ll work alongside a licensed psychologist and learn the ins and outs of being a psychologist. Most provinces in Canada require at least a year of supervised practice in order to be certified to practice as a clinical psychologist.^{[2]
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You need to register as a psychologist with your local province. Every province in Canada has slightly different requirements. Generally, you’ll need your doctoral degree, experience as an intern working under a licensed psychologist for at least a year, and you may need to take an exam in order to be certified and registered to legally practice in the province. Check out the medical board’s website for the province where you plan to practice to see what their requirements are so you can prepare for them.^{[3]
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- For instance, in Ontario, you’ll need to pass exams that cover professional practices and ethics in order to be certified.

Question 2 of 7:

How long does it take to become a clinical psychologist?

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It takes about 6-9 years after receiving your bachelor’s degree. The time it takes you to complete your degree can vary slightly depending on the universities you attend. Generally, it takes about 2-3 years to complete your master’s degree. Then, you’ll usually spend 4-6 years earning your doctoral degree. All in all, if you include your bachelor’s degree (which usually takes 4 years to complete), it can take between 10-13 years to earn all of the required degrees plus 1 year of experience as an intern to become a clinical psychologist.^{[4]
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Question 3 of 7:

How much does it cost to become a psychologist in Canada?

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It costs about $32,000 CAD a year to study for master’s and doctoral degrees. Becoming a clinical psychologist isn’t cheap! The cost of earning your bachelor’s degree can vary from university to university, but generally cost about $7,000 CAD a year. Once you earn your bachelor’s and start working on your master’s and doctorate degrees, you can expect to pay up to $32,000 CAD a year with all expenses included.^{[5]
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- Most people use student loans and apply for grants and scholarships to help pay for their tuition.

Question 4 of 7:

What are the best clinical psychology programs in Canada?

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There are a bunch of quality clinical psychology programs in Canada. The Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) sets the standard for universities to meet in order to be accredited institutions. The good news is there are actually many great schools in Canada that are fully accredited and can educate, train, and prepare you for a career as a clinical psychologist, including the University of British Columbia, Concordia University, Dalhousie University, and McGill University.^{[6]
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- For a full list of all of the accredited universities in Canada, visit: https://cpa.ca/accreditation/cpaaccreditedprograms/#clinical.

Question 5 of 7:

How do you get a job as a clinical psychologist in Canada?

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Join the staff of a medical facility or start your own practice. Once you’re registered and certified to practice in a Canadian province, you can apply for a position at a hospital, school, or private practice to start treating clients there.^{[7]
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- Joining the staff of an established facility is easier and is a great way to gain experience. You won’t have to worry about things like payroll and billing—that’s all handled by the facility.
- Starting your own practice means you can carve a niche for yourself and set your own hours. But you’ll also need to pay your staff, handle overhead costs, and market your business to find more clients.

Question 6 of 7:

How much do clinical psychologists make in Canada?

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The average clinical psychologist makes almost $100,000 CAD. A big part of the reason folks are willing to go through so much school and pay so much for their education as a clinical psychologist is the money you can expect to earn once you’re licensed and practicing. It pays well. Many clinical psychologists earn a six-figure salary.^{[9]
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- Keep in mind you’ll likely have a fair amount of student loans to pay off at first. But once you’re debt-free, you can earn a pretty penny as a practicing clinical psychologist.

Question 7 of 7:

Are clinical psychologists in demand in Canada?

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Yes, psychologists are in demand and one of the highest-paying jobs! Canada needs more psychologists, so if you’re thinking of pursuing a career as one, you don’t have to stress about whether or not you’ll be able to find a job. You can focus on your studies and rest assured that you’ll most likely be able to land a position when you graduate.^{[10]
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- If you want to be a clinical psychologist, look at the PsyD programs and the Ph.D. programs.^{[11]
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- You require a long, big commitment of eight years to become a clinical psychologist.^{[12]
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- Think about whether you need the doctor in front of your name. If you do not need it, you can check out other more inexpensive and shorter programs.

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Tips

If you know any clinical psychologists, try reaching out to them about their journey. They may give you some helpful tips and info as you’re getting started pursuing a career in the field.

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Warnings

You can take on a lot of debt pursuing a degree in clinical psychology. Make sure you understand the terms of any loans that you take out!

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