Psychologist licensure in Nebraska requires completion of a doctoral program, supervised professional experience, and passage of required examinations. Separate credentials exist for school psychologists and master’s-level psychological assistants.
Primary Licensing Authority
The Nebraska Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) Board of Psychology is responsible for psychologist licensure in Nebraska.
Licensed Psychologist Requirements
Education Requirements
- Applicants must hold a doctoral degree in psychology from a recognized educational institution.
- Programs accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA) meet the standard automatically.
- Non-APA-accredited programs must include specific coursework in the biological, cognitive, social, and developmental bases of behavior; assessment and intervention; research; and ethics, as specified in 172 NAC 155.
- Continuing education is required for renewal.
Supervised Experience Requirements
- Applicants must complete at least one year of supervised postdoctoral experience in psychology.
- The DHHS issues a Provisional License as a Psychologist to allow completion of this requirement within Nebraska.
- Total supervised experience typically includes approximately 3,000 hours, combining internship and postdoctoral training.
Examination Requirements
- Applicants must pass the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP).
- Applicants must achieve a score of 80% or higher on the Nebraska jurisprudence examination covering laws and regulations governing psychological practice in the state.
Recognized Specializations
- Licensure applies to the general practice of psychology, including psychological testing, evaluation, counseling, psychotherapy, and diagnosis/treatment of mental and emotional disorders.
- The Board does not issue specialization titles such as “clinical” or “counseling” psychologist, but education and training may reflect those emphases.
Master’s-Level Licensure
- Nebraska offers a Psychological Assistant credential for individuals who hold a master’s degree in psychology.
- Psychological Assistants must practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist.
Other Psychology Licenses in Nebraska
School Psychologist
Certification for school psychologists is handled separately by the Nebraska Department of Education (NDE).
Credentialing Requirements
- Must hold a master’s degree or higher in school psychology from a regionally accredited institution.
- Must complete a state-approved school psychology program aligned with NASP standards.
- Must complete a 1,200-hour supervised internship, including at least 600 hours in a school setting.
- Must achieve a passing score on the Praxis School Psychologist (5403) examination.
- Must complete a background check and fingerprinting through the NDE certification system (TEACH).
Scope of Practice
- The NDE endorsement authorizes school psychologists to provide psychological services in prekindergarten through grade 12 educational settings, including:
- Psychoeducational and behavioral assessment
- Counseling and consultation for students, teachers, and families
- Development and implementation of interventions
- Participation in special education evaluations and IEP processes
- Crisis response, prevention, and school mental health programming
- Psychoeducational and behavioral assessment
- Practice under this credential is limited to educational settings.
- Independent clinical practice requires separate licensure through the Nebraska DHHS Board of Psychology.
Scope of Practice Considerations
- Psychologists licensed by the DHHS Board may practice independently within the general practice of psychology as authorized by their education and training.
- School psychologists are limited to providing services within educational settings.
- Psychological Assistants at the master’s level must practice under supervision and are not eligible for independent licensure.
PSYPACT Status in Nebraska
Nebraska is a participating PSYPACT state. PSYPACT is an interstate compact that allows licensed psychologists to practice telepsychology and conduct temporary in-person psychological services across state lines among participating states.
Key Takeaways
- Nebraska psychologist licensure requires a doctoral degree, at least one year of postdoctoral supervised experience, and passage of the EPPP and state jurisprudence examination.
- Continuing education is required for renewal.
- School psychologist and psychological assistant credentials are administered separately for educational and supervised settings.
- Nebraska participates in PSYPACT, allowing eligible psychologists to practice across state lines under the Compact.
- The Nebraska DHHS Board of Psychology and the Nebraska Department of Education are the authorities for psychologist and school psychologist credentialing. Consult these agencies for current requirements.
Important Note: Licensure requirements can change over time and may vary based on individual circumstances. While every effort has been made to provide accurate and current information, prospective psychologists should always consult the appropriate state licensing board and education agency for the most up-to-date licensure and certification requirements.
