General Psychologist

How to Become a General Psychologist [2026 Schooling and Degree Guide]

Last Updated:
January 8, 2026

The word psychology is derived from the Greek word psyche, for soul, and logos, meaning to study. Psychology is the study of the human soul. General psychologists are trained to help patients deal with emotional, cognitive, and behavioral problems at all ages and in a wide variety of circumstances.

A general psychologist might see a caregiver struggling to take care of a loved one, a child having trouble paying attention in school, an older person dealing with memory losses, a family member dealing with bereavement, or someone admitted to the hospital for a suicide attempt or a psychotic break.

General psychologists help people cope with life and mental health issues more effectively. In some instances, problems may involve a sudden life event, such as the death of a loved one. In other cases, a general psychologist may help with lifelong problems, such as low self-esteem or anxiety.

Unlike specialists, general psychologists do not limit the work they do to a certain patient population or particular problem. Instead, a general psychologist may help patients with various types of mental health conditions, such as relationship issues, emotional troubles and behavioral problems.

General psychologists may work with children, adolescents and adults of all ages. In addition to individuals, general psychologists may work with families and couples. They may use a variety of techniques depending on the age of the patient and their problem.

Before a general psychologist can develop a treatment plan, they need to understand the problem. In some cases, a patient is not even sure what is causing their feelings.

General psychologists can help people discover why they feel and behave in a certain way. For example, a psychologist may administer certain assessments, which can help shed light on an individual’s personality characteristics, weaknesses and strengths. Certain tests can also aid in diagnosing a mental health condition.

In addition to administering assessments and tests, these psychologists also use evidence based techniques. For instance, they may use talk therapy to help patients identify and work through their issues.

General psychologists utilize additional styles of therapy. One type of therapy used may include cognitive behavioral therapy. During this type of therapy, psychologists help patients become aware of negative thought processes to change patterns and respond to situations in a more positive and effective manner.

It’s also common for general psychologists to use a combination of therapy styles. The exact type of therapy used will depend on what would work best for an individual patient.

Although laws may vary based on geographic location, some general psychologists may also prescribe medication to treat certain conditions. It some instances, a combination of therapy and medication is used to help patients deal with their problem or mental health condition.

Below is a quick breakdown of requirements to become a general psychologist:

• Complete your master’s degree in psychology
• Obtain a doctoral degree in psychology
• Complete required internships
• Fulfill supervised experience reqirements
• Pass the EPPP and state psychology exams
• Apply for your license

The first educational requirement leading to a career in psychology is a bachelor’s degree, which can be either a Bachelor of Science (BS) or a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Psychology . Four year universities have different requirements for admission, but all consider applicants’ high school or junior college grades.

Most universities require students to complete about 120 academic units of study to earn a baccalaureate diploma.

Full time students take about 15 units per semester and graduate in four academic years. About 30 to 45 units must be taken in psychology, and the rest are taken in general education. General education includes English, humanities, science, math, history, political science, and…