how many years do you have to study to get a degree in psychology?

Question

I mean and like actually be able to practice psychology. Like a Ph.D. or watevs.

Answer 1

It depends on which state you are in.

It takes 4 years to get your BA or BS in Psychology
It takes 2 more to get your MA in Psychology or Psychotherapy
It takes 1 to 2 more to get your PhD in Psychology or Psychotherapy

Psychiatry is a type of Medical degree so you need 4 years in undergraduate (often in Psychology but it can be in anything) then 3 years in Medical school. Then you need to intern for a time as well (a year to a couple of years).

If you want to proscribe drugs, you need to be a psychiatrist

To provide counseling any of the degrees will work but state law will tell you what you need (many states allow you to practice with only a masters degree and some allow you to have a degree in counseling or social work).

Answer 2

To do anything in Psychology you pretty much have to have a PhD. That is at least 7 years of college. You can practice as a counselor and do everything a psychologist does with a MSW or Master In Social Work. That is 5 to 6 years.

Answer 3

a psychologist is usually not a ph.d. That wouldbe a psychiatrist. You could take a four year university course and be able to work in a hospital talking to patients, or working with a group like child services.Or ypou couldstay in university another 2 to 5 years and get your docterate in psychology however, you would never be allowed to write prescriptions. A psychiatrist is a medical doctor(which takes about 8 years) who then goes on to specialize in psychiatry.

Answer 4

In addition to what has already been said, you will usually have to put in intern hours before you can become certified to practice. Certification varies from state to state. You can practice as a therapist with just an MA, but cannot use the title of psychologist. That requires a higher degree.