What is a key characteristic of a psychologist?

A key characteristic of a psychologist is that they are licensed to practice psychology independently. This licensure indicates that the individual has met specific educational, training, and examination requirements set forth by the state, which are essential for ensuring that they have the necessary expertise and ethical standards to provide psychological services.

In Florida, this typically means having a doctoral degree in psychology, completing a certain number of supervised hours of experience, and passing the relevant licensing examinations. This independence is crucial because it allows psychologists to diagnose and treat mental health conditions, providing them with the authority to work autonomously in their professional practice.

Licensure also implies adherence to state regulations and ethical guidelines, ensuring that psychologists are held accountable for the quality of care they provide, thereby protecting clients and the broader community. This distinguishes licensed psychologists from individuals who may have alternative qualifications but do not possess the formal certification to practice independently in a given jurisdiction.