Many of my clients share with me their experiences with seeking mental health services. Typically, they ask, “Why is the wait time so long?” They stress the unfairness of waiting months to years for mental health services from licensed psychologists. My answer is, “There is a shortage of licensed psychologists.” The entire process from starting graduate education to obtaining a license can take a decade or more, requiring a long-term commitment, perseverance, and financial investment.

The path to becoming a licensed psychologist can deter individuals from entering the field. The shortage of licensed psychologists is a critical concern that affects mental health care access and quality. Several key factors contribute to the shortage; however, passing the Examination for Professional Practice in Psychology (EPPP) is often cited as the most rigorous and challenging aspect, especially for African-Americans and Hispanics.

Candidates must pass the EPPP, a comprehensive national exam that tests knowledge across multiple areas of psychology. Some states have additional exams that........

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