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Psychologist Jobs in Iowa (NOW HIRING)

State of Iowa

School Psychologist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

$48K - $116K/yr

The School Psychologist collaborates with ISD teachers, school counselors and professionals in other disciplines (e.g. mental health specialists, DHS personnel, other AEA professionals) to assist ...

Deer Oaks

Licensed Psychologist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Licensed Psychologist- full time or part time Deer Oaks Behavioral Health -- Long-Term Care Clinical Services Join a mission-driven behavioral health organization that has been a trusted partner to ...

Deery Brothers

Licensed Psychologist

Des Moines, IA · On-site

Licensed Psychologist- full time or part time Deer Oaks Behavioral Health - Long-Term Care Clinical Services Join a mission-driven behavioral health organization that has been a trusted partner to ...

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All JobsPsychologist JobsPsychologist Jobs in Iowa

Psychologist information

See Iowa salary details

$41.8K

$144.7K

$292.1K

How much do psychologist jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 10, 2026, the average yearly pay for psychologist in Iowa is $144,700.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $82,200.00 and $209,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

Is 40 too late to become a psychologist?

Becoming a psychologist typically requires completing a bachelor's degree, followed by a master's or doctoral program, which can take several years. Many individuals pursue psychology careers later in life, and age does not prevent obtaining necessary licenses or gaining experience in the field.

What is the difference between Psychologist vs Counselor?

AspectPsychologistCounselor
CredentialsDoctoral degree (PhD or PsyD), licensure requiredBachelor's or master's degree, certification often preferred
Work EnvironmentClinics, hospitals, private practice, schoolsCommunity centers, schools, private practice, outpatient clinics
Industry UsageHealthcare, mental health, researchMental health support, guidance, and counseling

Psychologists and counselors both work in mental health, but psychologists typically hold doctoral degrees and conduct assessments or therapy, while counselors usually have master's degrees and focus on providing guidance and support. Understanding these differences helps in choosing the right mental health professional for your needs.

What is a psychologist?

Psychologists are professionals who study mental processes and human behavior by observing, interpreting, and recording how people relate to one another and their environments. They use scientific methods to understand thoughts, emotions, and behaviors, and often help clients manage and overcome mental health issues. Psychologists can work in a variety of settings, including hospitals, schools, private practice, and research institutions. They may provide therapy, conduct assessments, and develop treatment plans, but typically do not prescribe medication.

How do psychologists collaborate with other professionals in a healthcare setting?

Psychologists often work closely with a multidisciplinary team that may include psychiatrists, social workers, nurses, and occupational therapists. Collaboration usually involves sharing assessments, contributing to treatment planning, and participating in regular case discussions to ensure holistic patient care. Effective communication and a clear understanding of each team member's expertise are essential, as psychologists often provide insights into behavioral and mental health that inform the broader care strategy. This collaborative approach not only enhances patient outcomes but also provides psychologists with opportunities to learn from and contribute to a diverse professional environment.

What jobs go into psychology?

Psychologists can work in various fields such as clinical, counseling, school, or industrial-organizational psychology. They often provide therapy, conduct assessments, or perform research, typically requiring a doctoral degree and licensure. Other related roles include mental health counselors, social workers, and behavioral analysts, which may require different certifications or training.

What jobs can you do in psychology?

Psychologists can work in various fields such as clinical, counseling, school, industrial-organizational, and research settings. They assess, diagnose, and treat mental health issues, often requiring licensure and specialized training. Other roles include forensic psychologist, neuropsychologist, and health psychologist, each with specific skills and educational requirements.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a psychologist, and why are they important?

To thrive as a Psychologist, you need a strong background in psychological theory, assessment, and research, typically supported by a master's or doctoral degree and state licensure. Familiarity with diagnostic tools, standardized testing instruments, and often electronic health record (EHR) systems is essential. Exceptional interpersonal skills, active listening, and cultural sensitivity help psychologists build trust and effectively support diverse clients. These skills and qualifications enable psychologists to deliver ethical, evidence-based care and foster positive therapeutic outcomes.

What do psychologists do?

Psychologists work with individuals, couples, children, and families to help them handle and overcome all types of behavioral issues. They often collaborate with psychiatrists, physicians, and social workers, and may be instrumental in developing and carrying out treatment plans. Psychologists facilitate scientific studies on behavior and brain function, conduct tests, and run interviews and surveys to understand human psychology better. With this knowledge, they can identify patterns, diagnose mental disorders, and develop successful treatment methods.

Some people use the terms ‘psychiatrist’ and ‘psychologist’ interchangeably, but they are different kinds of medical professionals. Psychiatrists are medical doctors and follow the same educational path as physicians, specializing in psychiatry. They often treat patients with medications. Psychologists earn doctoral degrees and focus on behavioral treatments. They need to be licensed, but are not authorized to prescribe medication.

More about Psychologist jobs
What are the most commonly searched types of Psychologist jobs in Iowa? The most popular types of Psychologist jobs in Iowa are:
What are popular job titles related to Psychologist jobs in Iowa? For Psychologist jobs in Iowa, the most frequently searched job titles are:
What job categories do people searching Psychologist jobs in Iowa look for? The top searched job categories for Psychologist jobs in Iowa are:
What cities in Iowa are hiring for Psychologist jobs? Cities in Iowa with the most Psychologist job openings:
What are popular job titles related to Psychologist jobs in IA? For Psychologist jobs in IA, the most frequently searched job titles are:
Psychologist jobs near you
Infographic showing various Psychologist job openings in Iowa as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 71% Full Time, 16% Part Time, and 12% Contract. Highlights an 86% Physical, 5% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $144,700 per year, or $69.6 per hour.

Staff Psychologist

SD Department of Veterans Affairs

Des Moines, IA

$74K/yr

Full-time

Re-posted 17 days ago

Job description

The incumbent serves as the psychologist for this VISN-level interprofessional group of clinical reviewers-the CSP's Centralized Eligibility and Appeal Team (CEAT). The CEAT is responsible for reviewing complex PCAFC eligibility cases for admission, ongoing level of care adjustments, and discharge appropriateness.
A recruitment/relocation incentive may authorized for highly qualified applicants.Qualifications:Basic Requirements:
  • United States Citizenship: Non-citizens may only be appointed when it is not possible to recruit qualified citizens in accordance with VA Policy.
  • Education:
  • Doctoral degree in psychology from a graduate program in psychology accredited by the American Psychological Association (APA), the Psychological Clinical Science Accreditation System (PCSAS), or the Canadian Psychological Association (CPA) at the time the program was completed. The specialty area of the degree must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed.
OR
  • Have a doctoral degree in any area of psychology and, in addition, successfully complete a re-specialization program (including documentation of an approved internship completed as part of the re-specialization program) meeting both of the following conditions:
  • the re-specialization program must be completed in an APA or a CPA accredited doctoral program;
  • and
  • the specialty in which the applicant is retrained must be consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. NOTE: The applicant must provide an official transcript and/or certificate documenting the completion of the re-specialization program, which includes completion of an APA or CPA internship.
OR
  • Have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution, with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature.
AND
  • Internship:
  • Have successfully completed a professional psychology internship training program that was accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed and that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed.
OR
  • New VHA psychology internship programs that are in the process of applying for APA accreditation are acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement, provided that such programs were sanctioned by the VHA Central Office Program Director for Psychology and the VHA Office of Academic Affiliations at the time that the individual was an intern;
OR
  • VHA facilities that offered full-time, one-year pre-doctoral internships prior to PL 96-151 (pre-1979) are considered to be acceptable in fulfillment of the internship requirement;
OR
  • Applicants who completed an internship that was not accredited by APA or CPA at the time the program was completed may be considered eligible for hire only if they are currently board certified by the American Board of Professional Psychology in a specialty area that is consistent with the assignment for which the applicant is to be employed. (NOTE: Once board certified, the employee is required to maintain board certification.)
OR
  • Applicants who have a doctoral degree awarded between 1951 and 1978 from a regionally-accredited institution with a dissertation primarily psychological in nature may fulfill this internship requirement by having the equivalent of a one-year supervised internship experience in a site specifically acceptable to the candidate's doctoral program. If the internship experience is not noted on the applicant's official transcript, the applicant must provide a statement from the doctoral program verifying that the equivalent of a one-year supervised internship experience was completed in a site acceptable to the doctoral program.
  • Licensure: Hold a full, current, and unrestricted license to practice psychology at the doctoral level in a State, Territory, or Commonwealth of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Exception: Non-licensed applicants who otherwise meet the eligibility requirements may be given a temporary appointment as a "graduate psychologist" at the GS-11 or GS-12 grade under the authority of 38 U.S.C. 7405 [(c)(2)(B)] for a period not to exceed two years from the date of employment on the condition that such a psychologist provide care only under the supervision of a psychologist who is licensed. Failure to obtain licensure during that period is justification for termination of the temporary appointment.
  • English Language Proficiency: Psychologists must be proficient in spoken and written English in accordance with VA Handbook 5005, Part II, Chapter 3, section A, paragraph 3j.
To qualify for this position, you must meet the Basic Requirements as well as any additional grade-level qualification requirements. Grandfathering Provision: A Psychologist employed in VHA on the effective date of the qualification standard (2/7/2018) who did not meet all the basic requirements in this standard may not be promoted beyond the full performance level (GS-0180-13) or be newly placed in supervisory or managerial positions until meeting the full qualification requirements.
Grade Determinations:
GS-11 Staff Psychologist (Entry Level):
Experience: None beyond the basic requirements.
GS-12 Staff Psychologist (Developmental Level):
Experience. At least 1 year of experience as a professional psychologist equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-11). Psychologists who are not licensed must practice under the supervision of a licensed psychologist but with less intense supervision than at the GS-11 grade level.
In addition, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of and ability to apply a wide range of professional psychological treatments or assessment methods to a variety of patient populations.
2. Ability to design and implement effective treatment strategies.
3. Ability to incorporate new clinical procedures.
4. Ability to conduct research activities, such as designing and implementing clinical research projects (staff psychologists with specified research job duties).
5. Ability to perform basic research tasks of scholarship and research execution within the context of an established research team, including research participant relations, research documentation, data acquisition, maintenance, and collaboration (staff psychologists with specified research job duties).
GS-13 Staff Psychologist (Full Performance Level):
Experience. At least 2 years of experience as a professional psychologist, with at least one year equivalent to the GS-12 level.
In addition to the experience above, the candidate must demonstrate the following KSAs:
1. Knowledge of, and ability to apply, professional psychological treatments to the full range of patient populations.
2. Ability to provide professional advice and consultation in areas related to professional psychology and behavioral health.
3. Knowledge of clinical research literature.
Reference: For more information on this qualification standard, please visit https://department.va.gov/employees/va-qualifications-standards/
Physical Requirements: You will be asked to participate in a pre-employment examination or evaluation as part of the pre-employment process for this position. Questions about physical demands or environmental factors may be addressed at the time of evaluation or examination.Education:Note: Only education or degrees recognized by the U.S. Department of Education from accredited colleges, universities, schools, or institutions may be used to qualify for Federal employment. You can verify your education here: http://ope.ed.gov/accreditation/. If you are using foreign education to meet qualification requirements, you must send a Certificate of Foreign Equivalency with your transcript in order to receive credit for that education. For further information, visit: https://sites.ed.gov/international/recognition-of-foreign-qualifications/.Employment Type: OTHER

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