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Psychologist / Counsellor

Healthcare · Health & Wellness High demand Market estimate

Assess, diagnose, and treat mental health conditions. Mental health awareness is growing rapidly in Jamaica, creating increasing demand for qualified psychologists and counsellors.

Salary Breakdown

$1,400,000 JMD – $2,400,000 JMD
0 - 2 years

Counsellor or psychology intern. Provides basic counselling, conducts assessments, and supports senior practitioners. Indicative market estimate, not a published salary scale.

Estimated Take-Home Pay

Based on the midpoint of the Entry salary range ($1,900,000 JMD), after NIS, NHT, Education Tax, and PAYE.

Est. Net / Month$146,961 JMD
Est. Net / Year$1,763,532 JMD
Show deduction breakdown
Gross (annual)
$1,900,000 JMD
NIS (3%)
−$57,000 JMD
NHT (2%)
−$38,000 JMD
Education Tax
−$41,467 JMD
PAYE Income Tax
−$0 JMD
Net (annual)
$1,763,532 JMD

Estimate only — illustrative rates and thresholds, not tax advice. Confirm current figures with Tax Administration Jamaica (TAJ) and the National Insurance Scheme (NIS).

Career Path Roadmap

  1. 1

    High School & CXC Subjects

    Pass CSEC English, Mathematics, Biology, and Social Studies or Food & Nutrition. Empathy and interpersonal skills are important.

    5 years
  2. 2

    Bachelor's Degree in Psychology

    Complete a BSc in Psychology at UWI Mona or another accredited institution.

    3 - 4 years
  3. 3

    Postgraduate Training

    Pursue a Master's or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology, Counselling, or a related specialisation.

    2 - 5 years
  4. 4

    Supervised Practice Hours

    Complete the 2,500 hours of documented supervised practice that the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM) requires before registration.

    1 - 2 years
  5. 5

    Licensed Psychologist / Counsellor

    Register with the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM) and practise independently or within a healthcare institution. Provide individual, group or family therapy. Licences renew annually.

    Ongoing
  6. 6

    Clinical Director / Private Practice

    Lead a psychology department, develop mental health programmes, or establish a private practice.

    5+ years
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Required Education

  • CSEC/CXC English, Mathematics, Biology
  • BSc in Psychology
  • Master's or Doctorate in Clinical Psychology or Counselling
  • 2,500 hours of documented supervised practice
  • Registration with the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM)

Common Local Certifications

  • Registration with the Council for Professions Supplementary to Medicine (CPSM) - Psychologists are one of the professions it registers
  • 2,500 hours of documented supervised practice (CPSM requirement; overseas applicants also complete 500 cultural-orientation hours)
  • Registration is granted on your qualifications and supervised hours; there is no licensing examination
  • Annual licence renewal with the CPSM
  • Trauma-informed care training

Where to Train

Northern Caribbean University

Manchester · Private University
Accredited 13 accredited programmes

Offers Bachelor of Science in Psychology

University of the West Indies, Mona

Kingston & St. Andrew · Public University
Accredited 12 accredited programmes

Offers Bachelor of Science in Psychology

University of the Commonwealth Caribbean

Kingston & St. Andrew · Private University
Accredited 12 accredited programmes

Offers Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology

Jamaica Theological Seminary

Kingston & St. Andrew · Private College
Registered 6 accredited programmes

Offers Master of Science in Forensic Psychology

Local Institutions Offering Programs

  • University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI) – Dept. of Psychology, Mona
  • University of the West Indies, Mona (UWI) – Master's in Clinical Psychology
  • Northern Caribbean University (NCU) – Psychology Programme