Final answer:
A person can be termed a psychologist with a doctoral degree in psychology such as a PhD or PsyD even without a license, especially if they work in academia, research, or other non-clinical settings. To be a clinical or counseling psychologist, however, one must obtain a license, which requires postdoctoral work and passing a licensure exam.
Step-by-step explanation:
A person can be called a psychologist without holding a license if they have earned a doctoral degree in psychology such as a PhD or PsyD, which are essential credentials for pursuing a career in psychology. While a license is required to practice as a clinical or counseling psychologist, a doctoral degree in psychology allows individuals to engage in various non-clinical professional activities such as academic research, teaching at a university level, working in industrial-organizational roles, or in some cases, serving as school psychologists with a relevant master's degree. Occupational licenses are evidence that a professional has met specific educational and testing requirements mandated by governmental agencies, and they are essential for establishing credibility and quality in various professions, including psychology.
In most states, individuals aiming to become licensed clinical or counseling psychologists must complete postdoctoral work under the supervision of a licensed psychologist before becoming eligible for licensure. However, there are those who hold a PhD or PsyD in psychology who may choose not to pursue licensure and instead work in academia, research, or other settings where a license is not strictly required to be called a psychologist.