Best Psychology Schools in Rhode Island

2026 Best Online Psychology Programs in Rhode Island

Counseling Psychology.org proudly presents its comprehensive rankings of the best online psychology programs in Rhode Island, offering aspiring mental health professionals an essential guide to virtual learning opportunities. These distance learning programs provide critical flexibility for students balancing work, family, and educational goals. Online psychology programs in Rhode Island have emerged as powerful pathways for students seeking high-quality education without geographical constraints, enabling learners to access top-tier academic training from the comfort of their homes. Our rankings consider factors such as curriculum quality, faculty expertise, student support services, and overall program reputation to help students make informed decisions about their academic journey. We understand the transformative potential of these remote educational experiences in preparing compassionate and skilled psychology professionals. Learn more about our ranking methodology.

#1

Salve Regina University

Newport, RI - Private 4-year - salve.edu

Master's - Clinical Counseling (M.A.)

Concentration: Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling - Online Learning - Visit Website

Salve Regina University's online Clinical Counseling Master's program in Clinical Rehabilitation Counseling provides a dynamic 60-credit educational pathway designed for mental health professionals. Embracing a justice-centered approach, the program prepares students for licensure through comprehensive training in rehabilitation and holistic counseling techniques. Students benefit from synchronous online classes, experiencing a three-year average completion time aligned with CACREP standards. The curriculum supports diverse client populations and offers specialized tracks enabling graduates to develop advanced clinical skills across various mental health settings. Synchronous learning and mission-driven instruction characterize this transformative graduate experience.

• 60 total credit program
• Online and hybrid learning options
• CACREP standards aligned
• Two specialization tracks available
• Prepares for mental health licensure
• Synchronous online classes
• Mercy mission-driven curriculum
• Supports diverse client populations
• Three-year average completion time

#2

Johnson & Wales University-Providence

Providence, RI - Private 4-year - jwu.edu

Master's - Addiction Counseling M.S.

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Johnson & Wales University-Providence offers a dynamic online Addiction Counseling Master's program designed for aspiring mental health professionals seeking specialized training in substance abuse treatment. This 18-month hybrid program provides remarkable flexibility with late afternoon and evening classes, accommodating working professionals. Students engage in a comprehensive 60-credit curriculum featuring extensive practicum and internship experiences supervised by licensed experts. The program uniquely emphasizes ethical client interactions, multicultural counseling techniques, and evidence-based intervention strategies. Military-friendly and offering multiple course delivery options, graduates are well-prepared to make significant contributions in addiction and mental health services. Innovative learning approaches ensure students develop advanced clinical competencies essential for transformative counseling careers.

• 18-month full-time program
• Hybrid learning modalities
• 60-credit comprehensive curriculum
• Practicum and internship included
• Licensed professional faculty
• Flexible evening class schedule
• Multiple course delivery options
• Part-time option available

#3

Johnson & Wales University-Online

Providence, RI - Private 4-year - online.jwu.edu

Master's - Addiction Counseling M.S.

Online & Campus Based - Visit Website

Johnson & Wales University-Online's Master of Science in Addiction Counseling delivers a robust 60-credit hybrid program expertly designed for aspiring addiction professionals. Students explore comprehensive substance abuse treatment strategies through a dynamic curriculum blending theoretical foundations with hands-on clinical training. The flexible 18-month program accommodates working professionals with late afternoon and evening class options. Featuring a practicum and internship, students gain practical experience under experienced faculty guidance. Military-friendly and offering multiple learning modalities, this program prepares counselors to address complex addictive disorders with advanced clinical skills and compassionate intervention techniques.

• 60-credit hybrid program.
• 18-month full-time option.
• Part-time study available.
• Includes practicum and internship.
• Flexible class schedules.
• Taught by experienced faculty.
• Focus on clinical skills.
• Diverse faculty expertise.
• Late afternoon and evening classes.
• Multiple modalities offered.

*Data source: NCES, IPEDS 2023 institutional survey.

How to Find a Psychology Program in Rhode Island

There are many points to consider when choosing one of the best psychology programs in Rhode Island. Things like the psychology pathways, options for studying psychology specialty areas, accreditation, and program format options are some things to consider before enrolling in a Rhode Island psychology program.

Psychology Degree Pathways in Rhode Island

Psychology degree pathways are likely to contribute to the college or university choice when a student considers program and Rhode Island school options. Students may complete an undergraduate degree program and continue their education to complete a graduate degree for the best career options for Rhode Island psychologists.

Rhode Island College offers a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology program that has no required practicum. Students complete coursework and an internship. The school also offers graduate programs in psychology for students who prefer to advance their education.

Johnson & Wales University offers several pathways for students who want to begin or continue their education by enrolling in a psychology program in Rhode Island. Consider an accelerated program to complete both a bachelor's degree and a master's degree in psychology in an accelerated format.

This pathway allows students to complete both undergraduate and graduate courses in psychology, and to receive credits in both programs. The options include the psychology/addiction counseling Accelerated B.S./M.S. program or the psychology/clinical mental health counseling accelerated B.S./M.S. program.

Choose a Psychology Specialty

Students who choose a psychology specialty are likely to have the option to complete a Rhode Island psychology program that prepares them for their desired career area.

The University of Rhode Island indicates that specialty areas in the psychology Ph.D. program prepare students for working in roles in a variety of professional settings. The university offers specialties that include behavioral psychology or clinical psychology.

Accreditation

Students should check to make sure that a psychology program has accreditation before enrolling in the school or in the program. Look for accreditation information on the specific program page, in recent announcements, or on the website.

Many colleges and universities have a separate page or link to click on for accreditation information. The University of Rhode Island released a statement when its Ph.D. in Clinical Psychology program earned a 10-year accreditation extension.

A school or psychology program that does not have accreditation is something to consider for students who look forward to completing a Rhode Island psychology program. Students may not find employment in their field if they attend a school that is not an accredited institution.

Online vs. Traditional Psychology Programs in Rhode Island

Students who need flexibility in their psychology program studies are likely to prefer the flexibility of an online program, compared to a traditional psychology program. Students who enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Psychology program, or the Master of Science in Organizational Psychology program at Johnson & Wales University complete an online degree.

The degree requirements are the same as those for students who enroll in a traditional face-to-face setting.

Becoming Licensed As a Psychologist in Rhode Island

The State of Rhode Island Department of Health Board of Psychology has the responsibility for the licensure of psychologists in the state.

The board sends renewal notices to licensed psychologists 60 days before the expiration date of the current license to practice psychology.

List of Psychology Degree Programs in Rhode Island

Are you looking for a psychology degree program in Rhode Island? Browse our list of psychology programs offering both online and on-campus instruction. Follow the links to learn more about what each school’s psychology program offers.