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OR Psych Juris study materials
OR Psych Juris study resources

OR Psych Juris: Oregon Laws and Administrative Rules Governing the Practice of Psychology

OR Psych Juris · Work through your exam, one topic at a time.

All guide sections

Oregon Laws and Administrative Rules Governing the Practice of Psychology

Authority and scope

Oregon psychology practice is governed by ORS chapter 675 and OAR chapter 858, administered by the Oregon Board of Psychologist Examiners (BPE). The board licenses two titles: psychologist (doctoral-level) and psychologist associate (master's-level, supervised). Using either title, or providing psychological services for compensation, without a license violates ORS 675.010–675.490.

Licensure pathway

Candidates must complete a doctoral degree in psychology from an accredited program or equivalent, complete supervised professional experience as specified in OAR 858, pass the EPPP, pass the Oregon laws-and-rules (jurisprudence) examination, and clear a background check. Supervision is not informal: the supervisor must be a licensed psychologist and the supervision plan must be board-approved. A psychologist associate may not practice independently; the associate's scope is set by the approved plan.

Core practice rules

  • Obtain informed consent covering fees, confidentiality limits, and treatment.
  • Confidentiality and testimonial privilege arise under ORS 40.230; disclose only with consent, court order, or a recognized exception such as abuse reporting or serious danger.
  • Report suspected child abuse under ORS 419B.010 and elder abuse under ORS 124.050.
  • Renew biennially, complete required continuing education, and keep verifiable certificates; CE is audited.
  • Advertise the actual license title and keep records secure.
  • For telepsychology, follow Oregon law when the client is located in Oregon, regardless of where you sit.

Worked example

A psychologist licensed in Washington moves to Portland and advertises “Oregon Psychologist.” She has passed the EPPP but has not taken Oregon’s jurisprudence exam. Reasoning: the EPPP is only one requirement; Oregon does not issue a license automatically by reciprocity. Until the BPE issues an Oregon license, she may not use the title or practice psychology in Oregon. Advertising first is independent unprofessional conduct.

Traps that cost marks

  • Treating EPPP passage as licensure.
  • Using “psychologist” as a generic job title.
  • Supervising or being supervised without a board-approved written plan.
  • Promising absolute confidentiality.
  • Missing mandatory abuse reports.
  • Letting CE certificates lapse before audit.