1965 - A Board is established 

Oklahoma enacted the Psychologists Licensing Act and established the State Board of Examiners of Psychologists. Licensure became the framework for protecting the public and setting standards for professional practice. The Act gave Oklahoma a dedicated body to assess qualifications and regulate the practice of psychology. Public protection remains the thread connecting the Board’s work across every later milestone. The Board consists of seven (7) members appointed by the Governor. Five (5) members are licensed psychologists representing various areas of psychology, and two are members of the public. Through the work of its members, staff, legal counsel, investigators, and professional committees, the Board promotes public protection while supporting high standards of professional practice.

OVERTIME - Standards put into practice 

The Board’s work has grown to include reviewing applications, licensing examinations, renewals, continuing education, complaint investigations and disciplinary action when warranted. Over the years, the Board has continued to modernize its operations and respond to changes in professional practice. These efforts have included expanding online licensing services, strengthening the security and efficiency of regulatory processes, addressing the growth of telepsychology, and participating in interstate initiatives that improve access to psychological services while maintaining appropriate public safeguards. The Board also regulates supervised psychology practice and psychological technicians. This is an ongoing role, rather than an event assigned to a single year.

2019 - Oklahoma joins an interstate framework 

Oklahoma enacted legislation for the Psychology Interjurisdictional Compact, known as PSYPACT, adding a framework for eligible psychologists to practice across participating jurisdictions under compact rules. The compact addresses telepsychology and temporary in-person practice across state lines while retaining public safeguards. Compact authorization and an Oklahoma license are distinct pathways, each with its own requirements.

2026 - Expansion of the Board’s Regulatory Responsibilities

In 2026, the Oklahoma Legislature enacted Senate Bill 1557, marking a significant milestone in the Board’s history. The legislation transferred responsibility for the licensure and regulation of behavior analysts from the Oklahoma Department of Human Services to the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists.

Effective November 1, 2026, the Board assumed responsibility for regulating Board Certified Behavior Analysts and Board Certified Assistant Behavior Analysts practicing in Oklahoma. This transition brought the regulation of psychology and applied behavior analysis together within one state agency while preserving the distinct education, credentialing, ethical, and professional standards applicable to each profession.

Under Senate Bill 1557, the Board’s expanded responsibilities include processing behavior analyst license applications and renewals, maintaining licensing records, establishing rules and fees, conducting required background checks, investigating complaints, and taking appropriate action to protect the public. The legislation also allows the Board to receive guidance from professionals and members of the public with knowledge of applied behavior analysis.

Protecting the Public through Professional Regulation

Today, the Oklahoma State Board of Examiners of Psychologists serves psychologists, behavior analysts, applicants, consumers, and the public. While the Board’s responsibilities have grown since its establishment in 1965, its central purpose remains unchanged: to protect the people of Oklahoma through fair, consistent, and effective professional regulation.