People earning a Doctor of Psychology degree, or Psy.D., learn behavioral science and scientific methods. Students focus on diagnosing and treating mental illness. In addition to completing a dissertation, Psy.D. students focus on examinations and practical work. Once they have graduated, they must obtain a license in order to accept patients. Licensing requirements differ from state to state. Generally, counseling and clinical psychologists must have one to two years of experience and pass an exam before the state will grant them a license to see patients. Technically, they can SEE patients before they’re licensed. They just can't talk to them or communicate any advice or analysis via blinking or Morse code. Best to just get licensed so you can be of optimal use to them.