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Hey everyone, today’s conversation is packed with practical tips and hard-earned wisdom for any psychologist who’s ever dreamed of living and practicing abroad. I’m talking with Dr. Hilary Anand, a licensed psychologist who’s navigated the licensure processes in both New Zealand and Canada while raising two young kids and maintaining her US-based practice. We dig into everything from paperwork hassles and unexpected visa expenses to the personal and professional benefits of building a nomadic lifestyle. If you’ve ever wondered whether working abroad is possible—or worth it—this episode will give you a grounded, transparent, and inspiring look at what it really takes. We talk about:
- The moment Hilary and her family decided to take the leap—and what pushed them over the edge
- How to get licensed as a psychologist in Alberta and New Zealand
- Differences between provinces in Canada and how U.S. licensure is viewed internationally
- Common logistical and ethical hurdles—including working across time zones and managing dual licensure
- Financial considerations: hidden costs, visa fees, and tax implications
- Personal stories of raising children abroad, accidental homeschooling, and navigating cultural integration
- The importance of flexibility, humility, and curiosity when uprooting your life and practice
- Resources and communities that helped Hilary make the leap—and what she wishes she’d known earlier
Cool Things Mentioned
- The Testing Psychologist mastermind groups and business consulting
- Contact Hilary: hilaryanandphd@gmail.com
- Hilary’s Practice: Lumos Assessment
- Alberta College of Psychologists (licensure info): https://www.cap.ab.ca
- New Zealand Psychologists Board: https://psychologistsboard.org.nz
- U.S. PSYPACT Info (for domestic mobility): https://psypact.gov
- U.S. Expat Tax Overview (Foreign Earned Income Exclusion): https://www.irs.gov/individuals/international-taxpayers/foreign-earned-income-exclusion
- Podcasts & Expat Communities (Hilary’s recommendation):
- Search for “[country name] expat podcast” in your podcast player
- Facebook groups for expats (e.g., “Psychologists Abroad,” “Expats in New Zealand”)
- YouTube channels from families and professionals living overseas
- Watch the episode on YouTube
Featured Resources
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The Testing Psychologist podcast is approved for CEU’s!
I’ve partnered with At Health to offer CE credits for podcast episodes! Visit this link to access current and past episodes available for CE credit. You can use code “TTP10” for a discount on ALL the course credits you purchase from At Health!
About Dr. Hilary Anand
Hilary Anand is the co-founder of Lumos Assessment, a clinic focused on providing learning disability and ADHD testing for teens and adults. She has been traveling around the world with her family for the past several years, and is in the process of moving abroad currently. In her spare time, she likes to spend lots of time in nature, with her cat, and writing fiction.
Get in Touch & Resources:
- Website: https://www.lumosassessment.com
- E-mail: hilaryanandphd@gmail.com
About Dr. Jeremy Sharp
I’m a licensed psychologist and Clinical Director at the Colorado Center for Assessment & Counseling, a private practice that I founded in 2009 and have grown to over 20 clinicians. I earned my undergraduate degree in Experimental Psychology from the University of South Carolina before getting my Master’s and PhD in Counseling Psychology from Colorado State University. These days, I specialize in psychological and neuropsychological evaluation with kids and adolescents.
As the host of the Testing Psychologist Podcast, I provide private practice consulting for psychologists and other mental health professionals who want to start or grow psychological testing services in their practices. I live in Fort Collins, Colorado with my wife (also a therapist) and two young kids.
Ready to grow your testing services? Click below to schedule a complimentary 30-minute pre-consulting call!