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How does one become a professional psychologist?

With different levels of education, you are qualified to do various jobs in psychology.  A Ph.D is what is usually thought of as enabling one to be a "professional psychologist", and would require 4 or more years of further study beyond a bachelor's degree.  With a Ph.D., one can do clinical, teaching, or research work in the field, and counsel patients having emotional/psychological difficulties.  With further training, some states now allow psychologists to prescribe medications.

http://education-portal.com/articles/Psychologist:_Educational_Requirements.html

It depends on what you mean by a "professional psychologist." Technically, a four-year degree. If you mean "one who can counsel," you simply need a master's degree, not a Ph.D.

Depending upon your state requirements:

an MFT (Marriage/Family Therapist) degree qualifies you to take a state exam certifying you to a professional counselor or therapist (not psychologist). Normally, you will need up to 3000 hours of
intern practice prior to taking this exam and getting certified.

A Phd (dissertation) in counseling or an area of specialization in psychology along with passing other state exams, would qualify you as a professional psychologist.  

 You might want to look into various career options and requirements for counselors, therapists in your state, and also explore more what area of psychology or "para- psychology" appeals most to you.