Hey Phil! So many people say not to go for a Psy.D due to debt, and because people do not consider you as “prestigious” as someone with a Ph.D (which makes it hard for internships/jobs later down the line). Can you speak to your thoughts on this? I’ve had my heart set on a Psy.D for the emphasis on application, but less debt sounds nice, too. Would love to know what you think!
Hi Aimee, great questions! I will say probably the biggest disadvantage of a PsyD is the lack of funding compared to PhD, although I've really appreciated the clinical skills I've learned in my program, and for someone like me who's not too crazy into research, it's been a good balance of research and clinicals which a lot of people like about the PsyD. As for internships/jobs, in my opinion, at least in the U.S., the need for mental health professionals in this country is too great, and most jobs honestly don't care whether people have a PsyD/PhD or counseling PhD degree since all have to take the same licensure exam and schools teach on a lot of the same thing. I think the PsyD for someone looking to work in countries outside the U.S, is where it gets a little tricky because most countries are familiar with clinical psychology phd and not the PsyD and so PsyD isn't as familiar or popular in other countries. That's the biggest downside. One of the things for you that might be helpful is seeing if there are PsyD programs that offer funding/scholarships/ and jobs to work during school that can help with the debt and still provide more application. I don't know any of the top of my head, but I'm sure with some research you can find some! Good luck on your journey!
I think populations that see, specialities, certifications, or additional experience after grad school that they have to give a better road map of what it takes to reach your goal. Maybe even what made their application competitive and how they survived/ or took away from grad school. Hope that helps!
Hey Phil! So many people say not to go for a Psy.D due to debt, and because people do not consider you as “prestigious” as someone with a Ph.D (which makes it hard for internships/jobs later down the line). Can you speak to your thoughts on this? I’ve had my heart set on a Psy.D for the emphasis on application, but less debt sounds nice, too. Would love to know what you think!
Hi Aimee, great questions! I will say probably the biggest disadvantage of a PsyD is the lack of funding compared to PhD, although I've really appreciated the clinical skills I've learned in my program, and for someone like me who's not too crazy into research, it's been a good balance of research and clinicals which a lot of people like about the PsyD. As for internships/jobs, in my opinion, at least in the U.S., the need for mental health professionals in this country is too great, and most jobs honestly don't care whether people have a PsyD/PhD or counseling PhD degree since all have to take the same licensure exam and schools teach on a lot of the same thing. I think the PsyD for someone looking to work in countries outside the U.S, is where it gets a little tricky because most countries are familiar with clinical psychology phd and not the PsyD and so PsyD isn't as familiar or popular in other countries. That's the biggest downside. One of the things for you that might be helpful is seeing if there are PsyD programs that offer funding/scholarships/ and jobs to work during school that can help with the debt and still provide more application. I don't know any of the top of my head, but I'm sure with some research you can find some! Good luck on your journey!
Very nice!✨️
what questions would you say would be essential to ask? I want to focus in neuropsych and do both therapy/assessment and research.
I think populations that see, specialities, certifications, or additional experience after grad school that they have to give a better road map of what it takes to reach your goal. Maybe even what made their application competitive and how they survived/ or took away from grad school. Hope that helps!
i have a question. do i really need to get my phd? can i just stop at my masters and open a private practice?
You don't need a phd. and yes if you only want to do therapy then getting a masters is a great option. Best of luck!