Really interesting discussion, thank you for sharing. I have a masters degree, been in private practice for nearly 30 years and employ 10 therapists. I don’t have a doctorate and have no regrets. Best wishes Marie.
Wow wonderful to hear....that was my concern. How long the masters can carry me .you've been blessed to thrive 30 years with your degree. Very encouraging!
I am also a psyd and chose PsyD for the exact same things as Marie here. However I am glad I got a doctorate and if I did it over again, I would do the same. I disagree with her here. Doctoral programs in my area generally get more financial aid, you are eligible for more leadership positions if you want to do things other than private practice. More insurances and other agencies have stipulations requiring a doctoral level psychologist, and doing assessment can be a GREAT stream of income!
I am graduated next month with my Masters of Social Work degree. There are lots of people in my cohort with a Bachelors Degree in psychology that chose the Master of Social Work degree because they didn't want to spend the time and money to get a Phd/psyd. I am in the clinical track, so once I am done and licensed I can provide therapy! So the MSW is another route to go if someone wants to do therapy.
I completely agree. Ultimately, the MA or MSW is going to give you more bang for your buck, but the PsyD will open slightly more doors/make more money. There are times when I have wondered if I should have gone for the psyd, but I think it would have been motivated by vanity.
Do you live in the US? What can you do with a MA in Counseling Psychology? I am interested in a MS in Psychology but I don't know what kind of job I can get with it.
Life hack: get a masters in counseling and social work and start working, get paid, and get licensed. Then, get a doctorate in counseling (CES) or social work (DSW) which can be done part time, while still working, and you can be called “doctor” and avoid many of the great points in this video. That’s what I’m doing, I’m in a CES program. Good luck to all future professionals!
I am working on my M.A to eventually become an LMFT. I did my research and never considered a PHD or PsyD because all I want to do is therapy and not research or formally teach. Thank you for the info...great video!
With an MSW degree, you can be licensed and work many places, including federal jobs, right out of school (with an LSW). Then accrue hours for the LCSW. With a masters in counseling, no intermediate license--only the equivalent hours as the LCSW, to get licensed (LPC). In the meantime you have to find work with no license. Both can end up working as therapists, but SWs have much broader employment options. If going the counseling route, go to a CACREP accred school if you think you may want to work a federal job later. I rec SW degree.
Yep. That’s what I have done. When I was in my teens and 20s I planned to get my Doctorate in psychology. However, I got into the workforce and discovered social work. I realized I could become a therapist plus more with the LCSW.
It just depends on what you want to do. I know many MSW’s who did not get that many classes in therapy and struggle when they do therapy. I got my Master’s in Counseling and have no regrets as I begin to launch my own practice. Plus, it’s a bit easier to have an LMFT in naming a business than if I had an LCSW. :) With an MSW, you don’t have a license right out of grad school. You work through the hours just like for the LMFT license at least in CA. Both ACSW & AMFT are both unlicensed working on their hours before sitting for their exam.
I was always told that "oh you don't want to do a doctorate, it's a lot of time and money and you don't get paid significantly more". "Oh assessment is boring" But I think I really want to do assessment and that entails neuropsych.... and I want to know just how "boring" assessment is. Obviously paperwork-related stuff is always not as exciting as getting hands on, but I was thinking it would help give a break from feeling emotionally "on" for clients all the time too (I'm an introvert)
If you have strong clinical interest in neuropsych you will never be bored if that's the population you end up working with. every case is completely different and assessment work is incredibly challenging/rewarding
I'm currently in a PhD clinical psych program. I want to echo what she is saying that if you want to exclusively do therapy I would HIGHLY recommend the masters route. If you do go the doctorate route consider PhD over PsyD if you do want to go into a ton of debt. I know plenty of students that come out of their doctorate program with essentially zero tuition as these programs are funded.
I want to perform therapy but also develop a education program and also reach out to the Asian mental health movement. Would it be better to pursue a PhD or PSYD? I would really like to be smart financially as well to be able to not accumulate too much debt.
This is probably a stupid question, but can you still provide therapy and be in a clinical setting with a PhD instead of a PsyD/ masters in some form of therapy?
@@jonahfoster1714yes, you earn the master’s along the way to earning your PhD. I have both. I recommend neither. Go get social work license if you want to be a therapist. A licensed social worker has more use and access to clinical settings. Some states have no way to practice as therapists for masters in psych.
My career goals are the same as yours were, so this video was extremely helpful for me. After watching this video I’ve officially decided to go for my masters and a psyD won’t be necessary for me. Thank you so much for sharing! All the best.
I'm 5 weeks away from a MSW degree. I'm considering a PhD because I found one that focuses on Trauma. in 5-7 years I plan to start a specialty addiction recovery center. The credibility of being a doctor would open more doors to access higher levels of management to seek services for the lower level employees. Not sure I explained that well.
I have a MSW (Applied) and work in trauma therapy plus 10+ mental health experience - A PhD really is for research or being a university lecturer. Plus very expensive to complete and a four-year commitment with loss of income.
I’m really interested in research and assessment. I’m planning on applying to clinical psych PhD programs. This video helped me feel that I am making the right choice. It’s hard because so many videos are like “don’t get a doctorate!” I think the reason is so many people peruse one thinking that a doctorate is what they need to be legitimate when it’s not really needed for the work they are interested in and ends up being a waist of time and money. For people who are interested in doing research it is definitely the right path. Just don’t chase the PhD for the thrill of the letters.
So glad I found this video! I was contemplating getting my LPC or pursuing a PSYD. This video gave me the clarification that I needed. I’ll be starting school next fall for a masters in clinical mental health counseling. I know my longterm goal is to open my own private practice & I know I don’t have the time or energy to spend years in a doctoral program
I believe more people (consumers of mental health services & undergraduate students) need to watch this video. Another point, yes, you can do assessments at the Master's Level, you just need additional and proper training. Thank you for sharing with us :)
Such honest and wonderful advice. I have had the PsyD for nearly 40 years...but I always suggest people consider an MSW/LCSW. Many more hospital and community positions and independent practice if interested...
I just happened to come across this video, and I'm glad that I watched it. I wanted a PsyD, but now I think I would be good w/o it. I will just receive some certifications. I have an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling :)
I got an MA and it’s interesting because in certain places (ex I’m in Canada) depending on what your MA is in, you can apply to be a Psychological Associate where your able to do assessments etc, and it just takes extra post grad supervision and examinations
Thank you so much for sharing your story! This has been by far the most helpful insight into the differences between a master's in counseling and a doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology. I am currently completing a second undergraduate degree in psychology to prepare for counseling graduate admissions, and I am going to stop at the master's level for some time.
I so appreciate this video, thank you for covering this topic!! 🙏🏼 On my journey right now, and from what I can tell my interests mainly lie in therapy with clients, being a therapist. I don't have interest in research, and I'm open to various age groups. Striving to be an LCSW. Thank you!
Great video! Very insightfully and beautifully explained! You know how to break down information in a way that’s simple and easy to follow…What a brilliant mind and shining light to the world! ✨
This was extremely helpful!!!!!! Could you may also help explain the difference between MFT, mental health counseling, LPC, and a masters in clinical psychology? I am seeing a lot of states require CACREP accreditation but I am also seeing masters programs in clinical psychology that are not CACREP.
Depends what state you want to live and work in. CACREP makes it way easier to transfer or get your counseling license in another state (depending on the state because many may make you take another class or obtain more practicum hours). Check the program's curriculum as I went to a program that wasn't CACREP accredited but is equivalent in its structure so I can look at licensure in most states.
I'm in my 30s and have my M.S.Ed. in MHC(Mental Health Counseling) and currently preparing for my Licensure exam for the LMHC (Licensed mental health counseling exam). But I still want to get my Ph.D or Psy.D in clinical psychology by the time when I'm 45, so that means I will be in my 50s by the time I become a Doctor 😄 Love all the insights you provided in this video!
Thanks for this video. I think I will stick with the MFT program and I'm leading toward Phillips graduate Institute, which is part of Campbellsville University. The Los Angeles location is heavily on practicum and case coursework versus just academics, although it is also academically rigorous.
It's interesting how you also thought that a doctoral program would give you more clinical preparation. I got rejected from two Psy.D programs and ended up pursuing and completing a Masters degree. Thanks for sharing.
In the UK we have specific choices. While the term counsellor and psychotherapist aren't regulated, a lot of courses are now being accredited by the BACP or UKCP which are counselling and psychotherapy bodies. However, while courses are accredited, they are not regulated and anyone can call themselves a counsellor or psychotherapist. Likewise, people can call themselves a 'psychologist' as it is not a protected title. You have to be a specialist in a certain area, such as clinical, counselling, forensic, educational etc. to be protected. These require a doctoral level qualification. The DClinPsy is paid for by the NHS which is why it is the most competitive course. The other doctoral titles (DCounsPsy, DForenPsy and DEdPsy) can be done at university but candidates have to pay for the course themselves. However, they can do the BPS accredited route which does not confer the title of 'Dr.' as it does not require a doctoral level thesis to complete the qualification.
Thank you for this video, it's a back-and-forth reflection I still review every once in awhile, the PsD my original pursuits til I learned "you don't have to get a PsyD to be a therapist, it's the same license you'd be using." I went to Capella Univ and got my MS in Mental Health Clinical Counseling, am an MS LPCC NCC, and a CACREP program. Similar to the reasons you went for your PsyD I chose the LPCC over any other avenue (MFT, SW), desiring to be as trained and prepared as possible to help the most diverse range of people as possible who may walk through my door. If I went back I'd go to Pepperdine Univ PsyD in Clinical Psychology. For "fun" I will on occasion "research" which program seems like it'd be a good one. Not sure if it's something at my age I'll actually return to school to do (though my husband sometimes encourages me for the student loan deferment lol), but it's fun to think about, that I could.
The problem is when they made a psychologist go from a Masters to a doctorate degree so those grandfathered into psychology kept higher salaries and push the time + cost onto new generations. A Harvard Ph.D psych talked about this. It's about money. They should all be Master degrees. Edit: Nowadays anyone can do, "Research." Just go to Pub med. NIH. Proquest etc. You can literally get a tutor for $30 an hour and in a few sessions you'll learn how to write a thesis in APA 7 etc format. Schools are just milking students for money and the accreditation boards are the problem also. Same goes for Physical therapy was a bachelors, now a Ph.D. OT was a B.S, now a 90 Credit hour masters etc. That's why the best ROI is nursing and people doing nursing as almost the last ROI undergrad left = more inadequate people that are nurses but don't really want to be.
Thank you so much for your videos. I'm currently doing my Masters in Healthcare and Wellness Counselling and I have been debating with myself on whether I should start my own practice while studying or if I should wait till I've finished with my Masters before starting my own practice. After watching this video, I believe that I have my answer.
I would say you get the most bang for your buck with an lcsw. The doctorate programs are just too expensive and you are not making more due to debt to income ratio. Insurance does pay a little more for PsyD. Now psychiatrists that is really where the money is at. They can easily make a $1 mill a year in the right area.
There are all kinds of opportunities with a master's! I am an LMHC (licensed mental health counselor), which is a master's level degree and license, and I have a private practice, supervise and train interns as a clinical director in a nonprofit, and I am an adjunct professor in a graduate program. On top of that, I provide consulting and training for individuals, groups, organizations, and schools. I hope that's helpful. :-)
I work for myself - in both of my businesses! And, there is absolutely nothing I'm doing now that I couldn't do the exact same way with a master's degree. I hope that helps!
@@PrivatePracticeSkills thanks... I guess there is also the pressure for prestige as African American women as well. I was thinking about starting my company first and then going to back to school. This way I have a solid income first.
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I have a question, if I only want to do therapy, what is it that I would not be able to do with a MSW that I could do with a Psy.D?
I did get a doctorate (Ed.D.), and it didn't help me in my career much. However, it did give me an excellent education, basically a year extra of education that helped me clinically. I thought I might want to teach also, but I never followed that tract. If you want to teach, get the doctorate. If you don't, you don't need that length of time and commitment. The research and dissertation did not really benefit me for being either a clinician or as a manager in behavioral health. It is interesting how anti-intellectual America is in many circles, a kind of reverse arrogance by those who do not have a doctorate. The extra time finishing the dissertation did slow me up on getting licensed.
But wouldn’t you get paid significantly more as a psychologist? This can assist with burnout. Meaning, you can make the same amount of $ with less clients per day. Thoughts?
I am going through the same situation right now, confused what should i do my masters in (clinical or counselling) and if i should consider getting masters and phd together. uff thanks for this video! can we have more on this topic pleaseeeeeee
I would highly recommend doing your research and figuring out what your end goal is. She’s laid it out pretty well in this video. If your end goal is not to do assessments or research then do a masters. Much shorter than a PhD.
@@nsanenthembrane yes i resonate w her I don’t want to get into research, so masters it is, but what are job prospects after masters? Uhm i heard u can only practice through an agency not independent!
@@nehagaglani9131 what state are you in? As far as I know you can work in multiple settings with a masters..private practice, group practice, schools, hospitals, Prison system, the county. People usually work in agencies to get supervision hours after they graduate but once they get licensed they go off into different settings.
I know I’m pretty late commenting on this video but it was really helpful and I appreciate you being so open and honest. Do you have any insight on if you were to only get a masters, if you would take the LCSW, LPC, or LMFT route? I just got my bachelors in psych and I’m at a crossroads. Thank you again!
Thank you for this video! Super helpful! I’ve been debating which degree to go for next year. My current plan is to try for a funded PhD because research does interest me a bit. However I know it’s very competitive so if don’t get in I’ll be happy to go for a masters instead since I’m mostly interested in the clinical side of psychology.
I have thought long and hard about this, in terms of deciding between a terminal masters degree in counseling or Psy.D. I have worked in outpatient community mental health for five years alongside phenomenal masters level therapists. Nonetheless, I have decided on pursuing a doctorate degree (psy.d) instead. For me, representation in the field is important and as a Latina, I want to be able to serve my Latinx community in Spanish as well. That’s not to say I can’t do that as a masters level clinician, yet, Latinx mental health profesionals are doing great in the masters level, but there is a lack at the doctorate level (psychologist). I want to be able to provide psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and teach at the university level. Overall, I really appreciate the insights you gave on this topic. It still helped me and I know it’ll help others to decide which path to choose :)
Thanks for sharing your story! I feel the same way - I'm black & there's definitely a lack of black mental health professionals with doctorates as well. There are some professional reasons why I want to want to pursue a doctorate but I think ultimately, my personal reasons are why I'm going to go through with it. Best of luck to you in your future endeavors!
@@kathyfigueroa3094 Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! Being Peruvian myself, I also want to work with the latinx community and provide all the emotional/psychological support they need. What programs have you been looking at? From the research I've made, the only program that has a latinx concentration is the University of Denver and OMG the tuition is outrageous! What other programs you know that have a focus on latinx communities? Thank you🙏
I have two questions which I would super appreciate if someone in the comments thread would help me out with! With the PsyD programs, wouldn't it be a plus to be getting taught by clinicians rather than researchers? In the counselling department labs I had access to as an undergraduate, the professor's were all primarily researchers, putting in maybe one day of practice a week. It wasn't a super inspiring environment for me since I too am primarily interested in practice. Also, if your interest is in treating serious conditions in hospital-settings (schizophrenia etc.) would a PhD or PsyD have any additional value - maybe assessments are more valuable here?
In PsyD programs and PhD program, the majority of instructors are still PhDs with a couple of PsyD's here and there. However, a good portion of PsyD programs ask that their instructors still be running their own practice/or doing clinical work in some capacity. You gotta practice what you preach and continue to stay up to date on the research. The PsyD still does research, but it's not the primary focus. For example, a good portion of my instructors in my program run a research lab once a week, teach one or two days, and then do their own practice/forensic assessments/etc. For hospital settings, it depends what work you are looking to do. If you are looking to do more psychotherapy and treatment, or if you are looking to diagnose. Usually you do not do both of them for the same person, due to conflict of interest, unless you are solely the only provider in a very remote and rural location. You can do assessments with either one or therapy with either one, just know PsyD will focus more on that clinical component of training, whereas PhD will focus more on the research/academia end of things.
Honestly the bigger issue is private for-profit versus non profit education. Under no circumstances should you attend a for-profit degree mill (Capella, Argosy, ... School of Professional Psychology, etc...). You will be left with massive debt, unable to pass the EPPP, unable to get an APA accredited internship or postdoc and many of them are not accredited. RESEARCH THESE SCHOOLS!!!!!!
This is a great tip! It seems worth mentioning that the price tag is still quite steep regardless of whether the institution is for-profit or not (but the range of price varies!). I went to CSPP which is for-profit, accredited, and I passed the EPPP first try with minimal studying. I hope this is helpful!
@@PrivatePracticeSkills i went to CSPP for a semester. I left because of racism in faculty and even after complaining directly to the president the abuse was ignored. I know CSPP too well. It too was / is trash.
@@lisaw44 That is absolutely horrible to hear. I'm so sorry to hear about the racism you experienced directly and then systemically within the CSPP institution. I'm so glad you continued to advocate for yourself amidst all of those terrible events. That must have been an absolutely terrible experience! Thank you for sharing your comment here. There is no justification for that kind of treatment. I can only hope at least that you were treated with proper respect at the institution you attended afterward.
@Private Practice Skills Is there any more value in a PsyD over a masters when it comes to marketing yourself to employers or to patients in your own private practice? Is it harder for masters-level therapists to be successful in private practice? If so, is this discrepancy enough to justify doing the doctorate? I live in Illinois where LPC’s are not allowed on insurance panels and only LCSWs and psychologists can bill Medicare. Thank you.
In Private Practice, no psychologists charge more for their expertise. Which raises most peoples out of pocket cost. Most people in private practice are LPC & LCSWs. Many psychologists do assessment full time or work at universities but it does help if your client values credentials other than that it makes no difference.
Thank you for this! I had many of the same assumptions you did and just as many questions concerning what degree to go for when I apply to grad school in a year or so. You clarified the pros and cons so well. I’m now trying to decide between LMHC, LMFT, and LCSW. Most people say LCSW is more versatile but if I want to do online therapy (and get licensed in my state of FL) and live abroad, it seems like the LMFT or LMHC/LPC might make more sense. What do you think? 🧐
I am studying overseas and completed my Bachelor's degree in Europe. I am now thinking about whether I should get a doctorate degree or a master's. I might want to go to the States to find a job after my Master's degree but I don't know if I would be hired at a therapy or rehabilitation center or hospital if I don't have a doctorate.
Thanks for this outstanding video. Most doctorate degrees are in Clinical Psychology. I was wondering what your thoughts are on Doctorates in Marriage and Family Therapy or Psy.D in MFT? These programs tend to be post masters programs and can be completed in 3 years after a masters program. I love all your videos.
I saw the PsyD in MFT program and asked my supervisor about it before applying. She recommended against it, since it wasn't accredited and more specifically by APA. You can still do a non-apa accredited doctorate but it's going to require more effort from you in the log run to prove yourself as a good psychologist.
You cannot do much with a master's degree. I have a master's in psychology, and I couldn't get licensed to work as a therapist. So, I decided to enroll in an additional program in applied behavior analysis. Now I work with kids with autism
This video might make people who have a Master's and not a Doctorate feel good, but there is no real downside to going into a Doctorate of Psychology that leads to licensure, especially if you're coming into it from another field or going from Bachelor's to Doctorate as a number of schools allow in certain fields. Most Doctoral Psychology programs in the United States are 3 year programs. A Master's is normally 2 or slightly less. You may save 1 year of time with the Master's, but you lose the greater depth of research and scrutiny of your work that catalyzes you to be a more knowledgeable, higher quality professional which really is the point of the Doctoral experience. Plus, you lose the higher prestige and higher pay that goes along with a legitimate Doctorate in this field. My take: I would tell people who want to do it to just suck it up and do the extra work. It's worth it. You won't ever look back and regret having the Doctorate, but you are very likely to look back and regret not going for it.
Amazing!! This is the video I was looking for for so long! I was so hoping for someone to make a video like this! So what I got from it is that You can still work as a Clinical psychologist if you have only a Master Degree. I myself prefer the clinical work much more than the research stuff. I really want to become a clinical psychologist but I didn't know that Master Degree would be enough if you want to work in hospitals etc. My questions is- are the requirements for Master degree the same as for the PhD and is it also that hard to be chosen? And my last question is - while doing Master Degree do you get enough practice in clinical areas like hospitals or that's only able when doing PhD?
You cannot be a psychologist unless you have a specific type of doctorate degree. But you can be a licensed therapist with a masters-level degree. I would do more research about the specific type of job you’re interested in to find out their requirements. But yes, there are masters-level therapists in hospitals as well, it just may be a little more nuanced depending on the specific role you’re interested in :)
For personal reasons, I am really into clinical psychology, both research and practical therapy. So I would like to apply for a PhD even if I already have a PhD in Philosophy, and I am over 40. It is possible to be fully funded for doctoral degree?
Are you talking about a MA in psychology or a MA in Counseling? I got the impression that the classes for a MA or MS in psychology are different from what you learn in Counseling. I am interested in a MS in General Psychology but I don't know what kind of job I could do with it since I can't work as a psychologist with it nor could I pursue licensure in counselin
MA in general psychology is pretty much exclusively for people planning to later apply to PhD programs. they don't really help you get a job or qualify you for anything, the other professional masters do (clinical counseling for LCC, MFT, LCSW etc)
Great discussion! I’ve heard that for folks who want to have a more public image (much like yourself) and be interviewed as an expert in the media and get book deals etc. that the doctorate can really help increase one’s prestige. What are your thoughts on that aspect? It’s so interesting that you shared this, because I’ve always thought if I could go back and do it all over again I’d get a doctorate! 😋 Even pursued going back at one point. But you make a lot of great points here and maybe I should be grateful that I went the master’s route. 😅
I agree that I think most people they are more likely to get recognized with a doctorate. I'm not saying one degree is better than the other, but I'm almost wondering if it's because people don't understand the difference between these kind of professionals. One Masters therapist who is big is Esther Perel.
@@sweetlove65miss That is a great point! I think it's one of those things where the public doesn't necessarily know the nuances of how much expertise a professional with a master's degree is vs a professional with a doctorate degree, so the general assumption is that someone with more education probably knows more. Not always the case!
Question if someone could plz help me out. I'm deciding between a Masters or PsyD. I only want to do therapy like clinical counselling and work with mental illness etc. If I do a masters program, will that also cover mental illnesses and disorders or just stress and daily life management etc. I am not at all interested in research but I wouldn't mind doing assessment so I'm on the fence
Then do an MSW, MFT, or MHC, if you don’t care for research which is often at the doctoral level. However being licensed at the doctoral level means you’ll get paid more than master’s level clinicians. But the down side is tuition cost and time required to obtain the clinical psychologist license. Being licensed as a clinician (psychotherapist) at the master’s level gets you to doing clinical work/ therapy faster and cheaper. Hope this helps.
Hi my name is Andre Paul and I am currently a student enrolled in a psychology master’s level program at Rhode Island College. The program is research oriented but I am actually not solely interested in research. I want to get my master’s degree and become counselor/therapist. Can I still become a therapist or a counselor with a master’s level degree in Psychology?
but isn't your doctorate degree worth it if you decide to move states away from California to another place?? or it really just depends on the state? i feel like a doctorate degree you have an easier peace of mind keeping your licensure from cross states
@@allison7066 no, each state has its own set of requirements and having a PhD/PsyD isn't enough, each state has its own exam you have to take and pass, and some states differ in the amount of hours supervised post-degree you need in order to get the license, with other requirements. I had been trying to link a site for you on the comment which tells you a breakdown of each states requirements, but the comment kept getting deleted, so a quick google search should help explain the different states requirements for counseling licensure. So far it seems like all the states require at least a masters degree, but i could of sworn 1 or 2 required a doctorate/PsyD, but i guess i am wrong, i cant seem to find which those are.
@@BullzOfSteel thank you so much! What did you mean in your comment when you said "a doctorate degree you have an easier peace of mind keeping your licensure from cross states"?
@@allison7066 its just a question i have, im just wondering if a doctorate degree in counseling would help in the process of moving states or if it doesn't really matter.
I have a masters and I just received a certificate in child and family therapy. I have a specialty now and wondering if I should become a play therapist instead of a PhD. Please help....I fear that too many masters will flood the market and if private practice isn't successful I will need that PhD one day. Student loans have done nothing but stop me from getting a home. Debt to income ratio has been a nightmare .
I think there’s a need for play therapists..I was listening to a woman on a podcast who has her own play therapy company she goes to peoples homes and charges a lot so that she doesn’t have a large caseload everyday and does well..
No such thing as flooding the market in my opinion! If that happens, then you can simply specialize into something more specific, which it sounds like you already are! Most agencies tend to prefer hiring Masters-level therapists over doctorates because they can get away with paying a lower salary, so I'm not sure what kinds of counseling jobs would open up for you at a doctorate level. It would only apply if you were interested in doing something specialized to a doctorate, such as research, assessments, or academic pursuits. Hope that helps!
A doctorate is only valuable if you absolutely either A) want to be a full-time professor who publishes in research journals, in which case you should go into a fully-funded PhD program, or B) if you want to be a full-time neuropsychological assessor. If you are going to go into massive doctoral debt to be a therapist, you are absolutely committing financial suicide. You can earn just as much or more with a master's degree in private practice. Yes, you pay for the masters, but the extra years of income make up for what would otherwise be time and money spent in a doctoral program for much longer.
I didn't mention that, but it's true! Some programs offer a masters along the way, so in fact I have both a masters and a doctorate. If I wanted, I could have dropped out after the masters and still worked towards masters-level licensure.
Not true, in California at least, and I think in other states you can do an independent private practice as long as you are licensed as a master's level clinician. With job prospects, it depends on where you live. I live in a big city in California and there are a ton of agencies always hiring new master's level clinicians due to the high turn over rate.
It does vary by state, but I believe nearly every state if not all of them allow you to practice independently at a masters-level, it's just that each state has its own licensure and credentialing requirements to do so. I'm not sure if there is a central source that lists all of this out. Each state has its own licensing board with more information. I do know that you don't have to get licensed in the same state that you get your degree in, so you have time!
Really interesting discussion, thank you for sharing. I have a masters degree, been in private practice for nearly 30 years and employ 10 therapists. I don’t have a doctorate and have no regrets. Best wishes Marie.
Congrats on your success! So glad it worked out well for you :)
@@PrivatePracticeSkills thank you
Wow wonderful to hear....that was my concern. How long the masters can carry me .you've been blessed to thrive 30 years with your degree. Very encouraging!
@@Honest000w thank you. Wishing you well.
What is your Master's degree in?
I am also a psyd and chose PsyD for the exact same things as Marie here. However I am glad I got a doctorate and if I did it over again, I would do the same. I disagree with her here. Doctoral programs in my area generally get more financial aid, you are eligible for more leadership positions if you want to do things other than private practice. More insurances and other agencies have stipulations requiring a doctoral level psychologist, and doing assessment can be a GREAT stream of income!
I wouldn't disagree! Those avenues simply don't apply to my pursuits. All the more reason to research a degree before hopping into it!
Yes, I found that most PhD programs giving VERY generous financial assistance. So much so that the masters degree route cost more.
Hello! I'm interested in pursuing PsyD in Clinical Psychology. Could you please let me know your program's name? Hoping for funding options. Thanks!
Im interested in your program’s name also.
I am graduated next month with my Masters of Social Work degree. There are lots of people in my cohort with a Bachelors Degree in psychology that chose the Master of Social Work degree because they didn't want to spend the time and money to get a Phd/psyd. I am in the clinical track, so once I am done and licensed I can provide therapy! So the MSW is another route to go if someone wants to do therapy.
This is exactly what I am doing and for the same reason!
You guys are so smart
👏🏼 I'm going for my LCSW, appreciate the dialogue!
I completely agree. Ultimately, the MA or MSW is going to give you more bang for your buck, but the PsyD will open slightly more doors/make more money. There are times when I have wondered if I should have gone for the psyd, but I think it would have been motivated by vanity.
I’m 22 and I’m about to start the process of pursuing a masters in counseling psychology...this video is super helpful, thank you 😊
Been there, I'm now 24 entering my 3rd year on a masters on clinical psychology. Good luck!
Do you live in the US? What can you do with a MA in Counseling Psychology? I am interested in a MS in Psychology but I don't know what kind of job I can get with it.
@@88Sith88was it hard to get into your masters program ?
Life hack: get a masters in counseling and social work and start working, get paid, and get licensed. Then, get a doctorate in counseling (CES) or social work (DSW) which can be done part time, while still working, and you can be called “doctor” and avoid many of the great points in this video. That’s what I’m doing, I’m in a CES program. Good luck to all future professionals!
This is sort of cool and something I hadn't heard of (CES) what will you be able to do with your doctorate that you can't do now ?
@@TheCodeda That person will be called "DR" and that will be the only difference.
Boom! I know many people that have done that route.
@@weantoine 🤣🤣🤣🤣
That is exactly my plan. Currently working part-time towards my doctorate in counseling while running my private practice as an LCSW.
As an undergrad, this is rather insightful, because I really am clueless about what exactly needs to be done going forward. Thank you.
I am working on my M.A to eventually become an LMFT. I did my research and never considered a PHD or PsyD because all I want to do is therapy and not research or formally teach. Thank you for the info...great video!
With an MSW degree, you can be licensed and work many places, including federal jobs, right out of school (with an LSW). Then accrue hours for the LCSW. With a masters in counseling, no intermediate license--only the equivalent hours as the LCSW, to get licensed (LPC). In the meantime you have to find work with no license. Both can end up working as therapists, but SWs have much broader employment options. If going the counseling route, go to a CACREP accred school if you think you may want to work a federal job later. I rec SW degree.
Yep. That’s what I have done. When I was in my teens and 20s I planned to get my Doctorate in psychology. However, I got into the workforce and discovered social work. I realized I could become a therapist plus more with the LCSW.
It just depends on what you want to do. I know many MSW’s who did not get that many classes in therapy and struggle when they do therapy. I got my Master’s in Counseling and have no regrets as I begin to launch my own practice. Plus, it’s a bit easier to have an LMFT in naming a business than if I had an LCSW. :)
With an MSW, you don’t have a license right out of grad school. You work through the hours just like for the LMFT license at least in CA. Both ACSW & AMFT are both unlicensed working on their hours before sitting for their exam.
I was always told that "oh you don't want to do a doctorate, it's a lot of time and money and you don't get paid significantly more". "Oh assessment is boring"
But I think I really want to do assessment and that entails neuropsych.... and I want to know just how "boring" assessment is. Obviously paperwork-related stuff is always not as exciting as getting hands on, but I was thinking it would help give a break from feeling emotionally "on" for clients all the time too (I'm an introvert)
I 100% hear where you’re coming from and I agree!
If you have strong clinical interest in neuropsych you will never be bored if that's the population you end up working with. every case is completely different and assessment work is incredibly challenging/rewarding
I'm currently in a PhD clinical psych program. I want to echo what she is saying that if you want to exclusively do therapy I would HIGHLY recommend the masters route. If you do go the doctorate route consider PhD over PsyD if you do want to go into a ton of debt. I know plenty of students that come out of their doctorate program with essentially zero tuition as these programs are funded.
I want to perform therapy but also develop a education program and also reach out to the Asian mental health movement. Would it be better to pursue a PhD or PSYD? I would really like to be smart financially as well to be able to not accumulate too much debt.
@@Booknerdlife PhD will have much much less debt traditionally.
This is probably a stupid question, but can you still provide therapy and be in a clinical setting with a PhD instead of a PsyD/ masters in some form of therapy?
Can I pursue a PHD out of undergrad and skip the masters? And are there fully funded programs?
@@jonahfoster1714yes, you earn the master’s along the way to earning your PhD.
I have both. I recommend neither. Go get social work license if you want to be a therapist. A licensed social worker has more use and access to clinical settings. Some states have no way to practice as therapists for masters in psych.
This may have been the main reason I decided to get my master's, thank you so much for sharing!
My career goals are the same as yours were, so this video was extremely helpful for me. After watching this video I’ve officially decided to go for my masters and a psyD won’t be necessary for me. Thank you so much for sharing! All the best.
Thank you!
This spared me lots of time and headache!
I'm 5 weeks away from a MSW degree. I'm considering a PhD because I found one that focuses on Trauma. in 5-7 years I plan to start a specialty addiction recovery center. The credibility of being a doctor would open more doors to access higher levels of management to seek services for the lower level employees. Not sure I explained that well.
I have a MSW (Applied) and work in trauma therapy plus 10+ mental health experience - A PhD really is for research or being a university lecturer. Plus very expensive to complete and a four-year commitment with loss of income.
Thank you, Thank you for your big generosity with this content! You are a teacher to the very soul of your being. 🥰
I’m really interested in research and assessment. I’m planning on applying to clinical psych PhD programs. This video helped me feel that I am making the right choice. It’s hard because so many videos are like “don’t get a doctorate!” I think the reason is so many people peruse one thinking that a doctorate is what they need to be legitimate when it’s not really needed for the work they are interested in and ends up being a waist of time and money. For people who are interested in doing research it is definitely the right path. Just don’t chase the PhD for the thrill of the letters.
So glad I found this video! I was contemplating getting my LPC or pursuing a PSYD. This video gave me the clarification that I needed. I’ll be starting school next fall for a masters in clinical mental health counseling. I know my longterm goal is to open my own private practice & I know I don’t have the time or energy to spend years in a doctoral program
I’d love to know how it is going for you! I’m also considering clinical mental health counseling.
@@rMDheal I start classes in September!
I believe more people (consumers of mental health services & undergraduate students) need to watch this video. Another point, yes, you can do assessments at the Master's Level, you just need additional and proper training. Thank you for sharing with us :)
Such honest and wonderful advice. I have had the PsyD for nearly 40 years...but I always suggest people consider an MSW/LCSW. Many more hospital and community positions and independent practice if interested...
I just happened to come across this video, and I'm glad that I watched it. I wanted a PsyD, but now I think I would be good w/o it. I will just receive some certifications. I have an MA in Clinical Mental Health Counseling :)
I am a career changer and interested in becoming a therapist. Now that you have your MHC Master's, do you recommend that over the MSW?
THANK YOU!! Literally answered all my concerns and questions. It's often presented that you need doctorate in order to do counseling.
I got an MA and it’s interesting because in certain places (ex I’m in Canada) depending on what your MA is in, you can apply to be a Psychological Associate where your able to do assessments etc, and it just takes extra post grad supervision and examinations
Thank you so much for sharing your story! This has been by far the most helpful insight into the differences between a master's in counseling and a doctorate in clinical or counseling psychology. I am currently completing a second undergraduate degree in psychology to prepare for counseling graduate admissions, and I am going to stop at the master's level for some time.
Totally spoke to me. MFT path is for me now instead of the Psy.D. New Subscriber
Sounds like a non biased review. Good to hear.
I so appreciate this video, thank you for covering this topic!! 🙏🏼 On my journey right now, and from what I can tell my interests mainly lie in therapy with clients, being a therapist. I don't have interest in research, and I'm open to various age groups. Striving to be an LCSW. Thank you!
Great video! Very insightfully and beautifully explained! You know how to break down information in a way that’s simple and easy to follow…What a brilliant mind and shining light to the world! ✨
This was extremely helpful!!!!!! Could you may also help explain the difference between MFT, mental health counseling, LPC, and a masters in clinical psychology? I am seeing a lot of states require CACREP accreditation but I am also seeing masters programs in clinical psychology that are not CACREP.
Depends what state you want to live and work in. CACREP makes it way easier to transfer or get your counseling license in another state (depending on the state because many may make you take another class or obtain more practicum hours). Check the program's curriculum as I went to a program that wasn't CACREP accredited but is equivalent in its structure so I can look at licensure in most states.
I'm in my 30s and have my M.S.Ed. in MHC(Mental Health Counseling) and currently preparing for my Licensure exam for the LMHC (Licensed mental health counseling exam). But I still want to get my Ph.D or Psy.D in clinical psychology by the time when I'm 45, so that means I will be in my 50s by the time I become a Doctor 😄 Love all the insights you provided in this video!
Thanks for this video. I think I will stick with the MFT program and I'm leading toward Phillips graduate Institute, which is part of Campbellsville University. The Los Angeles location is heavily on practicum and case coursework versus just academics, although it is also academically rigorous.
It's interesting how you also thought that a doctoral program would give you more clinical preparation. I got rejected from two Psy.D programs and ended up pursuing and completing a Masters degree. Thanks for sharing.
In the UK we have specific choices. While the term counsellor and psychotherapist aren't regulated, a lot of courses are now being accredited by the BACP or UKCP which are counselling and psychotherapy bodies. However, while courses are accredited, they are not regulated and anyone can call themselves a counsellor or psychotherapist. Likewise, people can call themselves a 'psychologist' as it is not a protected title. You have to be a specialist in a certain area, such as clinical, counselling, forensic, educational etc. to be protected. These require a doctoral level qualification. The DClinPsy is paid for by the NHS which is why it is the most competitive course. The other doctoral titles (DCounsPsy, DForenPsy and DEdPsy) can be done at university but candidates have to pay for the course themselves. However, they can do the BPS accredited route which does not confer the title of 'Dr.' as it does not require a doctoral level thesis to complete the qualification.
You could be an adjunct professor so that you don't have to research! I'm thinking of doing that on the side once I get my LCSW
thank you so much, this was great!
Thank you for this video, it's a back-and-forth reflection I still review every once in awhile, the PsD my original pursuits til I learned "you don't have to get a PsyD to be a therapist, it's the same license you'd be using." I went to Capella Univ and got my MS in Mental Health Clinical Counseling, am an MS LPCC NCC, and a CACREP program. Similar to the reasons you went for your PsyD I chose the LPCC over any other avenue (MFT, SW), desiring to be as trained and prepared as possible to help the most diverse range of people as possible who may walk through my door. If I went back I'd go to Pepperdine Univ PsyD in Clinical Psychology. For "fun" I will on occasion "research" which program seems like it'd be a good one. Not sure if it's something at my age I'll actually return to school to do (though my husband sometimes encourages me for the student loan deferment lol), but it's fun to think about, that I could.
Thank you so much for the information
This is really helpful. Thank you.
You're amazing Dr. Fang!
Great video thank you !
Thank you for this video!
Thank you so much for this video! EXACTLY what I was looking for !
You get to exercise your passion for teaching right here at your own leisure
I'm 25 and thinking of picking up my education again in psychology, I'm not sure where to start to even look!
Same me now! Have you found anything yet?
The problem is when they made a psychologist go from a Masters to a doctorate degree so those grandfathered into psychology kept higher salaries and push the time + cost onto new generations. A Harvard Ph.D psych talked about this. It's about money. They should all be Master degrees.
Edit: Nowadays anyone can do, "Research." Just go to Pub med. NIH. Proquest etc. You can literally get a tutor for $30 an hour and in a few sessions you'll learn how to write a thesis in APA 7 etc format. Schools are just milking students for money and the accreditation boards are the problem also.
Same goes for Physical therapy was a bachelors, now a Ph.D. OT was a B.S, now a 90 Credit hour masters etc. That's why the best ROI is nursing and people doing nursing as almost the last ROI undergrad left = more inadequate people that are nurses but don't really want to be.
Nurses get treated poorly. Best to just become a P.A. or M.D.
I agree
Thank you so much for your videos. I'm currently doing my Masters in Healthcare and Wellness Counselling and I have been debating with myself on whether I should start my own practice while studying or if I should wait till I've finished with my Masters before starting my own practice. After watching this video, I believe that I have my answer.
I love your videos!
Thank you for this video. So appreciate your honesty, it was incredibly helpful - and exactly what I was looking for. Thank you!!!❤
Thanks! Really helped clear things up!
I would say you get the most bang for your buck with an lcsw. The doctorate programs are just too expensive and you are not making more due to debt to income ratio. Insurance does pay a little more for PsyD. Now psychiatrists that is really where the money is at. They can easily make a $1 mill a year in the right area.
I guess the real question is what opportunities can you make for yourself with only a masters? I don't plan to work for others most of my life.
There are all kinds of opportunities with a master's! I am an LMHC (licensed mental health counselor), which is a master's level degree and license, and I have a private practice, supervise and train interns as a clinical director in a nonprofit, and I am an adjunct professor in a graduate program. On top of that, I provide consulting and training for individuals, groups, organizations, and schools. I hope that's helpful. :-)
I work for myself - in both of my businesses! And, there is absolutely nothing I'm doing now that I couldn't do the exact same way with a master's degree. I hope that helps!
@@RagsRighteous very! Thanks
Yes yes yes! You're crushing it!
@@PrivatePracticeSkills thanks... I guess there is also the pressure for prestige as African American women as well. I was thinking about starting my company first and then going to back to school. This way I have a solid income first.
Thank you!
Thank you for sharing your thoughts! I have a question, if I only want to do therapy, what is it that I would not be able to do with a MSW that I could do with a Psy.D?
I did get a doctorate (Ed.D.), and it didn't help me in my career much. However, it did give me an excellent education, basically a year extra of education that helped me clinically. I thought I might want to teach also, but I never followed that tract. If you want to teach, get the doctorate. If you don't, you don't need that length of time and commitment. The research and dissertation did not really benefit me for being either a clinician or as a manager in behavioral health. It is interesting how anti-intellectual America is in many circles, a kind of reverse arrogance by those who do not have a doctorate. The extra time finishing the dissertation did slow me up on getting licensed.
But wouldn’t you get paid significantly more as a psychologist? This can assist with burnout. Meaning, you can make the same amount of $ with less clients per day. Thoughts?
I am going through the same situation right now, confused what should i do my masters in (clinical or counselling) and if i should consider getting masters and phd together. uff thanks for this video! can we have more on this topic pleaseeeeeee
Do a PsyD
I would highly recommend doing your research and figuring out what your end goal is. She’s laid it out pretty well in this video. If your end goal is not to do assessments or research then do a masters. Much shorter than a PhD.
@@nsanenthembrane yes i resonate w her I don’t want to get into research, so masters it is, but what are job prospects after masters? Uhm i heard u can only practice through an agency not independent!
@@nehagaglani9131 what state are you in? As far as I know you can work in multiple settings with a masters..private practice, group practice, schools, hospitals, Prison system, the county. People usually work in agencies to get supervision hours after they graduate but once they get licensed they go off into different settings.
@@nsanenthembrane Lol I’m not from USA planning to come there for masters hence shit scared if things don’t work out in a whole new country
I know I’m pretty late commenting on this video but it was really helpful and I appreciate you being so open and honest.
Do you have any insight on if you were to only get a masters, if you would take the LCSW, LPC, or LMFT route?
I just got my bachelors in psych and I’m at a crossroads.
Thank you again!
Would be interested to know this too.
Thank you for this video! Super helpful! I’ve been debating which degree to go for next year. My current plan is to try for a funded PhD because research does interest me a bit. However I know it’s very competitive so if don’t get in I’ll be happy to go for a masters instead since I’m mostly interested in the clinical side of psychology.
What did you decide?
I have thought long and hard about this, in terms of deciding between a terminal masters degree in counseling or Psy.D. I have worked in outpatient community mental health for five years alongside phenomenal masters level therapists. Nonetheless, I have decided on pursuing a doctorate degree (psy.d) instead. For me, representation in the field is important and as a Latina, I want to be able to serve my Latinx community in Spanish as well. That’s not to say I can’t do that as a masters level clinician, yet, Latinx mental health profesionals are doing great in the masters level, but there is a lack at the doctorate level (psychologist). I want to be able to provide psychotherapy, psychological assessments, and teach at the university level.
Overall, I really appreciate the insights you gave on this topic. It still helped me and I know it’ll help others to decide which path to choose :)
Thanks for sharing your story! I feel the same way - I'm black & there's definitely a lack of black mental health professionals with doctorates as well. There are some professional reasons why I want to want to pursue a doctorate but I think ultimately, my personal reasons are why I'm going to go through with it.
Best of luck to you in your future endeavors!
@@brionna8970 Aw thank you! :) Best of luck to you as well 😊
@@kathyfigueroa3094 Thank you!
@@kathyfigueroa3094 Thank you so much for sharing your thoughts! Being Peruvian myself, I also want to work with the latinx community and provide all the emotional/psychological support they need. What programs have you been looking at? From the research I've made, the only program that has a latinx concentration is the University of Denver and OMG the tuition is outrageous! What other programs you know that have a focus on latinx communities? Thank you🙏
Have you chosen a path yet, school wise?
I have two questions which I would super appreciate if someone in the comments thread would help me out with! With the PsyD programs, wouldn't it be a plus to be getting taught by clinicians rather than researchers? In the counselling department labs I had access to as an undergraduate, the professor's were all primarily researchers, putting in maybe one day of practice a week. It wasn't a super inspiring environment for me since I too am primarily interested in practice. Also, if your interest is in treating serious conditions in hospital-settings (schizophrenia etc.) would a PhD or PsyD have any additional value - maybe assessments are more valuable here?
In PsyD programs and PhD program, the majority of instructors are still PhDs with a couple of PsyD's here and there.
However, a good portion of PsyD programs ask that their instructors still be running their own practice/or doing clinical work in some capacity. You gotta practice what you preach and continue to stay up to date on the research. The PsyD still does research, but it's not the primary focus. For example, a good portion of my instructors in my program run a research lab once a week, teach one or two days, and then do their own practice/forensic assessments/etc.
For hospital settings, it depends what work you are looking to do. If you are looking to do more psychotherapy and treatment, or if you are looking to diagnose. Usually you do not do both of them for the same person, due to conflict of interest, unless you are solely the only provider in a very remote and rural location. You can do assessments with either one or therapy with either one, just know PsyD will focus more on that clinical component of training, whereas PhD will focus more on the research/academia end of things.
Honestly the bigger issue is private for-profit versus non profit education. Under no circumstances should you attend a for-profit degree mill (Capella, Argosy, ... School of Professional Psychology, etc...). You will be left with massive debt, unable to pass the EPPP, unable to get an APA accredited internship or postdoc and many of them are not accredited.
RESEARCH THESE SCHOOLS!!!!!!
This is a great tip! It seems worth mentioning that the price tag is still quite steep regardless of whether the institution is for-profit or not (but the range of price varies!). I went to CSPP which is for-profit, accredited, and I passed the EPPP first try with minimal studying. I hope this is helpful!
@@PrivatePracticeSkills i went to CSPP for a semester. I left because of racism in faculty and even after complaining directly to the president the abuse was ignored. I know CSPP too well. It too was / is trash.
@@lisaw44 That is absolutely horrible to hear. I'm so sorry to hear about the racism you experienced directly and then systemically within the CSPP institution. I'm so glad you continued to advocate for yourself amidst all of those terrible events. That must have been an absolutely terrible experience! Thank you for sharing your comment here. There is no justification for that kind of treatment. I can only hope at least that you were treated with proper respect at the institution you attended afterward.
Wow did that happen to you? Thanks for sharing
@Private Practice Skills Is there any more value in a PsyD over a masters when it comes to marketing yourself to employers or to patients in your own private practice? Is it harder for masters-level therapists to be successful in private practice? If so, is this discrepancy enough to justify doing the doctorate? I live in Illinois where LPC’s are not allowed on insurance panels and only LCSWs and psychologists can bill Medicare. Thank you.
In Private Practice, no psychologists charge more for their expertise. Which raises most peoples out of pocket cost. Most people in private practice are LPC & LCSWs. Many psychologists do assessment full time or work at universities but it does help if your client values credentials other than that it makes no difference.
You can also just get licensed in a neighboring state, not allowing LPCs to bill insurance is very strange
Thank you for this! I had many of the same assumptions you did and just as many questions concerning what degree to go for when I apply to grad school in a year or so. You clarified the pros and cons so well. I’m now trying to decide between LMHC, LMFT, and LCSW. Most people say LCSW is more versatile but if I want to do online therapy (and get licensed in my state of FL) and live abroad, it seems like the LMFT or LMHC/LPC might make more sense. What do you think? 🧐
Im interested in the answer to this question also because I want to go down a similar path.
I am studying overseas and completed my Bachelor's degree in Europe. I am now thinking about whether I should get a doctorate degree or a master's. I might want to go to the States to find a job after my Master's degree but I don't know if I would be hired at a therapy or rehabilitation center or hospital if I don't have a doctorate.
Thanks for this outstanding video. Most doctorate degrees are in Clinical Psychology. I was wondering what your thoughts are on Doctorates in Marriage and Family Therapy or Psy.D in MFT? These programs tend to be post masters programs and can be completed in 3 years after a masters program. I love all your videos.
I saw the PsyD in MFT program and asked my supervisor about it before applying. She recommended against it, since it wasn't accredited and more specifically by APA.
You can still do a non-apa accredited doctorate but it's going to require more effort from you in the log run to prove yourself as a good psychologist.
You cannot do much with a master's degree. I have a master's in psychology, and I couldn't get licensed to work as a therapist. So, I decided to enroll in an additional program in applied behavior analysis. Now I work with kids with autism
That’s because your master’s degree was not a clinical track designed to satisfy the state board requirements.
This video might make people who have a Master's and not a Doctorate feel good, but there is no real downside to going into a Doctorate of Psychology that leads to licensure, especially if you're coming into it from another field or going from Bachelor's to Doctorate as a number of schools allow in certain fields. Most Doctoral Psychology programs in the United States are 3 year programs. A Master's is normally 2 or slightly less. You may save 1 year of time with the Master's, but you lose the greater depth of research and scrutiny of your work that catalyzes you to be a more knowledgeable, higher quality professional which really is the point of the Doctoral experience. Plus, you lose the higher prestige and higher pay that goes along with a legitimate Doctorate in this field.
My take: I would tell people who want to do it to just suck it up and do the extra work. It's worth it. You won't ever look back and regret having the Doctorate, but you are very likely to look back and regret not going for it.
Amazing!! This is the video I was looking for for so long! I was so hoping for someone to make a video like this! So what I got from it is that You can still work as a Clinical psychologist if you have only a Master Degree. I myself prefer the clinical work much more than the research stuff. I really want to become a clinical psychologist but I didn't know that Master Degree would be enough if you want to work in hospitals etc. My questions is- are the requirements for Master degree the same as for the PhD and is it also that hard to be chosen? And my last question is - while doing Master Degree do you get enough practice in clinical areas like hospitals or that's only able when doing PhD?
You cannot be a psychologist unless you have a specific type of doctorate degree. But you can be a licensed therapist with a masters-level degree. I would do more research about the specific type of job you’re interested in to find out their requirements. But yes, there are masters-level therapists in hospitals as well, it just may be a little more nuanced depending on the specific role you’re interested in :)
@@PrivatePracticeSkills thank You!
For personal reasons, I am really into clinical psychology, both research and practical therapy. So I would like to apply for a PhD even if I already have a PhD in Philosophy, and I am over 40. It is possible to be fully funded for doctoral degree?
Are you talking about a MA in psychology or a MA in Counseling? I got the impression that the classes for a MA or MS in psychology are different from what you learn in Counseling. I am interested in a MS in General Psychology but I don't know what kind of job I could do with it since I can't work as a psychologist with it nor could I pursue licensure in counselin
MA in general psychology is pretty much exclusively for people planning to later apply to PhD programs. they don't really help you get a job or qualify you for anything, the other professional masters do (clinical counseling for LCC, MFT, LCSW etc)
Great discussion! I’ve heard that for folks who want to have a more public image (much like yourself) and be interviewed as an expert in the media and get book deals etc. that the doctorate can really help increase one’s prestige. What are your thoughts on that aspect? It’s so interesting that you shared this, because I’ve always thought if I could go back and do it all over again I’d get a doctorate! 😋 Even pursued going back at one point. But you make a lot of great points here and maybe I should be grateful that I went the master’s route. 😅
I agree that I think most people they are more likely to get recognized with a doctorate. I'm not saying one degree is better than the other, but I'm almost wondering if it's because people don't understand the difference between these kind of professionals. One Masters therapist who is big is Esther Perel.
@@sweetlove65miss That is a great point! I think it's one of those things where the public doesn't necessarily know the nuances of how much expertise a professional with a master's degree is vs a professional with a doctorate degree, so the general assumption is that someone with more education probably knows more. Not always the case!
Do you think a master's degree in applied psych is a good degree compared to the other possible psych degrees?
Question if someone could plz help me out. I'm deciding between a Masters or PsyD. I only want to do therapy like clinical counselling and work with mental illness etc. If I do a masters program, will that also cover mental illnesses and disorders or just stress and daily life management etc. I am not at all interested in research but I wouldn't mind doing assessment so I'm on the fence
Then do an MSW, MFT, or MHC, if you don’t care for research which is often at the doctoral level. However being licensed at the doctoral level means you’ll get paid more than master’s level clinicians. But the down side is tuition cost and time required to obtain the clinical psychologist license. Being licensed as a clinician (psychotherapist) at the master’s level gets you to doing clinical work/ therapy faster and cheaper. Hope this helps.
Hi my name is Andre Paul and I am currently a student enrolled in a psychology master’s level program at Rhode Island College. The program is research oriented but I am actually not solely interested in research.
I want to get my master’s degree and become counselor/therapist. Can I still become a therapist or a counselor with a master’s level degree in Psychology?
Only if your MAster’s a clinical track that’s design to satisfy your state board clinical licensure.
does your educational system support LMD system (License, Masters, Doctorate) ????
Did you get your PsyD degree in Pepperdine?
I went to CSPP (Alliant) in San Diego!
can someone help...I thought you needed a doctrate level degree to be a license psychologist in California.
licensed psychologist is different from licensed professional counsellor or social worker. most people who offer therapy are not psychologists.
Can i pursue bachlor in psychology and then masters in social work ?? Bcz i don't want to go to PhD:))
Just about to start writing my doctoral thesis....not a great video title to see!!
but isn't your doctorate degree worth it if you decide to move states away from California to another place?? or it really just depends on the state? i feel like a doctorate degree you have an easier peace of mind keeping your licensure from cross states
Does having a PhD/PsyD mean you have your licensure in all states?
@@allison7066 no, each state has its own set of requirements and having a PhD/PsyD isn't enough, each state has its own exam you have to take and pass, and some states differ in the amount of hours supervised post-degree you need in order to get the license, with other requirements. I had been trying to link a site for you on the comment which tells you a breakdown of each states requirements, but the comment kept getting deleted, so a quick google search should help explain the different states requirements for counseling licensure. So far it seems like all the states require at least a masters degree, but i could of sworn 1 or 2 required a doctorate/PsyD, but i guess i am wrong, i cant seem to find which those are.
@@BullzOfSteel thank you so much! What did you mean in your comment when you said "a doctorate degree you have an easier peace of mind keeping your licensure from cross states"?
@@allison7066 its just a question i have, im just wondering if a doctorate degree in counseling would help in the process of moving states or if it doesn't really matter.
I have a masters and I just received a certificate in child and family therapy. I have a specialty now and wondering if I should become a play therapist instead of a PhD. Please help....I fear that too many masters will flood the market and if private practice isn't successful I will need that PhD one day. Student loans have done nothing but stop me from getting a home. Debt to income ratio has been a nightmare .
You’d have more flexibility if you got a doctorate. If I were you I’d get a doctorate maybe a PsyD
I think there’s a need for play therapists..I was listening to a woman on a podcast who has her own play therapy company she goes to peoples homes and charges a lot so that she doesn’t have a large caseload everyday and does well..
Also it depends...do you want to do research and assessments? I’m just getting my masters and not worried.
No such thing as flooding the market in my opinion! If that happens, then you can simply specialize into something more specific, which it sounds like you already are! Most agencies tend to prefer hiring Masters-level therapists over doctorates because they can get away with paying a lower salary, so I'm not sure what kinds of counseling jobs would open up for you at a doctorate level. It would only apply if you were interested in doing something specialized to a doctorate, such as research, assessments, or academic pursuits. Hope that helps!
@@PrivatePracticeSkills you’re always helpful . Thanks! When I think about it ...I’m mot even interested in research 🧐
A doctorate is only valuable if you absolutely either A) want to be a full-time professor who publishes in research journals, in which case you should go into a fully-funded PhD program, or B) if you want to be a full-time neuropsychological assessor. If you are going to go into massive doctoral debt to be a therapist, you are absolutely committing financial suicide. You can earn just as much or more with a master's degree in private practice. Yes, you pay for the masters, but the extra years of income make up for what would otherwise be time and money spent in a doctoral program for much longer.
I agree 🤍
Interesting... I thought I had to get my master's before the doctoral... FUN FACTS!
You get your masters en route to your doctorate. It’s embedded in with your doctorate in some programs
I didn't mention that, but it's true! Some programs offer a masters along the way, so in fact I have both a masters and a doctorate. If I wanted, I could have dropped out after the masters and still worked towards masters-level licensure.
🧠 thank you for the brain food
You cant be a psychologist in most states with a master's degree.
I read without a doctorate degree you cant practice independently, is that true? what are the job prospects after masters degree?
Not true, in California at least, and I think in other states you can do an independent private practice as long as you are licensed as a master's level clinician. With job prospects, it depends on where you live. I live in a big city in California and there are a ton of agencies always hiring new master's level clinicians due to the high turn over rate.
There are supervision requirements. It depends on the state.
You get supervision hours then can work independently
@@nieceypiecey100 i am not from USA so my options are open for states, how do i select a state suitable for me? Where can i find info on it?
It does vary by state, but I believe nearly every state if not all of them allow you to practice independently at a masters-level, it's just that each state has its own licensure and credentialing requirements to do so. I'm not sure if there is a central source that lists all of this out. Each state has its own licensing board with more information. I do know that you don't have to get licensed in the same state that you get your degree in, so you have time!
FYI "doctorate" is a noun. The adjective you're looking for is "doctoral." It's a doctoral degree.
Thank you, this information was helpful!