PsyD, Where Should I Apply?

Question

I am interested in getting a PsyD with a concentration in either Family Counseling, or Sex Therapy. I have between a 3.5 and a 3.6 and am a Junior (with Senior status) at Michigan State University. I am in several organizations (president of two) and do community service regularly. I am starting to look at graduate schools, but would really like some suggestions. If you have a PsyD, how did you like the program you were in and are you glad that you went for the PsyD rather than the PhD? Also, what classes would you recommend taking as an undergrad? Thanks for the help :)

Answer 1

I think it depends a lot on where you want to practice - if you're comfortable out near Michigan, then definitely stay out that way. I'm on the East Coast though so I'm not too familiar with the programs out your way.

I currently have my masters in psych and am working towards a PhD/JD. I thought about going into a PsyD program but decided against it because I'm not 100% certain that I want to do clinical work and because the research aspect of the PhD program was appealing to me. If you want to do research or work as a professor, or even if you might want to do either of those things, a PhD program is probably better. The programs are about equally hard to get into, so that shouldn't be a deciding factor. One of the drawbacks of PsyD programs is that, depending on the area, it may be harder to get an accredited internship and/or to pass the licensing exam. That's not true in all areas though, so I would check into that when you decide where you want to practice. Another drawback is that you're more likely to have to pay full tuition for the PsyD whereas many PhD students get fellowships that cover at least 50% of tuition.

Personally, if I was 100% sure that I wanted to do clinical work I would probably pursue a MSW. The shorter degree and increasing tendency for insurance companies to reimburse social workers more than psychologists makes this appealing.

As for what classes you should take, I would try to take as many clinically based classes (clinical psych, cbt, abnormal, etc.) and as many advanced classes as possible.

Feel free to e-mail me through the site if you have any other questions

Answer 2

I have two masters degrees one in Experimental Psyc, the other a MSW and work part-time as a psychotherapist. Unfortunately around here the jobs are all part-time for masters level people. It is not unusual to work a 9 to 11 hour day and only get paid for 4 or less hours, because they only pay us when a client is in front of us. Walmart pays better.

With a PsyD you are more likely, around here, to get full-time work.

The results may differ in your area.