How to be a psychiatrist? Psychoterapist?

Question

I am 30 year old and I was grad student of engineering. Somehow I am not satisfy with my current job and want to learn psychology, human mind always fascinate me, anybody could help where to start. I know I am too old for this but sometimes you have undying dream.

Answer 1

There is an interesting branch of psychology called human factors or ergonomics that might make good use of your engineering training and add to it the human component you seem to crave. You could look for a graduate program that offers this type of degree. North Carolina STate Univ is one that I am aware of. Be aware that you would NOT be able to do counselling if that is truly what you seek.\

And, BTW, it is NEVER too late to go to school. I went back in my late 30's and finished my Ph.D. in Social Psych at 43.

Answer 2

youre not too old. i know people going back in their 50s for this. first off, you can enter a PhD or PsyD program at most universities, or if you are more directly interested in just doing therapy, you can get just a Master's Degree in clinical psychology, marriage and family therapy, or social work. If you want to be a psychiatrist (one who gives meds. for mental illness) you need to first attend medical school, then an extra 3 years of psych. All of these avenues will allow you to do therapy and learn about the mind. Obviously a doctorate would be more extensive and involve more testing, assessment, and research, but that should get you headed in the right direction. good luck to you.

Answer 3

In order to be a psychiatrist you would have to go throught med school. While i don't know what your undergrad coursework consisted of you would likely have to take some bachelor level science courses before you could apply to med school. In order to be a therapist you could get your masters in social work, psychology or counseling. However there again would be some coursework you would likely need to complete before you could be accepted to a program. As someone who has completed the training to be a therapist i caution you to research it carefully. there are different requirements for each state and also various regualtions in relation to the licensure you receive and reimbursement by billing insurance companies for your work. To be a therapist with more freedom as to where you can work and how much money you can charge, practicing independently, etc. you would need to complete your PhD which can take on avearge 5-7 yrs.

Answer 4

Schedule a meeting with an advisor at a local community college and tell them what you just told us.

Answer 5

try going back to school. you're never too old to try something new. if it makes you happy, isn't it worth it? good luck!