Are the people that look down on the Psy.D the ones that don't even have the degree or are just misinformed?

Question

I'm assuming that if people actually went through a Psy.D program, they wouldn't make these negative comments? Or do you think there is a legit reason to look down on Psy.D's?

After researching on people's negative comments about the Psy.D, it seems to me that only setback is that the programs don't provide funding and that they might be too expensive.

I just went to the APA site to check out job postings for clinical psychologists, and they are welcoming both Psy.D's and Ph.D's...even at Yale. Why do people say that Psy.D's don't get the same jobs?

Other than that, the training for the Psy.D is at least 5 years, many programs are APA-accredited, the training is rigorous, and there IS still a focus on research...even though a large part of the program is dedicated to clinical skills.


Anybody agree or disagree? I'm by no means putting the Ph.D down either, nor am I saying that the Psy.D is superior. I just don't understand why some people look down on it.

Neniaf-I think it would also depend on the school that you go to, as each school would be different. We addressed this concern to our advisors and professors (who are Ph.D's) and they felt that they level of training was similar...unless they were just saying that to keep us in the program.

Either way though, I think the general public doesn't understand the diffferences between the Psy.D and the Ph.D. It seems like some people are just looking for an excuse to stick their noses up in the air.

Answer 1

No doubt a lot of it is ignorance- people are often more comfortable with the more familiar title of PhD.
Theoretical types tend to think that they are smarter and create things that those in applied work use, and psychology is no exception, i.e., clinical v.s. research/academic psychologists.

I agree with you...

Answer 2

Psy.D's are generally given by specialty schools, rather than universities, so the faculty tend to be more clinical and don't have the kinds of research requirements that Ph.D. programs do. Having listened to a lot of psychologists talk about it, while many are happy for the money they earn teaching in Psy.D. programs, they don't really seem to think they are offering training at the same level they got in their Ph.D. programs. I guess it is like having a business school staffed by business practitioners rather than Ph.Ds; there is a sense that doing something well doesn't mean that you understand WHY what you do works and therefore may not be able to convey it meaningfully.