Referrer passed away...Is it okay to use her letter written for phd application for other things?

[eeor1006]

Good morning,
First year clinical psy student here. I am in the process of putting together my application for my first external practica and I have a question about recommendation letters.

A few sites I am applying for require recommendations from previous practica supervisor. I am thinking of using a letter from an amazing professor who supervised me for two semesters' practica in my master's. She knew my work very well and she wrote me a strong letter for my doctoral application. The letter mainly focused on my clinical strength and work ethic.

Most sadly she passed away right before Christmas so I could not request another letter from her. So here is my question, even though I think this letter is very relevant, is it okay to use a letter that starts with "I am writing to recommend XX for doctoral admission"? I have a few letters to choose from, it is just her letter is the strongest.

Thanks.

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[WisNeuro]

I would not use it. You technically do not have "consent" to use it for other purposes. Also, people sometime contact letter writers with follow-up questions. Best bet is to explain that one of your former supervisors/mentors passed away, which is why there is no letter from that person.

 

[Ollie123]

If you have other contacts there who you are reasonably close to, I would see if they would write a letter on that person's behalf based in part on the one that you have and explaining the situation. I've heard of similar situations where a DCT wrote a letter on behalf of a graduate advisor who passed away or was otherwise unreachable. Not ideal, but may be the best option.

 

[smalltownpsych]

I wouldn't do it. Just use your previous doctoral practica supervisors. The letters of reference at this point are more of a screen for something unacceptable than anything else.

 

[eeor1006]

Thanks guys! It was helpful.
I think I will just go with another letter. He actually supervised me longer.

 

[temppsych123]

I would only use the letter from the person who is deceased if a) you had no other good letter options and b) you ran it by your DCT first. But I think using other letters, if possible, would be better.