Specializing with a PsyD

[psydreams]

Hello everyone,

I'm thinking of applying to PsyD programs and I am wondering how one specializes in a specific field of psych? If and when I become a licensed psychologist, how do I go about becoming a specialist in a specific sub field? Do I get a certificate while in school? Take specific tests? Complete my residency/internship in that field?

Thanks for your time


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[erg923]

Hello everyone,

I'm thinking of applying to PsyD programs and I am wondering how one specializes in a specific field of psych? If and when I become a licensed psychologist, how do I go about becoming a specialist in a specific sub field? Do I get a certificate while in school? Take specific tests? Complete my residency/internship in that field?

Thanks for your time


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Specialization usually comes after grad school at internship and post-doc level.

 

[WisNeuro]

As erg said, specialization usually comes at the internship and postdoc levels. When we are evaluating applications for job openings, that's what we're looking at. What you did in grad school, as long as it was at a reputable institution, is lower yield at this point. Caveat being, this is for clinical jobs. For academic jobs, building that CV with a line of coherent research is very important in grad school. Also, I'd be wary of PsyDs offering tracks and specializations. While there are some reputable ones out there, many are just marketing gimmicks.

 

[Justanothergrad]

Agreed with above.

In some cases, your chosen area of specialization will not have a specific post-doc. This means its a little harder to define if you have sufficient training for your specialization. In this case, it is a judgment of competence and relies on you gauging the degree to which your training (coursework, practicum, additional trainings, and of course- internship) and research experiences sufficiently allow you to treat/study/whatever a given area of interest.

 

[psydreams]

Thank you both for your responses! Much appreciated


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[psydreams]

Quick follow up: how do I build credibility as a specialist in my specific field? I know that's thinking really far ahead but any tips appreciated.


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[erg923]

Quick follow up: how do I build credibility as a specialist in my specific field? I know that's thinking really far ahead but any tips appreciated.


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1. Do a good job. 2. Get board certification if it's offered in that specialty.

 

[smalltownpsych]

Quick follow up: how do I build credibility as a specialist in my specific field? I know that's thinking really far ahead but any tips appreciated.


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Like erg said. It also really depends on the specialty as some are more formalized (neuro with a two-year post-doc requirement, for example) and others more based on your experiences and skills such as working with adolescents with NSSI or veterans with PTSD.

 

[psydreams]

Thank you everyone!!


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[Doctor-S]

The American Psychological Association maintains a website concerning graduate and postgraduate training (and specialties and proficiences) in psychology that might be useful to review (click below).

http://www.apa.org/ed/graduate/index.aspx

In general, you will first earn a doctoral degree in clinical psychology (PsyD or PhD) as a "generalist."

Thereafter, it is customary to complete a "fellowship" in a subspecialty of clinical psychology (e.g., neuropsychology).

Thank you.

 

[psydreams]

Thank you so much Doctor-S!!


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