3-4 Yr psych doctoral prgrm NYC/Tri-State -- clinical emphasis?

[NYCTherapist]

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Hello SDN,

I live in NYC and have an MSW from NYU and a license to practice in the State of NY. I currently work as a therapist at a fee-for-service clinic & have a private practice. I am also enrolled as a candidate in a psychodynamic/psychoanalytic institute. Since I graduated from college in 2003 w/ a BA degree in Psych, I have regretted not getting my doctorate in Psychology. I currently practice therapy and have published two small papers (clinical, non-research) but I think about getting a doctorate probably 3-4 times a year. I'm not interested in pursuing a PhD in Social Work as I don't feel it would advance my career in any way (and, no offense to any social workers reading this, I found the quality of the students in my MSW program to vary widely).

My husband is an MD, PhD, and at some point we may leave NY...I know in general a doctorate in Psychology is more widely respected, pay grade is usually higher (at least a little bit!!) and the opportunity to do psychological assessments & testing exists as a potential way to earn some extra money (correct me if I'm wrong!)...my career goals would include clinical private practice but may include working at a hospital or school or clinic down the road (part or full time) and perhaps teaching as well.

I also get concerned as there has been a recent shake-up in the social work licensing at the State level here in NY and wonder about the long-term viability of the MSW to provide psychotherapy independently (especially with possible healthcare reform initiatives)...licensure as a psychologist at the doctoral level seems fairly bullet proof (i.e. unlike social work masters degree there is stability and general consistency across state lines, and revocation of independent practice seems very unlikely as a licensed PhD/PsyD no matter what happens with healthcare/politics etc).

I would be interested in doing a clinical program, less emphasis on research, although I know all doctoral programs require a research/dissertation component I would be much happier doing some sort of intensive clinical case study/write up as opposed to an extended literature review/experimental/research project.

I wonder from the experience of others what programs in NYC/tri-state area may be best suited for me? Any recommendations and thoughts are appreciated. It would be wonderful if I could transfer in some credits from my MSW degree (maybe statistics etc) to get some sort of advanced standing.

I have looked at the following programs with varying degrees of interest:

Clinical Psychology PhD from CUNY -- seems somewhat reasonable financially (comparatively), easy for me to get to (I live in Manhattan on the Upper West Side), program seems sound & in line with my preference toward a psychodynamic understanding of the mind

Clinical PsyD from Rutgers -- also seems somewhat reasonable financially (again, I'm a NY'er so used to exorbitant cost of things and married to someone who earned two separate doctorates, so I'm biased on this issue!!!), has a psychodynamic track (and the amazing Nancy McWilliams who I think is brilliant), and seems as though it may require less credits than other programs (perhaps I misread though?)...minus of course would be the commute from Manhattan -- not even sure how feasible that would be

Clinical PsyD from Yeshiva University -- seems expensive, seems like very good training, I know one of the directors quite well, has a psychodynamic concentration

Clinical PsyD from LIU CW Post -- seems a bit more financially reasonable, seems like a good clinical program, commute would be I think 1 hour each way but I could take a train and walk from the train station (I think)

Counseling PhD from Columbia University -- unfamiliar with the counseling PhD but this seems like a well rounded program...expensive though I think

Counseling PhD from NYU -- again, am very unfamiliar with this program

Counseling PhD from the New School -- not so familiar with it, wondering how respected it is??

I know Fielding University gets a bad rap, but if it's APA accredited, how bad can it be??

Any advice from current students or graduates is appreciated. I would particularly like to know time commitments (how many days per week are required, would any of my prior internships be transferable for the externship requirements, would any of my MSW credits transfer, possible to work part-time during the program, dissertation requirement??, how feasible it would be that with transfer credits and full time work I could complete the program within 3-4 years?) as we are hoping to start a family sometime in the near future (next 2-4 years).

Many thanks in advance!!

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I know Fielding University gets a bad rap, but if it's APA accredited, how bad can it be??

This isn't the type of question you want to ask yourself in regard to your education/career. I would look elsewhere.

I would particularly like to know time commitments

5-6 days a week. Some people can keep their weekends free by working longer hours during the week, but realistically you are looking at 50 (or more) hours per week, and more during midterms/finals/comps.

would any of my prior internships be transferable for the externship requirements

would any of my MSW credits transfer, possible to work part-time during the program, dissertation requirement??, how feasible it would be that with transfer credits and full time work I could complete the program within 3-4 years?)

No. SW is different than psychology, and a doctoral program most likely won't give you any credit towards your classes, and definitely not towards practica hours. The practica hours tie into internship requirements, so while you can list your training as additional training for internship, the hours won't count towards doctoral requirements.

There are no real short-cuts in getting a degree. If you had an MS in Experimental Psych you may be able to get some stats classes waived and/or a few other classes, but not outside of the field.

 

[NYCTherapist]

Therapist4Change: hmmm I know that the PsyD Program at GW is a 3 year program plus internship (which is a requirement of any PsyD program, though I know different programs have different expectations around externship requirements)....other programs allow you to transfer credit in from similar disciplines -- I wouldn't assume social work courses would transfer, but as I said, I took masters level statistics courses etc...I don't think I'm looking for a shortcut per se, and once you're in any program, things can change that delay your progression so even attending a program such as GW is no "guarantee" of a shorter process...I was merely wondering what people's experiences have been of the programs listed....do you think you could add any feedback? Did you attend any of the programs listed? It seems your experience required a very large weekly hour commitment (the standard for programs like this)...did you/are you attending a PsyD program and if yes, what is/has been your experience of the "dissertation" piece?

 

[psychmama]

TO the OP: I'm completing my Psyd at Rutgers. Feel free to PM me with any questions about the program. BTW - there are a fair number of students there who commute from NYC. New Brunswick is on the train line. I also know a little bit about some of the other programs you mentioned -- glad to share what I know.🙂

 

[NYCTherapist]

Thanks Psychmama! Sent you a PM

 

[msp1020]

Hi SDN, Im a social worker myself and am so glad I found this post. I am in the process of deciding the same thing. I wonder if we can email privately. I have my PhD in social work which was the most practical track for me to take since I work full time and cannot work part-time. I would love to know what you decided to do. Thanks