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I can understand and empathize with this position. I'm currently a licensed mid level provider and have since learned its not all cake and cherries. Yes, it's true. You CAN do psychotherapy, BUT it comes at its own set of costs in terms of closed insurance panels, low wages, and a dearth of job opportunities between CMHCs and private practice. It is seen in circles in my area that a PhD/PsyD is the gold standard of mental health training unless you are interested in psychiatry. I can't even begin to count how many mid-levels tell me they wished they had "gone on" for more training (BTW, the M.A. in Counseling has been ranked one of the worst master's degrees by Forbes magazine. Something that should probably be paid attention to given how often potential Psy.D. applicants are steered towards this option on these forums).
I can understand the level of professional identity associated for being a psychologist, ultimately it seems like you have to weigh whether this sense of identity is worth a significant amount of financial hardship or the potential rejection you will face from funded programs. If you find that it is worth it to take on a substantial amount of debt (as I know Pacific and Denver are unfunded and very expensive programs) for that sense of professional identity, know that there will always be those who disagree with you. I'd recommend the article below for thoughts on education investments.
http://www.forbes.com/sites/jacquelynsmith/2012/06/08/the-best-and-worst-masters-degrees-for-jobs-2/
R. Matey, your modesty and candor is as refreshing as cab1234's for starting this thread. I'm sure it is much appreciated by many.