Changing from MD to Psych...

[md2psych]

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I was a medical student but left medical school for family/personal reasons. While in school, I had decided to go the psychiatry route. I have decided to apply to psy.d programs instead of going back to medicine. I was only in my first year and feel that it would be a "waste" of time to get all that medical training when I want be a therapist. I am an older student, almost 40, and would rather spend my time learning what will be most useful to get going in my field, and I feel also that the psych route will make me a better therapist in the end.

My question is this- What do I need to do to be a competitive applicant for psy.d programs (looking specifically at Northern California private Psy.D programs)? Do you think they'll look favorably on my experience in med school and be okay with the fact that I've only had 4 psych classes (and plan on taking 4 more before starting), or do I need to get more experience?

I have a BS in Biology and an MA in Communications, but, as I say, not much psych experience. Thanks for your input!

 

[erg923]

3.5 or greater, GRE of 1200 or so, a little research experience (although for some Psy.D programs its not necessary), and willing to take out alot of excessive loans that you will not be able to pay off.

Why private school Psy.D only? Whats the logic here?

 

[KillerDiller]

Have you looked into Masters programs? When you only want to do therapy, usually the Masters degree is the more economical route unless you get into a funded Psy.D program (and I don't know that there are any in Northern California). Not only is a Masters cheaper, it is quicker than a doctoral degree, so that also sounds like it may suit your needs. If you really want the title of doctor, though, then my recommendation is to get some research experience (perhaps by volunteering in a lab at a local university). Research experience looks good to both Ph.D and Psy.D programs and in order to practice you will want a solid understanding of which treatments the research supports and how to properly interpret such results.

 

[md2psych]

Thanks for your input, I really appreciate it.

I want to go right into private or group practice if possible. After the 4 years of PsyD work, including the 1 year internship in 4th year, do I have to do more internship before I can "hang a shingle."

 

[erg923]

Most Psy.ds are 4 years + 1 year for internship. So 5 years total. Is therapy your only goal? If so, why the Psy.D? Why not a MSW or MFT? Also keep in mind you will have to take the licensing exam after your internship as well.

PP is hard to start right out of grad school. No one knows you and it takes good business sense and some capital to start. Keep in mind you're still fairly green (clinically speaking) coming out of internship. You will need time to build a referral base, and to get the hang of full time clinical work. Joining a group practice would be easier, but alot of the same issues apply.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Probably more like 4+1+1....to get licensed. Doing a PP after that is possible, but most can't do it starting out because they aren't established.

 

[KillerDiller]

I think that from the time you start a doctoral program to the time you obtain a license to practice is about 6 years (4 years of coursework and dissertation 1 year of internship and 1 year of post-doc training before you sit for the licensing exam). For those who practice with Masters degrees it is usually more like 2 years of coursework and thesis + 1-2 years of post-graduate training before sitting for their exam.

 

[Jon4PsyD]

Master's programs are usually 2 years (although some are 3) and 2 years minimum of work in the field before you can practice privately and sit for certain exams. So it's about 4-5 years in total.