Changing Name

[neurotic_cow]

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Hello!

I realize this may be slightly off topic for this forum, but I don't know any other psychologists that have experience with this. I’m considering changing my last name after I get married next May and wanted to see if anyone has any experience with that process. Any tips or timelines to be aware of? Is it a total nightmare? For reference, I work as a licensed (and board certified) psychologist in a large healthcare system. Thanks in advance.

 

[cara susanna]

I changed mine before I got licensed, but it wasn't too bad. I did have some publications under my maiden name, so I just bolded my name(s) in the references on my CV.

 

[coffee&CBT]

I changed my name early on in post-doc. I think when I applied for licensure and to take the EPPP later that year I may have needed to provide a copy of my marriage certificate since my degree was conferred under my maiden name. I still publish under my maiden name so I include it in parentheses on my CV.

 

[Justanothergrad]

Seen a few do it different ways, some as mentioned. You can also easily ask journals to update names, fyi. Ive been told it pretty reasonable and is just a few cursory updatey emails as a co-author.

 

[megamaramon]

I changed my name back to my maiden name 5 years after I divorced lol. Here's why I waited so long:
1. My doctorate degree and psychology license were under my married name
2. I was paneled with several insurances under the married name
3. I had publications under my married name.

I was worried that changing my name back would interrupt reimbursement from insurers. Not sure if that was a real fear, seeing as my salary stays the same and the university/healthcare system is the one dealing with that issue.

The process was a pain. Once I got my social security card and driver's license updated, I had to send in copies to the psychology board to get my license changed. After that, our onboarding office had me fill out updated paperwork with every insurer. I also had to get things updated in our EHR and website/email system.

Women change their last name often, so large healthcare systems are used to updating it. Just be prepared for lots of paperwork.

 

[Doctor Eliza]

I changed mine before I got licensed, but it wasn't too bad. I did have some publications under my maiden name, so I just bolded my name(s) in the references on my CV.

I changed my name after I got licensed, but it wasn't so bad. I did the same thing with bolding my maiden name on CV pubs. I moved my maiden name to my middle name, so when I really want to, I can use both. Except both my maiden name and married name are long and hard to pronounce, so I don't do that often! My degrees have my maiden name on them, which is a bummer. Some of the time I wish I hadn't changed it, but I like having the same last name as my child.