Clinical Neuropsychology PhD Programs w/ADHD

[MAJJacobs]

I am just getting started with my search for PhD programs. I am a 28 year old new yorker with a BFA in Musical Theatre. I have worked as a professional actor for the past 7 years, and have decided that my real passion is in the mental health field. In particular, I want to study Neuropsychology and research/counsel Adult ADHD. I already have some experience working as an actor for psych studies. I have enrolled at Hunter College to take some post-bacc classes in psychology and am about to start volunteering my time with another study at Cornell. I am looking for advice:

1. What programs should I look at?

I am trying to find a Clinical Psych PhD with a Neuropsych focus or a Clinical Neuropsych program. I am trying to find an institution where ADHD is studied and/or professors who are interested in studying ADHD.

I have been looking at Fordham, Queens College (although I'm concerned about the lack of APA accreditation), Suffolk University (Rated 195th, but there is a professor there who seems to study what I'm interested in) and Duke so far. I know there must be other programs to consider, but I think my focus must be somewhat less common. I'd prefer to stay in the Northeast if possible, but of course, finding the right program takes precedence over location.

2. Will I be at a severe disadvantage because of my undergrad degree?

I am taking post-bacc classes in psychology, interning, taking GREs, etc. Is there anything else I should be doing?

3. Does anybody know of any particular professors I should contact?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

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[cara susanna]

I don't think you'll be at a disadvantage as long as you have psychology coursework and research experience.

 

[MAJJacobs]

I don't think you'll be at a disadvantage as long as you have psychology coursework and research experience.

Do you know which classes I should try to take? I am basing my selection on a "career change to psychology" program at Fairleigh Dickinson. Are there any schools you think I should look at?

 

[cara susanna]

I would include schools with ADHD researchers even if they don't have neuropsych tracks. Make sure that they have neuropsych practicums, though.

As for classes... I think you can vary that but I would take the psych GRE to show them that you have a good foundational knowledge.

 

[AcronymAllergy]

I would include schools with ADHD researchers even if they don't have neuropsych tracks. Make sure that they have neuropsych practicums, though.

As for classes... I think you can vary that but I would take the psych GRE to show them that you have a good foundational knowledge.

Agreed--most neuropsych-oriented training experiences at the doctoral level still seem to occur in the context of general clinical programs rather than explicit tracks. So long as you find an advisor who is a neuropsychologist and (as cara said) can find adequate neuropsych practica, you'll be fine.

 

[MAJJacobs]

Agreed--most neuropsych-oriented training experiences at the doctoral level still seem to occur in the context of general clinical programs rather than explicit tracks. So long as you find an advisor who is a neuropsychologist and (as cara said) can find adequate neuropsych practica, you'll be fine.

Are there any resources to find out who might be doing this research? Thus far I have been tirelessly googling each professor at every program that pops up. I'm afraid this may not be the most efficient way of doing things. Thoughts?

 

[Ollie123]

Do a lit search on the topics of interest. Look at who is writing articles in that area, look at their co-authors. Look through the reference lists. See who is in psychology departments and may be taking students (warning - many may not be for a variety of reasons).

I also agree with others that it might be worth diversifying a bit. I imagine many folks studying childhood ADHD would be willing to study it in adults as well, and folks studying adult LDs more generally may be fine with you studying OCD.

Also - as others have said, don't limit yourself to programs with a "Neuropsych track". Many of the top programs do not offer such tracks, whereas many of the worst programs do as a "Marketing gimmick". Chances are if they have one or more strong neuropsychologists on core faculty, they will have a way to provide all necessary training components. When in doubt, available opportunities in your specific area and whether students are able to meet all expectations for neuropsych internship/fellowship/boarding is a completely reasonable inquiry to make.

 

[bunderj]

Have you checked out the Insider's Guide yet? This can be a great place to start. I know many people who used it during the application process, I certainly did. It will list all of the accredited programs in clinical and counseling psych, and for each program it breaks down what classes they require, GPA/GRE cutoffs, research vs. clinical emphasis, major research areas, etc...I agree that you shouldn't be at a disadvantage, so long as you meet all the requirements for a program. I think some places really value diverse educational and life experience, actually. Good luck!

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/16..._m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=17Y12F68Z024T9ZN9HD5


(wow, long link, sorry!)

I am just getting started with my search for PhD programs. I am a 28 year old new yorker with a BFA in Musical Theatre. I have worked as a professional actor for the past 7 years, and have decided that my real passion is in the mental health field. In particular, I want to study Neuropsychology and research/counsel Adult ADHD. I already have some experience working as an actor for psych studies. I have enrolled at Hunter College to take some post-bacc classes in psychology and am about to start volunteering my time with another study at Cornell. I am looking for advice:

1. What programs should I look at?

I am trying to find a Clinical Psych PhD with a Neuropsych focus or a Clinical Neuropsych program. I am trying to find an institution where ADHD is studied and/or professors who are interested in studying ADHD.

I have been looking at Fordham, Queens College (although I'm concerned about the lack of APA accreditation), Suffolk University (Rated 195th, but there is a professor there who seems to study what I'm interested in) and Duke so far. I know there must be other programs to consider, but I think my focus must be somewhat less common. I'd prefer to stay in the Northeast if possible, but of course, finding the right program takes precedence over location.

2. Will I be at a severe disadvantage because of my undergrad degree?

I am taking post-bacc classes in psychology, interning, taking GREs, etc. Is there anything else I should be doing?

3. Does anybody know of any particular professors I should contact?

Any help would be greatly appreciated!

 

[Sunny329]

Another option would be to consider PsyD programs. Widener specifically offers a neuropsych track. It may be worth checking out:

http://www.widener.edu/academics/co...sychology/specialprograms/neuropsychology.asp

Full disclosure: I chose Widener because of this track. My initial concern was that I wouldn't have the research ops that PhDs have, but I was wrong. You have to take initiative (due to the program being geared toward practice) but I made research a priority and I've worked with some of the best neuroscience research hospitals around.

It sounds like you're going about this right, though. Keep getting that experience, participate in the various stages of research (from design, to analysis, to presentation/publication), be aware of the latest findings, get solid in research methods and stats.

Above all: advocate for yourself!! There's a fine line between paying your dues working in crap-tastic positions, and being taken advantage of.