Concern over APPIC app and Misdemeanor charge

[LizphD]

---

Members don't see this ad.

Does anyone have any thoughts?

Also, if anyone has any knowledge or experience about how this could affect future career, post-docs, and licensing, I'd appreciate it.

Thanks

 

[docma]

You need to find a way to describe the circumstances accurately and to convey an understanding of both the context and how you now view the fact of your arrest. VAs probably have enough applicants (and a federal regulatory burden) that they use it as a rule out--but some sites, especially those treating use/abuse/dependence--will be open to considering how you present the facts and your perspective now that you are a novice professional. There is a way to demonstrate your education and maturity in how your present the truth. Get some advice from mentors and run your description by some established clinicians to see how it reads. Sites know that stuff happens that people grow beyond. The fact that this is "recent" however may be problematic and you definitely should get some advice from your program about site selection so that you are realistic about your choices. The further in time you get from the arrest the more sites may be willing to consider it a "youthful" indiscretion; how you present the facts will matter.

 

[erg923]

I dont think its a big deal at all, except for the "recently" part. That part would make me wonder if this applicant is still using substances...as opposed to if you had been convicted of that when you were 19 or 20. Considering that many places have strict drug free policies and drug test are required, i would say how recent the offense was is key here.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I'd be concerned if you applied and didn't receive interviews, as that would probably suggest your application was flagged for one or more reasons. The fact your received interviews tells me the sites didn't consider it a rule out, though it still may be a factor. VA sites can be very competitive (outside of super rural placements), so it is hard to say if that was a primary factor, or if you ran up against applicants who were a "better" fit.