Counseling PhD vs Clinical PhD in a Medical Setting

[Introspect]

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So I have a dilemma and I would greatly appreciate any thoughts, insight, feedback, etc. that would help me gain some perspective.

I applied to both Clinical and Counseling (PhD) programs because I am interested and value both perspectives/emphases equally (though obviously for different reasons). I now have two offers of admission to consider, one for a clinical psych program and the other for a counseling psych program.

So here is the primary issue that I am having trouble with and hoping others can provide some insight on. I am under the impression that a Clinical PhD will provide a greater breadth of options (that it is, for lack of a better word, a more "marketable" degree) than a Counseling PhD. Just to clarify, I'm not necessarily in agreement with this - I have just heard this (from a counseling psychologist) and I'm wondering if it might be true or what others who are more knowledgeable think about this distinction. There does seem to be a negative bias against counseling psychologists from clinical psychologists and in the medical field in general. This negative bias seems to center on the view that counseling psychologists are less “scientific” and I am concerned that, whether this is true or not, if this perception is out there then it may influence negatively how my qualifications are viewed and thus could limit my options somewhat. I am interested in possibly working with individuals in a medical setting and afraid that this might be more difficult with a counseling PhD instead of a clinical PhD.

In addition, it is my understanding (please correct me if I am wrong) that some internships/post-docs/jobs are specifically restricted to employing individuals with a clinical, and not a counseling, degree.

Any thoughts?

 

[berlin81]

I don't exactly have any concrete info to offer, but I do know that how counseling is defined by some has a lot to do with how some places view the profession negatively. Some consider counseling to be more of a short-term approach to treatment, where basically immediate interpersonal issues are only addressed. In contrast, some view clinical psychologists as more skilled at exploring one's psychopathology that likely influences his or her immediate distress. Its my position that viewing counseling in a negative fashion does not help the mental health field as a whole, but it is clear that some have different views.

The one thing I would make sure about is the concentration/curiculum of the counseling program. Sadly I have heard of many people going into counseling programs that claim they offer a wide menu of concentrations (school and mental health agency seem to be the most popular). But then others (after they have enrolled) are forced to learn about the concentration that they have no interest in, usually because the majority of the faculty only have experience in one area and that's it. So try to make sure that your career interests relate to the required courses and that the faculty has experience in the concentration you want to go after. If not, I would probably go after the clinical psych program.

 

[nononora]

Some Counseling PhD programs (Seton Hall comes to mind) have a curriculum that is very similar to Clinical PhD programs, and their applicants have no trouble matching/finding jobs in medical settings. It may be helpful to compare the two curriculums to see if there are any discrepancies. Looking at where students have matched in the past will also be helpful in determining if the Counseling PhD program will prepare you adequately for a career in a medical setting.

 

[nomad11]

So I have a dilemma and I would greatly appreciate any thoughts, insight, feedback, etc. that would help me gain some perspective.

I applied to both Clinical and Counseling (PhD) programs because I am interested and value both perspectives/emphases equally (though obviously for different reasons). I now have two offers of admission to consider, one for a clinical psych program and the other for a counseling psych program.

So here is the primary issue that I am having trouble with and hoping others can provide some insight on. I am under the impression that a Clinical PhD will provide a greater breadth of options (that it is, for lack of a better word, a more "marketable" degree) than a Counseling PhD. Just to clarify, I'm not necessarily in agreement with this - I have just heard this (from a counseling psychologist) and I'm wondering if it might be true or what others who are more knowledgeable think about this distinction. There does seem to be a negative bias against counseling psychologists from clinical psychologists and in the medical field in general. This negative bias seems to center on the view that counseling psychologists are less “scientific” and I am concerned that, whether this is true or not, if this perception is out there then it may influence negatively how my qualifications are viewed and thus could limit my options somewhat. I am interested in possibly working with individuals in a medical setting and afraid that this might be more difficult with a counseling PhD instead of a clinical PhD.

In addition, it is my understanding (please correct me if I am wrong) that some internships/post-docs/jobs are specifically restricted to employing individuals with a clinical, and not a counseling, degree.

Any thoughts?

I am also choosing between a clinical and counseling program and have heard the same things you have, that there is a bias and that some places overtly specify that they prefer clinical people to counseling people. I frankly asked a prof at a counseling program if there is a bias and he said yes. Esp in hospital settings. This is partly because counseling programs tend not to empasize severe psychopathology and this is what you will see in a hospital. I have also heard that this bias could exist in hospitals because, as another prof put it, the people hiring (who are often MD's) can be "lazy" about it. She meant that when there are so many people competing for a spot, it is just easier to assume the clinical candidate will be a better match. Of course this is not always true and this belief can be challenged with a strong letter convincing the hospital why the counseling candidate is qualified. So basically, it is possible to work in hospitals as a counseling phd but just harder because it reuqires more effort to prove yourself.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I am also choosing between a clinical and counseling program and have heard the same things you have, that there is a bias and that some places overtly specify that they prefer clinical people to counseling people. I frankly asked a prof at a counseling program if there is a bias and he said yes. Esp in hospital settings. This is partly because counseling programs tend not to empasize severe psychopathology and this is what you will see in a hospital. I have also heard that this bias could exist in hospitals because, as another prof put it, the people hiring (who are often MD's) can be "lazy" about it. She meant that when there are so many people competing for a spot, it is just easier to assume the clinical candidate will be a better match. Of course this is not always true and this belief can be challenged with a strong letter convincing the hospital why the counseling candidate is qualified. So basically, it is possible to work in hospitals as a counseling phd but just harder because it reuqires more effort to prove yourself.

Fifteen or twenty years ago there were probably larger training differences between the two types of program, though it tends to be less true now. I have still seen preference given to clinical students for medical settings, but your training experiences will probably be more influential. There is some severe pathology in traditional counseling areas, though it is often viewed as less likely. There are still some people who differentiate between the training, some more overtly than others. Definitely look at the curriculum and ask each program where there people eventually land. You'll want to make sure they have a good reputation within the medical setting.

 

[stigmata]

I have worked in medicine for 15 years and have yet to meet a physician who A) cared, and B) knew the difference. Same license.