Does a PsyD help "diversify" a private practice clinicians professional options?

[Quichita19]

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Hi all! I'm new to this forum. I've been browsing some of the different forums related to reputations of Psy D programs (in particular professional psychology programs).

I'm about to graduate from a Masters of Education program in Community Mental Health in June with a 3.8 gpa. As far as clinical experience goes, I took a few years off in between my undergrad and graduate education in which I worked in a group home for teenage boys and as a case manager in a local agency. I am currently completing a year-long internship at a community mental health agency.

To make a long story short, interning at the community mental health agency made me realize how fast I'm going to burn out if I continue my career working with chronically and persistently mentally ill folks (while it is great experience and I feel with some of my clients I am doing great work, I am finding working with some of these folks is very demanding). As far as my research has informed me, the outlook for a counselor with a Master's degree is either a long-term career in a community mental health agency or private practice.

I have a 2-part question: I see myself going into at least part-time private practice for the duration of my career. But, as I said before, I can see myself burning out if I isolate myself to only clinical work. However, I'm not crazy about research, I'm thinking more consultation, supervision, psychological testing to "diversify" my options. 1) Would it be worth it to pursue a Psy D for this or should I just stick it out for the 2 1/2 years in a community mental health setting that my state requires for licensure then go into private practice (and after I obtain additional experience go into consultation, supervision, I know I need a PsyD in order to conduct psychological testing)? 2) I've been reading some posts that are making me shy away from schools like The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Alliant, and the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). I was focusing on these schools because they will allow me to transfer some credits because of my Master's degree (hence make for only 3 more years of school as opposed to 5) and also they don't have the research component that some of the other schools like Baylor do. Additionally, my GRE scores are not so good to say the least😳 Based on my above credentials, would I be a competitive applicant to some of the more "reputable" programs? If not, what could some of you suggest to make me more competitive? Also, because I don't see myself going into academia or research, would a school like CIIS or Loyola be sufficient for me to succeed as a private practice clinician? I'm sorry this is so long, and thanks in advance for your time!🙂

 

[nycxaxez]

Hi all! I'm new to this forum. I've been browsing some of the different forums related to reputations of Psy D programs (in particular professional psychology programs).

I'm about to graduate from a Masters of Education program in Community Mental Health in June with a 3.8 gpa. As far as clinical experience goes, I took a few years off in between my undergrad and graduate education in which I worked in a group home for teenage boys and as a case manager in a local agency. I am currently completing a year-long internship at a community mental health agency.

To make a long story short, interning at the community mental health agency made me realize how fast I'm going to burn out if I continue my career working with chronically and persistently mentally ill folks (while it is great experience and I feel with some of my clients I am doing great work, I am finding working with some of these folks is very demanding). As far as my research has informed me, the outlook for a counselor with a Master's degree is either a long-term career in a community mental health agency or private practice.

I have a 2-part question: I see myself going into at least part-time private practice for the duration of my career. But, as I said before, I can see myself burning out if I isolate myself to only clinical work. However, I'm not crazy about research, I'm thinking more consultation, supervision, psychological testing to "diversify" my options. 1) Would it be worth it to pursue a Psy D for this or should I just stick it out for the 2 1/2 years in a community mental health setting that my state requires for licensure then go into private practice (and after I obtain additional experience go into consultation, supervision, I know I need a PsyD in order to conduct psychological testing)? 2) I've been reading some posts that are making me shy away from schools like The Chicago School of Professional Psychology, Alliant, and the California Institute of Integral Studies (CIIS). I was focusing on these schools because they will allow me to transfer some credits because of my Master's degree (hence make for only 3 more years of school as opposed to 5) and also they don't have the research component that some of the other schools like Baylor do. Additionally, my GRE scores are not so good to say the least😳 Based on my above credentials, would I be a competitive applicant to some of the more "reputable" programs? If not, what could some of you suggest to make me more competitive? Also, because I don't see myself going into academia or research, would a school like CIIS or Loyola be sufficient for me to succeed as a private practice clinician? I'm sorry this is so long, and thanks in advance for your time!🙂

It all depends on the programs that you're applying to. Some of them don't seem to put a LOT of stock into GRE and Psych GRE scores, while others WILL use them as a cut-off and if you don't meet certain criteria will not even interview you. Usually, if you meet some of the requirements, the school will be intrigued and invite you for an interview to find out how you are in person.
The biggest thing is usually your GPA and any experience you have. I had a great GPA but my GRE scores were mixed (My Verbal score was not so good, my Math score was great, but my Psych GRE score was not great at all) and I got into a few great programs. Obviously, I was rejected by a few (Rutgers and their great reputation must've seen my Psych GRE and laughed) but by applying to a bunch of programs that you're interested in, as long as you meet certain criteria (sounds like you have great experience) you will most likely get some interviews. It doesn't hurt to apply to the reputable programs. Honestly, one doesn't know of the exact intentions floating around in a school's decision process. It's a pretty gray area. For example, if you wrote a personal statement, you would definitely highlight all the great clinical experience you have and that awesome GPA, and depending on their frame of mind, you never know. It never hurts to try, I guess is what I'm saying. Certain good parts of your application can definitely overshadow some of the not so great things.
As for your other questions, I really wish I could answer them. I'm just going into a PsyD program now, so I just don't have the experience of what the program's like to be able to help you there.
I hope this helps! 🙂

 

[Psych1212]

Which state are you in? I ask because my state allows me to practice with a Masters in clinical, but a fully licensed psychologist is required to sign off on everything I do, including assessments (Which they of course take a hefty fee for doing). Furthermore, I cannot provide supervision with a Masters-level license.

 

[cardamom]

FYI, I believe most doctorate programs care more about your undergrad GPA than your MA/MS GPA, because grad GPAs are typically higher (especially if schools require higher grades in order to pass). They will still definitely ask for your undergrad GPA at any rate, so that should be part of the information you are considering.

 

[Quichita19]

Yes it does, thanks!

 

[Quichita19]

Which state are you in? I ask because my state allows me to practice with a Masters in clinical, but a fully licensed psychologist is required to sign off on everything I do, including assessments (Which they of course take a hefty fee for doing). Furthermore, I cannot provide supervision with a Masters-level license.

I'm in Washington. In order to be licensed here, you have to have about 2 1/2 years post-Masters supervised experience (I think it's 3,000 hours). After that, the licensure opens you up for many positions, including supervision. However, I don't think I can do assessments or testing without a doctorate. Does anyone know differently?

 

[Quichita19]

It all depends on the programs that you're applying to. Some of them don't seem to put a LOT of stock into GRE and Psych GRE scores, while others WILL use them as a cut-off and if you don't meet certain criteria will not even interview you. Usually, if you meet some of the requirements, the school will be intrigued and invite you for an interview to find out how you are in person.
The biggest thing is usually your GPA and any experience you have. I had a great GPA but my GRE scores were mixed (My Verbal score was not so good, my Math score was great, but my Psych GRE score was not great at all) and I got into a few great programs. Obviously, I was rejected by a few (Rutgers and their great reputation must've seen my Psych GRE and laughed) but by applying to a bunch of programs that you're interested in, as long as you meet certain criteria (sounds like you have great experience) you will most likely get some interviews. It doesn't hurt to apply to the reputable programs. Honestly, one doesn't know of the exact intentions floating around in a school's decision process. It's a pretty gray area. For example, if you wrote a personal statement, you would definitely highlight all the great clinical experience you have and that awesome GPA, and depending on their frame of mind, you never know. It never hurts to try, I guess is what I'm saying. Certain good parts of your application can definitely overshadow some of the not so great things.
As for your other questions, I really wish I could answer them. I'm just going into a PsyD program now, so I just don't have the experience of what the program's like to be able to help you there.
I hope this helps! 🙂

Yes it does, thanks!!

 

[PsyDr]

a doctorate would:

1) increase the things you could do. this would include assessment, and a wide variety of other professional activities.

2) increase your revenue. MA providers get reimbursed less

3) i would be very wary of any program offering to accept all of your 2 year education. i would imagine they might accept a few hours, but CoA has limits on how many this can be. 3 years is simply unreasonable. 2 years practica, 1 yr internship. dissertation. plus class work. 4 years even sounds like a stretch.

4) i have no idea why a MA level person would want to test. they simply do not have the training for it. practicing outside one's scope of knowledge is a violation of APA ethics. there is no way to bill for it in most states. additionally they are opening themselves up to a wide variety of malpractice suits.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

MOD NOTE: I split out the assessment tangent here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=615700

 

[Psych1212]

MOD NOTE: I split out the assessment tangent here: http://forums.studentdoctor.net/showthread.php?t=615700

Good move. I'll just reports this part.

In response to the OP, I would definitely considering pursuing the Psy.D. I think that the opportunities and independence that it would provide would be well worth the time and resources spent in order to obtain it. In addition to more diverse opportunities, professional independence, and increased salary, you will simply be better at everything that you do for the rest of your career.

I would focus more on getting into a solid (possibly well-funded) program as opposed to how many credits I could transfer or how much longer it would take. I'd sacrifice that year or two for the superior training and tuition assistance that would continue to benefit me for the rest of my career, not to mention how much better your time in grad school will be if you feel like a good fit for the program.

 

[Franco]

I'm in Washington. In order to be licensed here, you have to have about 2 1/2 years post-Masters supervised experience (I think it's 3,000 hours). After that, the licensure opens you up for many positions, including supervision. However, I don't think I can do assessments or testing without a doctorate. Does anyone know differently?

In California, one needs 3000 to take the board exam. Once the board is passed, one can open private practice. 2 years of post-licensure experience is required to be a supervisor. As for testing and/or assessments, in California it falls under scope of competence which requires an MFT to have the education, training or experience. Thus, if a person has the proper education, training or experience, the person can provide assessment and training as part of the person's services.