Dr. Ph vs. PhD

[blondie1oed83]

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Hey Guys,
One more question....Knowing that Clinical Psych programs are super difficult to get into (I've tried and failed once before!), I'm wondering if any of you know anything about the DrPh degree -- I went to Hopkins last year and got a public health based master's with a concentration in mental health, which I was extremely happy to receive. But, was wondering if anyone out there could give me a brief rundown of what you can do with a Dr.Ph (concentrating in areas such as dual diagnosis, drug use, homelessness) vs. what I might be able to do with a PhD in Clinical Psych.

Sorry if this question is kinda off the wall!!

--Erica

 

[AcronymAllergy]

With a Ph.D. in clinical psychology, your ultimate goals are treatment and research of psychopathology (in a nutshell).

With a DrPh, I don't imagine you'd be licensable to practice anywhere, given that you probably wouldn't receive the necessary training to secure a clinical internship. Your research would (and I could be mistaken) likely focus on administrative aspects of mental health service delivery, as would most other aspects of your "day job."

 

[docma]

There are states where you can be licensed with a DPH but you have to demonstrate that the coursework supports the licenses scope of practice. I don't think this is the forum for the information you want. Why not start by asking the JH program for lists of where their grads are practicing and in what job classes with what licenses?

All that said, these are probably good times to have a degree in health care management/administration and the domains you mentioned

 

[Grif]

Why not start by asking the JH program for lists of where their grads are practicing and in what job classes with what licenses?

Seconded, but will add that you should ask a few choice state boards whether they accept it and for what level. You have to be taught how to counsel appropriately and effectively before you can be a therapist.

You obviously wouldn't be a psychologist with a DPH, but there's nothing keeping you from working in public health with a PhD/PsyD in psychology. You'd learn a lot about public health by being in a psychology program as well. There's also the option of pursuing an MA in psychology or counseling and going that route for therapy licensure.

 

[CApsych]

Definitely look into it before doing it. I have an MPH too and I looked into getting a doctorate in social psych or a DrPH and then doing clinical retraining and it didn't seem like there were many options (although there used to be more programs that did it).

 

[Sunny329]

I hadn't heard of a Dr.PH until this thread. Pretty cool!

On a not-so-related note:

I do know about this guy who got something called a D.Psa., but he was really just a complete tool. I think he was only able to "practice" because of his LCSW; APA doesn't recognize this "doctorate of psychoanalytic studies", and neither do I! His school basically granted itself the rights to offer this...unique degree. Ugh, he was about as incompetent as they come.

 

[blondie1oed83]

Yes, thank you for everyone's help! I've already been in contact with JHSPH and am attempting to sort things out for myself...I just want to make sure I'm making the BEST decision for my future with the most options!

AGH!