Ed D, Psy D, MSW?????

[confusedgrad]

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HI! I am a recent psychology grad. who is very confused.... I have decided that i would like to pursue a higher level degree in the field of psychology and I have narrowed it down to a PsyD, an Ed.D., or a MSW.**I know that I would like to eventually be in private practice and that is one of the contributing factors to considering these 3 options. There is so much information out there but I can not seem to find what I am looking for. I would like to actually practice and not focus on research or work in a university. I have read that getting a PsyD is more expensive than getting a PhD (which Im really not interested any way) but if in the end I would make more in practice than I would with a MSW for ex. then it may be worth it. On that note, what about a Ed.D?**I know that I would like to focus on children and adolescents and so some people have suggested the education route. Im just not sure which degree I need!!! ANY information you could give me would be very much appreciated.

 

[PsychEval]

1. Ph.D.
2. Psy.D. (only 2nd to Ph.D. because of cost).
3. Ed.D.
4. ARNP or PA (mental health related).
5. MSW, LCSW
6. MS/MA LPC, LMFT

 

[psych101]

If you are looking at a doctoral level degree, then in terms of what you end up getting for your time/money/effort, I would recommend considering a doctorate in school psychology. This could come in the form of a PhD, PsyD, or EdD, depending on the institution. Look for an accredited program. Here's a helpful link: http://www.psichi.org/pubs/articles/article_154.asp This degree seems to offer lots of opportunities and you don't have to necessarily work in a school (though that is often a great job with good benefits and tolerable hours & work schedule). That is, you can go into private practice or work in a public agency doing pretty much the same thing as a PhD or PsyD in clinical psych, with the exception of being able to do personality testing (based on my understanding that this is not covered in most school psych training programs, though that may depend on the program). If you just want to do therapy with kids (no testing), consider a MSW(LCSW). Will probably make somewhat less than a doctoral level school psychologist at the outset but you have the potential to build up to making a comparable salary -- you can go into private practice and do therapy independently (no supervision required after licensure), or hold supervisory positions in public agencies (many manager/director positions now advertise for a PhD/PsyD/LCSW). Takes about 2 yrs to get an MSW plus usually another 2 yrs being supervised in order to be licensed. You can also work independently with an LPC, so you might consider that also.