freshman wondering about research

[adina9454]

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I'm new, and I've got some questions-please answer them!

i want to become a clinical psychologist and i know there is the psyd and phd. I'm not sure which one to do-the only reason I am hesitating on the phd is because of research. Is research boring to do? I have absolutely no idea what research is like.

i also want to start a practice of my own-can you only open one with a phd, or is it possible with a psyd?

chao-adina

 

[irish80122]

I'm new, and I've got some questions-please answer them!

i want to become a clinical psychologist and i know there is the psyd and phd. I'm not sure which one to do-the only reason I am hesitating on the phd is because of research. Is research boring to do? I have absolutely no idea what research is like.

i also want to start a practice of my own-can you only open one with a phd, or is it possible with a psyd?

chao-adina

Research may sound boring but it is hard to tell until you try it, I actually really enjoy research. I recommend that eventually (you do not need to this year) get involved with a professor at your school and see if you enjoy helping them with their research. Usually if you find the psychology department website it will say what everyone is researching so you can see if anything looks interesting.

If therapy is what you want to do, then PsyD is usually a better option than the PhD, but I will save that discussion for later. You can be a therapist with a masters degree even so yes, a Psy.D will qualify you to do therapy once you get licensed and eventually you can start your own practice.

I hope that helps some.

 

[adina9454]

that does help. thanks. I guess I won't know until I try.

another question... does anyone know of phd programs that are clinically oriented?

 

[butterfli73]

You may want to check out the latest version of the Insider's Guide to Programs in Clinical and Counseling Psychology. Each school is rated on a scale from completely clinically-oriented to completely research-oriented.

 

[Ratch1980]

If therapy is what you want to do, then PsyD is usually a better option than the PhD, but I will save that discussion for later. You can be a therapist with a masters degree even so yes, a Psy.D will qualify you to do therapy once you get licensed and eventually you can start your own practice.

You can even practice therapy with a degree in clinical social work, so that is another option to look into.