How do I become a psychologist? Please help.

[lbwhite89]

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I started college right out of high school in 2008 to be a nurse. After two clinical semesters (I'm 20, almost 21 now), I decided nursing wasn't the career for me. I've always loved psychology and I'd really like to be a psychologist one day.

I am currently enrolled at a technical college and I'll be going one more semester (general education classes that are required for psych but not for nursing) before I transfer to a four year university in Fall of 2011. I'm hoping it won't be another three or four years to get my bachelors in Psychology, but I'm willing to do whatever it takes.

I know that a lot of people have bachelors degrees in Psychology and hardly any of them have good paying jobs in a related field. In fact, I'm a bank teller and work with someone that has a bachelors degree in psych and she's not even using it. I refuse to do that.

I plan on getting either my masters or my Phd OR PsyD after I get my bachelors. I'm just so lost as to what it's going to take. Can I counsel people with only a masters or should I go ahead and get my PhD? I just don't want to work at a bank or something else unrelated to my major while I work on a doctorate degree for four or five years. What's the most efficient way to get a career counseling people? And what are the salaries of these careers?

I know I have a few years to decide, but I'd really like to know what my choices are. I'm interested in being a clinical psychologist, marriage/couples/family counselor, school psychologist, etc. I don't want a research-based career, I wand a clinical-based career. What other careers can I get with just a masters?

What are my options as far as school/career/pay? Any help is appreciated.

 

[BSWdavid]

A simple Google search should produce reliable information regarding this topic. If you simply want to counsel people, an MSW is an option. Frankly, your lack of direction won't get you anywhere close to a PhD or PsyD program. I think most students are quite uninformed in what it means to be a psychologist. Stating that you don't have an interest in research is the first sign you shouldn't consider this option (unless you determine at some point you may be interested in research). Counseling/therapy is really a small part of what psychologists are trained to do, and most clinical programs focus HEAVILY on research. If you aren't passionate about research, how will you gain admission into a program that has an 8-10% acceptance rate? My recommendation would be to look into MA/MS programs in counseling or MSW programs, although even these programs (especially MA/MS programs in psych) will require considerably more direction than you currently have.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I agree with BSWdavid.

 

[justme08]

If you don't absolutely HATE nursing you could look into NP options, like PMHNP. The starting pay for that one is higher than for a psychologist or masters level therapist.

 

[Schooled]

How to Become a Psychologist

Psychologist is, by definition, a PsyD or PhD in some field of psychology (e.g. social, evolutionary, and school). A PROFESSIONAL psychologist is someone with a PhD in Counseling, Clinical, School, or Industrial Organization Psychology and is licensed.

PsyD programs are very practice oriented programs, but the financial cost is astronomical. In terms of cost, it's comparable to MD. In terms of salary (which is the same for PhDs), it's comparable to nurses (if you're lucky). Also, you should know there is a negative stigma associated with PsyDs.

PhD programs have some balance of research and practice, but are generally research heavy when compared to the PsyD. PhD programs are cheaper and have WAY WAY more funding when compared to PsyD, however, your funding sums to less than annual unemployment checks (if you're lucky).

Pros
-"Doctor"

Con
-Considerable time and financial investment (i.e. debt)

How to Become a therapist or counselor

There are many, many different professions that provide counseling and therapy. They are mostly often referred to as "clinicians" or "practitioners." They have a masters degree in counseling/school/clinical psychology, marriage and the family, or social work. Other masters, however, can result in counseling careers (e.g. masters of divinity, education, or public health).

Most programs have practice and research components, however, since you're only there for two years practice is mostly emphasized. They are also easier to get into than PhD programs.

Pros
-Quick and dirty entry into mental health
-Flexible careers with upward and lateral movement

Cons
-You could be making more with your BA (but money isn't everything right?)

 

[lbwhite89]

BSWDavid -- Considering I'm just now starting my program toward Psychology, I take offense to the comment that I have no direction. I made this post while I was doing a lot of internet research on the topic, looking into graduate programs/career paths/etc. and seeking out what I'd be most interested in. It hasn't been long since I posted this, but I have a much better idea of what I'm getting into. Mistakenly, I thought that this thread would be more helpful than it actually was.

And what I meant by not being interested in a research career, I meant that I don't want the career I choose to be 100% research. I know, of course, that all of these career paths include research and I'm interested in that. However, I want to work with people on a daily basis as well.


Justme08 -- My decision to get out of the nursing profession is final. I was planning on being a NP the entire time, but I've decided it's not for me. As for the pay issue, I know that being a therapist/counselor doesn't pay as well starting off as a nurse would, but money isn't everything. Studying psychology is something I've had a passion for for a very long time. I made this decision so I could be happy in my career path, not so I can make tons of money from the get-go.


Schooled -- Thank you so much for this helpful answer! After the research I've done on the topic, I'm leaning toward a masters program in professional counseling or even an MBA or human resources program. I have a few years to decide, but your reply was definitely helpful to me.

Oh, as far as making more money with my BA, what type of jobs are you referring to? I've been told that in order to make any money in the field of psychology, you almost NEED a graduate degree. I haven't found many things I can do with my BA. Any suggestions?

 

[BiopsychStudent]

Just focus on finishing your major. Upper division classes will help you decide what branches of psychology you like, if any. You might also want to invest in business or economics classes if you're interested in an MBA (As you expressed in another thread).

Try to get some experience in research, or some volunteer work in a mental health setting done along the way; these will be invaluable should you choose to become a psychologist or counselor, and help you arrive at your decision.

 

[lbwhite89]

Just focus on finishing your major. Upper division classes will help you decide what branches of psychology you like, if any. You might also want to invest in business or economics classes if you're interested in an MBA (As you expressed in another thread).

Try to get some experience in research, or some volunteer work in a mental health setting done along the way; these will be invaluable should you choose to become a psychologist or counselor, and help you arrive at your decision.

Thank you. My problem is trying to work on not stressing out about things prematurely. I have awhile to make up my mind and yet I'm worrying as if I need to start applying today. Haha.

I'm definitely going to look into some business classes as well. 🙂

 

[Schooled]

If I am not mistaken there are MSW/MBA (social work/business) and MA/MBA (counseling psychology/business) dual degree programs. They typically take 3-4 years to finish. It sounds like they might be of interest to you.

 

[BSWdavid]

BSWDavid -- Considering I'm just now starting my program toward Psychology, I take offense to the comment that I have no direction. I made this post while I was doing a lot of internet research on the topic, looking into graduate programs/career paths/etc. and seeking out what I'd be most interested in. It hasn't been long since I posted this, but I have a much better idea of what I'm getting into. Mistakenly, I thought that this thread would be more helpful than it actually was.

And what I meant by not being interested in a research career, I meant that I don't want the career I choose to be 100% research. I know, of course, that all of these career paths include research and I'm interested in that. However, I want to work with people on a daily basis as well.


Justme08 -- My decision to get out of the nursing profession is final. I was planning on being a NP the entire time, but I've decided it's not for me. As for the pay issue, I know that being a therapist/counselor doesn't pay as well starting off as a nurse would, but money isn't everything. Studying psychology is something I've had a passion for for a very long time. I made this decision so I could be happy in my career path, not so I can make tons of money from the get-go.


Schooled -- Thank you so much for this helpful answer! After the research I've done on the topic, I'm leaning toward a masters program in professional counseling or even an MBA or human resources program. I have a few years to decide, but your reply was definitely helpful to me.

Oh, as far as making more money with my BA, what type of jobs are you referring to? I've been told that in order to make any money in the field of psychology, you almost NEED a graduate degree. I haven't found many things I can do with my BA. Any suggestions?

I apologize, as I wasn't trying to be offensive. I think the point being that psychology requires the utmost dedication. It is such a difficult field to enter and stay in that if you aren't 100% dedicated, you won't make it (especially in a doctoral program). I read my prior post and realize that it does come off somewhat harsh, which wasn't my intent. I suppose that it can be difficult to express intent in written form.

I would spend a lot of time reading the PhD/PsyD board on SDN; I think it will give you a great sense of the psychology field, especially graduate work. You also might interview a few professional psychologists and get their opinion.

Again, I apologize for my brashness.

 

[lbwhite89]

I apologize, as I wasn't trying to be offensive. I think the point being that psychology requires the utmost dedication. It is such a difficult field to enter and stay in that if you aren't 100% dedicated, you won't make it (especially in a doctoral program). I read my prior post and realize that it does come off somewhat harsh, which wasn't my intent. I suppose that it can be difficult to express intent in written form.

I would spend a lot of time reading the PhD/PsyD board on SDN; I think it will give you a great sense of the psychology field, especially graduate work. You also might interview a few professional psychologists and get their opinion.

Again, I apologize for my brashness.

Thank you for replying. I appreciate it.