How do I get into a Clinical Psych Program?

[Packamylase]

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I hear that a Ph.D. in clinical is nearly impossible to get into and a Psy.D. is not economically justifiable.

However, I'm still interested! 😉

My undergraduate degree is in Biochemistry. I took one psych class, and got an A. I am taking Human Development right now, and will continue to take psych pre-reqs.

What else do I need to do to get into a clinical psych Ph.D. program? Any advice?

Thanks y'all!

 

[Psyclops]

As much reserach experience as you can get your hands on, and good board scores. But, most important of all, you have to know what your interests are within the field, and why. That is by far the most important criterion.

 

[lazure]

Publish your research. Present it at conferences. Get a good RA job with a supportive supervisor where you can do that. Do not work solely under grad students - this will not serve you in the longterm, it's only a good beginning.

 

[perfektspace]

Your biochemistry degree with a minor in psych. (or double major) would be very attractive to a number of programs. If you can handle a biochem classload and do well I am guessing you will do well on the GRE's. As stated before mix in as much research as you can handle. Just be careful that the lab you work in will actually have you working on some meaningful projects, not just transcribing. The 1st semester is going to be grunt work as you learn your way around but after that opportunities should become available.

 

[Packamylase]

Thanks for your responses.

How would your advice change if I was applying to Psy.D. programs?

I think I may also be interested in counseling psychology, Ph.D. Thoughts?

 

[perfektspace]

How would your advice change if I was applying to Psy.D. programs?

I think I may also be interested in counseling psychology, Ph.D. Thoughts?

Competitive Psy.D's are looking for a lot of the same things as Ph.D programs, are just as hard to get into, and are fully funded. However, they are few and far between. I would stay away from professional schools if only to avoid the debt as you previously noted. Volunteering your time at a crisis hotline, local medical facility, or a number of other community based mental health programs may increase your attractiveness to the applied nature of Psy.D programs.

 

[Jon4PsyD]

I agree with what everyone told you. Basically, keep your GPA high, do well and study for the GREs (when its time to take them), and of course get that Psych minor.

Research will be important. Get yourself known at your schools Psych department and Im sure professors will help uou do what is necessary as well as open up opportunities for you...

Jon

 

[Packamylase]

Thank you all for your responses.

Are there any counseling psychologists here? Will you please share your thoughts on this field?

 

[Psyclops]

There tend not to be many counseling psychologists that participate on this forum, but I can tell you what little I know. There is a lot of overlap between clinical and counseling psychology. Both see clients, and there is quite a bit of overlap in terms of disorders. Counseling psychologists tend to work with higher functioning individuals and often times help with acheivement goals like finding the right job and getting along within a marriage. Just a brief overveiw.

 

[Salsybabe]

I'm not a counseling psychologist, but I am applying mainly to counseling psych PhD programs this fall, but also a few clinical psych programs that I have a match with. Psyclops did a great job describing what counseling psychologists do. That's my main attraction to that field.

 

[mmcarson]

I hear that a Ph.D. in clinical is nearly impossible to get into and a Psy.D. is not economically justifiable.

However, I'm still interested! 😉

My undergraduate degree is in Biochemistry. I took one psych class, and got an A. I am taking Human Development right now, and will continue to take psych pre-reqs.

What else do I need to do to get into a clinical psych Ph.D. program? Any advice?

Thanks y'all!

I also agree with everyone's advice. Also, your degree in biochem would look great on an application to a behavioral neuroscience or neuropsych program, if you are interested in that, and as long as it's paired with pych prerequisites and research experience.

 

[PsychEval]

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists function in a capacity that is nearly indistinguishable. Both have the same license, LP.

 

[psychgrrl]

Clinical and Counseling Psychologists function in a capacity that is nearly indistinguishable. Both have the same license, LP.

Yes, i agree with all of the above. You should definitely try to get as many experiences as you can both in research, and other aspects of psychology such as working on a hotline, hospital or clinic, and working with different populations. Research-wise, try out different labs that have varied approaches. All of this will help you decide what track is right for you, and whether you want to pursue a Ph.D., Psy.D, or perhaps something else, and MSW, for example.

 

[PsychEval]

In addition to Clinical/Counseling Ph.D. programs, there are also both Clinical and Counseling PsyD programs.

 

[Packamylase]

Thanks to everyone. All your responses are greatly appreciated.

It looks like I need to refine my career goals and gather a lot more information.

I'll see what I can do with the research. I haven't done any psych research before. Currently, I'm working on Statitstical Genetic research. I've made some contacts here, though, and I'll try to hook myself up with a psych professor.

Thanks everyone!

 

[Packamylase]

Is a Psy.D. in counseling as expensive as Clinical Psy.D.?

 

[perfektspace]

Is a Psy.D. in counseling as expensive as Clinical Psy.D.?

The same rules apply. There will be a handful with funding and many that are not.