Licensable masters after non-licensable (experimental) PhD?

[arcadiansummer]

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I completed a masters degree that was non-licensable (i.e., "non-termina"l) but contained a mixture of clinical work and research, both of which I did well in and enjoyed. I'm now in my first year in an experimental (educational/developmental) PhD program and really like it--my adviser, my research, the teaching opportunities, .etc. I've been very productive research-wise so far, and my research is largely intervention-focused, so I get to go out to schools in the process.

During my masters program, I realized that although I really enjoyed behavioral assessment and intervention and therapy (solution-focused, behavioral, and CBT), psychological assessment wasn't really my thing, thus leaving me lukewarm on going for a clinical psych PhD. I considered going for licensable masters, but ultimately both the funding and my love of research drew me to choose my current program. Overall, I do really love what I'm doing and my program.

But...

I've realized that I quite miss clinical work, particularly therapy and intakes. Although I still want an academic career, I would like to have some clinical component to my professional life and so am considering pursuing a masters in counseling after my PhD. My concern is that this could look like "degree collecting" on the job market.

Thoughts?

 

[MBellows]

I completed a masters degree that was non-licensable (i.e., "non-termina"l) but contained a mixture of clinical work and research, both of which I did well in and enjoyed. I'm now in my first year in an experimental (educational/developmental) PhD program and really like it--my adviser, my research, the teaching opportunities, .etc. I've been very productive research-wise so far, and my research is largely intervention-focused, so I get to go out to schools in the process.

During my masters program, I realized that although I really enjoyed behavioral assessment and intervention and therapy (solution-focused, behavioral, and CBT), psychological assessment wasn't really my thing, thus leaving me lukewarm on going for a clinical psych PhD. I considered going for licensable masters, but ultimately both the funding and my love of research drew me to choose my current program. Overall, I do really love what I'm doing and my program.

But...

I've realized that I quite miss clinical work, particularly therapy and intakes. Although I still want an academic career, I would like to have some clinical component to my professional life and so am considering pursuing a masters in counseling after my PhD. My concern is that this could look like "degree collecting" on the job market.

Thoughts?

Have you looked into re-specialization programs for people with non-clinical psychology Ph.D.'s?

 

[wigflip]

Have you looked into re-specialization programs for people with non-clinical psychology Ph.D.'s?

Good suggestion. There have been a handful of threads on this before. You'll likely find the discussions helpful if you search for 'em.

Curious about your (OP's) allusion to "degree collecting." Is that an actual term that search committees use? Would love to hear more about what OP has heard about this, especially given that I might be in a similar (though not identical) situation.

 

[LETSGONYR]

FWIW, my personal therapist is an LPC and has a Ph.D. in a non-clinical aspect of psychology. I believe he had the master's first, though, and sought the Ph.D. later so that he could teach. As far as I know, no one's accused him of degree collecting.

I don't think there'd be a problem, as long as you accurately describe your credentials (e.g., LPC or LCSW or whatever, if you're not a licensed psychologist). That's just my non-professional opinion though. I also think looking into psychology re-specialization programs is a good idea.

 

[Psychadelic2012]

I'm no expert on this, but I wonder how getting the additional masters degree would fit in to your career goals with a PhD? For example, some have mentioned that having a gap after the doctorate would not look good to search committees. I assume you don't have time for a master's degree while in a doc program, but what about when you get a job--would there be time for that then, either? That seems like the biggest hurdle. I would think that respecialization would be the best option, but it will be hard to endure your program until you're able to do that, I'm assuming. I was almost in a similar situation to LETS's therapist, where I had a licensable masters and was looking at experimental PhDs. But I could have used (and actually do now use) that master's degree to work during my doc program.

What about finding a way to satisfy your clinical itch in other ways? Perhaps doing a shorter certification, working as a paraprofessional (doing applied behavior analysis or something), or even getting training in an applied area that could be used in your research?

 

[wigflip]

I'm no expert on this, but I wonder how getting the additional masters degree would fit in to your career goals with a PhD? For example, some have mentioned that having a gap after the doctorate would not look good to search committees. I assume you don't have time for a master's degree while in a doc program, but what about when you get a job--would there be time for that then, either?

I hear what you're saying, Psychadelic. I do know at least one person whose done similar things (i.e. MPH after completion of social science doctorate), and said prof got an R1 T-T job, but that was years before the academic job market went from merely bad to just plain laughable, so the fact that the 2 year diversion didn't derail him/her is poor even for anecdotal evidence.

Edit: And if you're wondering: yes, the new avatar is ironic. Found the image on yelp and couldn't stop laughing.

 

[Psychadelic2012]

Edit: And if you're wondering: yes, the new avatar is ironic. Found the image on yelp and couldn't stop laughing.

😕 Ironic? Hmmm...[puts on therapist face]...in what way? I was thinking it was downright hilarious. Plus, I want one!! .

 

[wigflip]

😕 Ironic? Hmmm...[puts on therapist face]...in what way? I was thinking it was downright hilarious. Plus, I want one!! .

I guess I was thinking "ironic liking." Like "loving" the funky restaurant with crimson vinyl seating, replica Viking weapons on the wall, and waitresses with beehive hairdos and gravelly voices.

But yes, he looks so serious, and seriously in love with Ms. Kitty, doesn't he? 😍

 

[Psychadelic2012]

No, really. I seriously want one. 😎