Greetings to all readers, this is my first post here on SDN. I am a Master’s level clinician working as a supervised psychologist in West Virginia. I have about 4 years left of supervision, so I am still early in the process. Although I can become a licensed psychologist at the master’s level in my state in a few years, I’m still interested in earning a doctoral degree but wonder whether it is feasible given my circumstances of working full-time. My life is simple in that I am unmarried, living solo, with no plans for a family. I’m a 37-year homeowner with manageable debt and reduced need for routine social or family activities. I’m more than content with my current place of living and have no intention of relocating for my education but am not opposed to renting a livable space to be closer to a graduate program.
I have a wonderful supervisor with over 50 years of experience in almost every field of psychology (literally no exaggeration here, she earned two PhDs since reciprocity in the field was nonexistent at one point) who is extremely supportive of my growth as a young clinician. I am well respected at my place of employment and find the work to be intellectually stimulating and much more rewarding than past positions. Since I work for an outpatient, non-profit FQHC, we evaluate and often times treat nearly every behavioral health condition that walks through the door. Thus, I am receiving broad-based training and performing clinical work with all populations (Children, Adults, Families) within multiple settings (Schools, Primary Care Clinics) consisting mostly of psychotherapy and some psychological assessment. I've been there for a little over a year and its been an invaluable experience and return to my initial interests discovered during graduate school. I know specialization seems like the state of the art in our field but with the populations we serve in our rural healthcare setting, we are essentially expected be generalists often times. My previous experience includes 5 years working in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting with all ages, and 8 years as a certified substance use counselor in a medication-assisted treatment setting.
Fortunately, I passed the EPPP this past July on the first attempt. I graduated from grad school with my MA in clinical psychology nearly 10 years ago but stay up to date on emerging findings and research whenever possible. I enjoy research but am interested more in the application of research findings to clinical settings. Ideally, I’d like to continue doing psychotherapy and assessments but with the ability to conduct assessments at an advanced level (e.g. neuropsychological, forensic). For this reason, the PsyD appeals more to me but I’m not ruling out the PhD either. Based on my location, JMU or WVU are the only two programs I’m considering, which I understand substantially lowers the likelihood of admission. I wouldn't be against working part-time if that is a financially viable option.
I have always considered a doctoral degree but it just never seemed like the right time despite the ongoing passion and curiosity in this field for me that is unending. My life is generally satisfactory so I really have to decide if this is worth it or not. I am genuinely interested and welcome all feedback from everyone. Thank you!
I have a wonderful supervisor with over 50 years of experience in almost every field of psychology (literally no exaggeration here, she earned two PhDs since reciprocity in the field was nonexistent at one point) who is extremely supportive of my growth as a young clinician. I am well respected at my place of employment and find the work to be intellectually stimulating and much more rewarding than past positions. Since I work for an outpatient, non-profit FQHC, we evaluate and often times treat nearly every behavioral health condition that walks through the door. Thus, I am receiving broad-based training and performing clinical work with all populations (Children, Adults, Families) within multiple settings (Schools, Primary Care Clinics) consisting mostly of psychotherapy and some psychological assessment. I've been there for a little over a year and its been an invaluable experience and return to my initial interests discovered during graduate school. I know specialization seems like the state of the art in our field but with the populations we serve in our rural healthcare setting, we are essentially expected be generalists often times. My previous experience includes 5 years working in an acute inpatient psychiatric setting with all ages, and 8 years as a certified substance use counselor in a medication-assisted treatment setting.
Fortunately, I passed the EPPP this past July on the first attempt. I graduated from grad school with my MA in clinical psychology nearly 10 years ago but stay up to date on emerging findings and research whenever possible. I enjoy research but am interested more in the application of research findings to clinical settings. Ideally, I’d like to continue doing psychotherapy and assessments but with the ability to conduct assessments at an advanced level (e.g. neuropsychological, forensic). For this reason, the PsyD appeals more to me but I’m not ruling out the PhD either. Based on my location, JMU or WVU are the only two programs I’m considering, which I understand substantially lowers the likelihood of admission. I wouldn't be against working part-time if that is a financially viable option.
I have always considered a doctoral degree but it just never seemed like the right time despite the ongoing passion and curiosity in this field for me that is unending. My life is generally satisfactory so I really have to decide if this is worth it or not. I am genuinely interested and welcome all feedback from everyone. Thank you!
