MPH, interested in career in counseling psychology

[gc1987]

Hi all - new to this forum. Hoping for some advice.

In 2016, I obtained my MPH with a focus in urban health. Completed my thesis on perceptions of dating and domestic violence among college students, and then went on to work for two years as a domestic violence counselor and prevention program coordinator in an urban community health center setting. I am considering pursuing a PhD or PsyD in Counseling Psychology so that I can, 1. work with survivors of violence and/ or marginalized populations in a more meaningful and impactful way, 2., use my MPH and (hopefully) doctoral degree to improve access to behavioral health care in urban, underserved communities, and 3. eventually have my own private practice.

That said, my B.A. is in communications. With an MPH and no coursework in psychology, is it realistic to think that I could even be accepted into a PhD or PsyD program? I am not delusional. I know this is the big leagues! I am willing to take pre-req courses, but I am just so unsure of what path to pursue. Do I pursue another masters before applying to a doctoral program? Do I forget it?

Any advice would be a big help!!!

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[PsyDuck90]

Hi all - new to this forum. Hoping for some advice.

In 2016, I obtained my MPH with a focus in urban health. Completed my thesis on perceptions of dating and domestic violence among college students, and then went on to work for two years as a domestic violence counselor and prevention program coordinator in an urban community health center setting. I am considering pursuing a PhD or PsyD in Counseling Psychology so that I can, 1. work with survivors of violence and/ or marginalized populations in a more meaningful and impactful way, 2., use my MPH and (hopefully) doctoral degree to improve access to behavioral health care in urban, underserved communities, and 3. eventually have my own private practice.

That said, my B.A. is in communications. With an MPH and no coursework in psychology, is it realistic to think that I could even be accepted into a PhD or PsyD program? I am not delusional. I know this is the big leagues! I am willing to take pre-req courses, but I am just so unsure of what path to pursue. Do I pursue another masters before applying to a doctoral program? Do I forget it?

Any advice would be a big help!!!

In regards to coursework, you need to look at the specific programs and see what pre-reqs they require. You may be able to get those by taking a post-bacc or just some courses from a local university if you have one nearby. Another major component is the research background. There are definitely schools with faculty that focus on DV (I would look at both counseling and clinical psychology programs). However, even reputable PsyD programs require research experience. You said you had completed a thesis, so that may be enough, but you can also try to find some research labs where you can get a paid research assistantship or at least some volunteer time. Do you have any posters or anything that you've presented at conferences?

 

[foreverbull]

This may be a bit of a different approach, but do you have any interest in Community Psychology based on your PH background? They nicely overlap...

https://psychology.gsu.edu/graduate/program-areas-and-concentrations/community-program/

Communityphd

Doctoral Programs: Clinical-Community Psychology