Which would provide a better foundation for pursuit of a PsyD, a masters in general psychology or a masters in mental health counseling? Also, in regards to a masters in general psych; would completing a masters thesis, or a masters internship look more attractive to a PsyD program?
It really is quite similar to what Ph.D.'s look for, with a bit more leeway with the amount of research you've done. As for what is more attractive to a Psy.D....a masters thesis or placement, I'd say thesis, as research is still an important part of the training. I'm not discounting clinical experiences, it is just hard to get experience in an area that will give you as big of a leg up. I know someone who gained experience using some simple assessments (BDI's, BAI's, etc) under the supervision of a clinician, and someone else who did work with drug rehab....and both experiences enhanced their application as they could show a direct relationship to their previous and what they wanted to do at the doctoral level (assessment and substance abuse work, respectively). In those cases, it made sense to have the practical experience instead of a more research focused approach. I like the thesis idea because it will get you use to the kind of work you are expected to produce at the doctoral level.
Your experience and interests are ones needed in community mental health! I would encourage you to not narrow your goal to a PsyD too early--but to also stay open to the idea of a PhD--considering Counseling Psych, Community Psych, Public Health and Social Work/Welfare doctoral programs. I say this because you might well qualify for funded positions if you find the right program and you can meet your career goals but not have the crushing debt load that too often comes with PsyDs. Also, you could do much of what you want enroute to the doctorate with a MSW or MPH, depending on where you are. There is also a path with a PsyD, but don't foreclose the other options any sooner than you have to. I'd say find some mentor figures out there that are already in the field and see what directions they might suggest too.
I think the research-based psychology MA is a reasonable way to go. I assume a thesis is a part of it? If so, that should give you enough research experience to put you in a pretty competitive position for many PsyD programs.
I do have to say I'm a bit concerned about the fact that you think "training you to be a consumer of research isn't too bad of a thing". Unless you are willing to have a solid amount of research training, you simply cannot be a good therapist. You won't be as capable of evaluating and incorporating new research into your treatments, so you'll end up being one of those therapists who still does things the way they were taught in grad school 30 years ago - though it hasn't happened yet there has recently been increased talk of charging those folks with ethical violations, so its obviously very important.
I have little to no interest in clinical work (for me the only question is whether I want to be a professor in a psych department, or a professor in a med school), but I think its important for me to be grounded in it so my research is guided by clinical work as well. I'm not exactly looking bouncing up and down waiting to do a practicum, but I definitely recognize its a very necessary part of making me competent in my future career - I'd recommend you look at research the same way.
That being said, your goals are for work in a much-needed area and I think its great - so I definitely encourage you to go forward and get involved out there!
With regard to a PhD. in counseling, what factor does research play in these types of programs? I would assume that it is a great deal more than a PsyD in either clinical or counseling, not that Im looking to avoid research altogether, I just don't want the main emphasis to be conducting research on things that I do not find interesting🙁.
Definitely second the finding research topics that interest you🙂
Frankly though, I'm not really sure Medaille is a great way to go, I didn't know that was the school in question. It might be better than nothing if you're stuck in Buffalo, but....even some of their faculty don't seem overly proud of the program. I know someone who graduated from there and it hasn't exactly been overly helpful as far as getting into doctoral programs, though admittedly they were interested in relatively competitive schools. Doesn't Buff State have a master's program? They're at least better connected than Medaille. There are pretty much endless research opportunities in Buffalo, so if you do decide to go to Medaille you might want to look into volunteering elsewhere so you can get on board with some bigger/better researchers that will likely do much more for your application.
If you have any questions about research opportunities in the area, feel free to PM. I've either worked or interviewed at pretty much all the ones of interest to a psychologist at some point🙂
