PsyD HELP!

[Knights24]

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Hey all,

Wondering if I could get some quick and informative help on applying to PsyD programs. I applied last year to only PhD programs and have been preparing for such for reapplying (i.e. research experience), however now that its time to kick off applications again I am thinking about maybe expanding to PsyD programs (even though I never considered this before).

Is this possible, or should I have been focusing on PsyD all along??? What sort of things do PsyD programs require/place importance on that might be different from PhD programs. Although I really like research, I see myself more clinically involved in psychology with research on the side and this applies more to PsyD programs. What had stopped me before was cost, as I know those programs can be A LOT in loans, but now I'm willing to compromise (due to geographical reasons and increasing my chances of getting in).

My main question is whether I should even start looking at PsyD programs and whether I have a shot at getting in if I have been preparing for PhD programs.

THANK YOU so much for your help!

 

[Knights24]

PS: I am applying to clinical neuropsychology programs

 

[psypipe]

well

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

I'd recommend doing a search on the forum, as all of your questions have been answered before. My signature has a link to make it easy.

 

[blueyelie2]

I know I pulled this thread out for probably half inappropriate reasons, but I just kind of wanted to get a bit of a discussion started.

Now this board constantly goes back and forth between the pros and cons of the PsyD VS PhD Clinical Psych ad nauseum. Most of us have our views and we stick to them, which is perfectly fine and I'm sure, as it has me, helped other really work out a decision for what they want to pursue. But I still have doubts... kind of. Basically I wanted to get something started on the idea about "what degree is right for me" type idea. Now again, I know "in the end I have to choose" but just would you all mind trying?

Now I really enjoy the clinical and application of psychology; the theories, assessments, interventions, psychotherapy, cognitive behavioral therapy and all the rest. I actually love it basically because, as I'm sure many people who go the PsyD idea and appeal to Psychology in general, if something you do work you get to see an end result in a person and you get to see that person succed. What a great feeling! But, I also love the science of psychology. Stats itself are icky, but I do like the practice of research; testing, gathering data, applying new unproven theories, making new theories from old idea, utiliziang practices on groups and showing better effectiveness (for the PsyD ideas!).

So I have applied to 4 PhD programs and 3 PsyD programs, all clinical psychology. In essence, what do YOU think is a better choice? Honestly, this made sound brash, but I'm not to picky about which degree I achieve. I would PREFER the PhD so I have the ability to teach and pursue, reserach and practice and have many more options opened. The PsyD is also very appealing because I love the aspect of therapy and helping others.

Two cents from anyone is greatly appreciated! Thanks!

 

[erg923]

The Psy.d model of training emerged in the late 60s when universty ph.d programs in clinical psychology were still very academic in nature and a good portion of them simply didn't offer much clinical training. Thus, graduates coming out of these programs in the 60s felt there was simply too much learning on the job after the degree. Fortunately, this is no longer the case. The ph,d offers ample opportunities for quality practicum training. While some research heavy programs might discourage seeking considerable amounts of practicum training (some might heavily discourage it), it's your life and your career and the opportunities exist if you want them. You do not have to want an academic career for the ph.d, but you should have some kind of substantial passion/interest in examining research questions and utilizing the science of psychology in order to further yours and others practice.

I did not pursue a Psy.D. primarily because I came from a very biased culture of academics who stressed that substantial focus on scientific thinking and rigor inevitable produces a more mindful, scientific practitioner. I think that, in general, in order to truly "think like a scientist" you have to actually be one for a few years. I also belive people trained in this manner are more likely to utilize empirically sound treatments and methodologies in their practice. However, I DO NOT think that getting a Psy.D inevitably leads to this not happening (as some of my old supervisors used to suggest). Thus, if you are good, you are good. Period. I don't really care what degree you have. And once you are out working, most others wont care either. However, there does remain a bias towards psyds in the internship and even post-doc world. Thus, the initial hoops early in ones career may be more prominent with the Psy.D. Similar to the challenge DOs physicians face when applying for internship and residency. However, beyond that, is often smooth sailing....with the exception of heavy loan payments that is. 🙂

 

[psychmama]

I went through a PsyD program and have no regrets. It was a great experience for me. On the other hand, I don't think all PsyD programs are the same, just as not all PhD programs are the same. My program, and many others, is based in a university and offers some (usually limited) funding. It is very selective in admission, as selective as most PhD programs, and although less emphasized, research training was still important. Other PsyD programs, especially those in the professional schools, are much less selective, do not have as much rigor, and fail to match many of their students for internship.

My advice is to do your homework by checking out individual programs -- this in the end may be more significant than whether the program is PhD or PsyD. Check their relevant stats on their website. Decide how much debt you can tolerate balanced against the education you'll be provided.

Also, I don't think the fact that you've been preparing for PhD admission means you're ill-prepared for most PsyD programs. PsyD programs will value your research experience. It's just that they will also be interested in how you see your research interests being applied in practice, and they'll want to determine if you've had some preparation working in something that's clinically related. Most programs (PhD and PsyD) will want to see some evidence that you've had exposure to both clinical work and research, it's just the relative emphasis of one vs the other that may differ.

 

[Cmvramirez]

I'm in a PsyD program at a non-for-profit university so maybe you & I can have a better discussion. 🙂 I attended The Chicago School in Chicago for my MA in forensic psych, to give you a perspective of my background.

If it was me, I would quit the program because you obviously hate it! Please don't waste your money on something you hate, there's no sense in doing that & it's just painful to hear that. Like other people have said, strive only for what's worth it to you. If you think that JFK will give you the training you want, then go for it, but please don't settle for anything less than what you love.

PsyD programs, in general, place less emphasis on research than clinical practice, but any good program will acknowledge that your clinical work should be based upon evidence. I'm at a PsyD program at a not-for profit & while we don't have research shoved down our throats, we are all highly encouraged to participate in a research interest group & have plenty of opportunities for publications & presentations at conferences. If you love Denver, go for it, but if you really love JFK, go for that! If you don't think you can get into your top choices, take a year or two off to build up research experience or clinical experience.

No matter what you do, just make sure that you're happy with the choice. PsyD programs, in general, do build up a lot of debt & there's no sense in paying on something that you'll regret later down the road. Good luck!

Hey all,

Wondering if I could get some quick and informative help on applying to PsyD programs. I applied last year to only PhD programs and have been preparing for such for reapplying (i.e. research experience), however now that its time to kick off applications again I am thinking about maybe expanding to PsyD programs (even though I never considered this before).

Is this possible, or should I have been focusing on PsyD all along??? What sort of things do PsyD programs require/place importance on that might be different from PhD programs. Although I really like research, I see myself more clinically involved in psychology with research on the side and this applies more to PsyD programs. What had stopped me before was cost, as I know those programs can be A LOT in loans, but now I'm willing to compromise (due to geographical reasons and increasing my chances of getting in).

My main question is whether I should even start looking at PsyD programs and whether I have a shot at getting in if I have been preparing for PhD programs.

THANK YOU so much for your help!