PsyD is it worth it or go back and get MSW

[gopsyd]

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I was accepted into Pepperdine University and I will be getting it partially funded (70-80% of tuition and living expenses). However now I am freaking out worrying if this is worth an additional 4 years of school.
I chose to go the Clinical Psy MFT route because I always planned on getting my PsyD. But that was before I knew more about the field - now I wish I would of went the LCSW route given the job market. I am so confused as to what to do now. I am considering reapplying to the MSW program I was accepted to USC (I know that is expensive too) and doing a joint degree program in Law - but that is how confused I am.

My ultimate professional goal is to work in community mental health and private practice as specializing in multicultural psychotherapy, African American mental health, ethnic minority couples and family therapy, assessment and treatment of children and adolescents, behavior treatment of autism, and strength based approaches for families of people diagnosed with disabilities and psychological disorders.

Should I just cut my loss and try to work with my MFT?

 

[2012PhD]

I was accepted into Pepperdine University and I will be getting it partially funded (70-80% of tuition and living expenses). However now I am freaking out worrying if this is worth an additional 4 years of school.
I chose to go the Clinical Psy MFT route because I always planned on getting my PsyD. But that was before I knew more about the field - now I wish I would of went the LCSW route given the job market. I am so confused as to what to do now. I am considering reapplying to the MSW program I was accepted to USC (I know that is expensive too) and doing a joint degree program in Law - but that is how confused I am.

My ultimate professional goal is to work in community mental health and private practice as specializing in multicultural psychotherapy, African American mental health, ethnic minority couples and family therapy, assessment and treatment of children and adolescents, behavior treatment of autism, and strength based approaches for families of people diagnosed with disabilities and psychological disorders.

Should I just cut my loss and try to work with my MFT?

Pepperdine has a decent reputation for a PsyD. Are you including loans in the 80% tuition funding you got because some programs include loans in funding? How much in loans will you have to take out total to get your PsyD?

95% of people on this forum will tell you that if your are not interested in doing research or psychological testing, a PsyD is overkill. Even in a PsyD program, you will have to do a decent amount of research, fulfill dissertation requirements, and take several courses in assessment and statistics.

I don't think others can make the decision for you. It really depends on your age, values, and goals. You will have to be geographically flexible for doctoral education as well. If you do the PsyD, are you willing to go outside of CA to secure an apa accredited internship? Are you willing to forgo 4 years of lost income? APA internships pay 25K, and post-doc pay is low as well. Are you willing to wait 6 years before you start earning a decent salary?

 

[cmd0618]

I was accepted into Pepperdine University and I will be getting it partially funded (70-80% of tuition and living expenses). However now I am freaking out worrying if this is worth an additional 4 years of school.
I chose to go the Clinical Psy MFT route because I always planned on getting my PsyD. But that was before I knew more about the field - now I wish I would of went the LCSW route given the job market. I am so confused as to what to do now. I am considering reapplying to the MSW program I was accepted to USC (I know that is expensive too) and doing a joint degree program in Law - but that is how confused I am.

My ultimate professional goal is to work in community mental health and private practice as specializing in multicultural psychotherapy, African American mental health, ethnic minority couples and family therapy, assessment and treatment of children and adolescents, behavior treatment of autism, and strength based approaches for families of people diagnosed with disabilities and psychological disorders.

Should I just cut my loss and try to work with my MFT?

Well first of all, judging by your screen name, I think I know what it is that you want 🙂

I too have run into some discouragement toward PsyD's on here. But I've noticed this is mostly toward those who were attending professional schools and/or weren't lucky enough to get funding. You have significant funding for your program and are going to a very good school (and in the BEST location, by the way!) so you are luckier than most. However, as 2012 said, even though you will ultimately be making more money than you would as an MSW, be prepared for a few extra years of lost income - this is a full-time commitment, you really can't even work part time during a doctoral program. So you'll basically be starting off once you finish.

Ultimately, though, it is your decision. So whatever you end up choosing to do, good luck!

 

[2012PhD]

Yeah, pepperdine is a good school and you got funding. That is very lucky.

I don't know if i was clear, but if you are interested in also doing some psychological testing (by this i mean cognitive and personality testing, not just assessment as in diagnosis) and can be geographically flexible for internship/post-doc, then I think you should probably go for it.

It also depends on whether your funding is for 1 year or all 4? This makes a big difference.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

Comparing Masters and Doctoral training is an Apples & Oranges comparison. They are two very different types of training, and the scope of practice is different. You need to figure out which training better meets your needs. There is far more to doctoral training than "some testing and research training", which is what people imply when they reference "wanting to do assessment work." There is also more to Social Work than therapy training. Depending on the program, a large portion of your SW training may be in wholy SW specific areas.

 

[gopsyd]

Thanks so much for your input. My funding is for the first 3 years of the program - the last year is internship/ dissertation and the tuition is reduced. I def am interested in doing research and testing and would be willing to move for my internship. I'm 28 and I think I am worried most about the additional years of being broke. But I have always wanted to be a psychologist since I was a little girl- which I don't think is normal - so I guess Im going to follow my heart...

 

[2012PhD]

Thanks so much for your input. My funding is for the first 3 years of the program - the last year is internship/ dissertation and the tuition is reduced. I def am interested in doing research and testing and would be willing to move for my internship. I'm 28 and I think I am worried most about the additional years of being broke. But I have always wanted to be a psychologist since I was a little girl- which I don't think is normal - so I guess Im going to follow my heart...

I understand your concerns completely. However, you should be really happy that you got funding for all 4 years (since internship is likely paid) and that you will be attending a good program. Pepperdine also seems to get their students out in 4 years since they have the M.A already. Your situation is the opposite of those that SDN folks warn to stay out of this field (e.g. students wanting to go to professional programs and take out 200K in debt or those that are only interested in therapy or who want a quick route to a six figure income).

Look at it this way, if you take a year to re-apply to MSW programs or attend law school, at this rate the process will take 4 years anyhow and will involve way more debt than your funded PsyD program. Plus, you won't be doing what you want and there is no guarantee with a law or social work degree that you will do well. MFT income is also lower than the PsyD and you won't be eligible to do research or testing.

In my opinion, you should be celebrating and relaxing on one of those beautiful southern california beaches until school starts.

 

[wigflip]

Last time I checked, USC was $40,000/year (plus books, parking, etc.), so MSW = $80,000+. Chief benefit is the pedigree and good alumi network, as well as the flexible license. But several years back their top funding award was only $3,000 total, one time stipend. So it sounds like you are much better situated with the Pepperdine offer. Congratulations! I didn't even know that Pepperdine offered funding of that caliber.

 

[wigflip]

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