Research-Based University PhD Question

[cityskyl]

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Hi Everyone!

I'm new here, and I just have a question on picking a graduate program.

There is one in particular that I really like for Clinical Psychology (not sure if I want to head this path yet, nor do I know if I have the credentials to be even looked at). However, they disclaim that applicants with large interests in service provision would not find the program meeting their desired emphases or goals.

I do very much want to work with people, do assessments, interventions, evaluations, some therapy, some direct care, etc. I would be okay with doing some research, but I do not want to dedicate my life to it.

So I don't know if I should just completely disregard that and apply anyway if I decide to go this route.

Any input would be great. And if anyone has any input on programs/other psychology that would fit the description of what I said above that would be wonderful.

Thank you in advance!

 

[ResearchGirlie]

Hi Everyone!

I'm new here, and I just have a question on picking a graduate program.

There is one in particular that I really like for Clinical Psychology (not sure if I want to head this path yet, nor do I know if I have the credentials to be even looked at). However, they disclaim that applicants with large interests in service provision would not find the program meeting their desired emphases or goals.

I do very much want to work with people, do assessments, interventions, evaluations, some therapy, some direct care, etc. I would be okay with doing some research, but I do not want to dedicate my life to it.

So I don't know if I should just completely disregard that and apply anyway if I decide to go this route.

Any input would be great. And if anyone has any input on programs/other psychology that would fit the description of what I said above that would be wonderful.

Thank you in advance!

Ignoring their warning will likely mean that you'll end up spending a huge percentage of your time involved in research, something that you are just "okay" with. I get that a lot of research based schools are appealing and they tend to have better funding situations, but please consider the years you will be in school and the time you will put into something that you aren't really interested in. I have seen people do it and it's not a fun experience for them or the people around them.

If you know that research is just ok for you I'd really recommend trying to find schools that have a more balanced approach so that you can be involved in research and learn how to be a responsible consumer of research, but that you also focus on what most interests you - the clinical aspect.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

The program is doing you a favor by being explicit about their training goals, so I'd definitely heed their description.

 

[Pragma]

the program is doing you a favor by being explicit about their training goals, so i'd definitely heed their description.

+1

 

[bmedclinic]

Also agree with others. For example, I'm in a balanced scientist-practioner phd program in clinical, and though it suits me perfectly, one of my cohortmates (can I use that as a word?) has stated many times he belongs in a clinical scientist psyd type program. You can see the pain in his eyes. Credit the dude for sticking it out for 4 years, but you can just tell the program has been that much more difficult for him (and it's not easy to begin with) than it is for the rest of us research-nerds.

 

[cityskyl]

Thank you all! It is much appreciated.