Thoughts on Programs near NC or CO?

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I am thinking about applying for my final time to psych. I turned down an offer in 2006 to attend UF due to my husband's medical issues. Now, is my last time I think. I am originally from NC. I am an non-trad student. Early 30's. Almost a partner at my law firm - work with biotech companies on clinicial trials and biotech licensing/corporate partnering. I work with a 1000 attorney firm with a branch office in CO and make ton of $$, but am stressed to death, work all the time, my health is shot and I think this is it for me. I want to be a clinician and also use my business experience in some way. So, I think a really hard core research program would be hard for me.😀

My grades are 4.0 in psych and everything else from great schools. My GRE's are ok around 1280-1300, I think. My subject GRE not so hot.

Here are my options - if you have any thoughts, let m eknow.

CO

Denver PsyD
UD PhD (rejected)
UC Boulder (afraid that too research heavy)
Colorado State (counseling but with a very heavy psych model and high placement average)
Univ. Of Montana (think I could get in there, have old faculty contac there)

NC
UNC (rejected)
Duke (scared couldn't get in)
ECU (has new health psych program and I know directlroy.
Virginia Consortiup (rejected)
VCU (did't apply)
USC (didn't apply)

I am thinking that maybe there are other things out there for me - that aren't so easy, but are possible. Don't want to rush into a nother bad mistake. This one has a lot of financial conseuqences.

 

[LM02]

CU-Boulder, DU (PhD), UNC, and Duke are all very research heavy, and most likely won't fit what you're looking for.

Other than the cost, it seems that the DU PsyD program might be a good match. Even as someone who is admittedly biased toward the PhD, I think that the PsyD might be appropriate given your ultimate career goals, desire to not take on a heavy research load, and location. I also know some people who have gone through that program, and have done well for themselves.

Also, have you considered an MSW? You can specialize and take the test to become a LCSW, and achieve your goal of becoming a clinician. UNC, in particular, has a great social work school. The other benefits are that admission is nowhere near as competitive, and that you graduate in 2 years. You also won't have to go through an internship match, which will likely put you in a position where you'll have to move again (or possibly limit yourself geographically, and put yourself in a position where you have limited opportunities to match).

 

[irish80122]

If you are interested in an older population look at Colorado at Colorado Springs. It is very clinical as well, so it may be a good fit there! You have to really want to work with an older population, however, because since they are Clinical Gero that is about all there is there. If you like that population, it could be heaven.

 

[standbyme]

did you mean UNC Chapel Hill or UNC Greensboro?- both have Ph.D programs- although Greensboro gets fewer applicants, so might be a little less competitive.

 

[socialcog]

I have heard the University of Denver is a wonderful school. Everyone I've talked to has nothing but positive things to say about the city itself. The faculty there look very strong as well. I would say that research experience would make you look more appealing. Even though you are not interested in research, I've heard that schools look for research aptitude in the applicants. I have also read (in this forum) that if an applicant conveys a disinterest in research OR admits wanting to "become a clinical psychologist with the sole purpose of being a clinician to help people"--the admissions committee look upon that negatively.

 

[Therapist4Chnge]

The one caveat about CO.....there is a glut of psychologists there, most likely because so many move there and don't want to leave.

-t

 

[TherapistDave]

The one caveat about CO.....there is a glut of psychologists there, most likely because so many move there and don't want to leave.

-t

This is truth with a capital T; it is so difficult to establish one's self out here, due to that fact that it is like an LPC's mecca. I live out here, and it is hard to slip your foot in the door with regard to practicing. However, the Geropsychology program at UCCS is up and running, and there are a lot of elderly people in the Springs as well. That may be an avenue you want to look at.