Which career path is the best to become a clinician?

[teal.gem]

Hi everyone! I will be applying to grad schools this fall for the first time and I am confused because I don't know which path after graduation would be worth my time and energy the most, and would be able to give me the most ROI.

A little about me: I will be graduating this Fall with my B.A. in Psychology and I want to work as a clinician in private practice. I have 2 years of research experience, 1 poster, a senior thesis and a couple of posters on the way, and a couple months of clinical experience. Lastly, I want to be able to be in a financially safe place in 10 years and provide good therapy.

I currently have a few options for which path I should take:

1. Clinical or Counseling Ph.D. program --> Licensed Psychologist
2. Masters in Social Work program ---> LCSW
3. Masters in Counseling program ---> Ph.D. program ---> Licensed Psychologist

I am worried that I will not get into a PhD program on the first try (which is very likely) and will waste a couple of years reapplying to get in but I think that a PhD program will give me adequate knowledge and training to work as a clinician. I think that getting a MSW to become a LCSW is a good alternative, but I am afraid that it will limit me as a clinician and might make it harder to get clients.

That being said, I understand that there are many paths to becoming a good clinician in private practice but I am looking for the best path that will lead me to what my career goals are. Any advice on which path to take would be greatly appreciated!

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[Therapist4Chnge]

If you do good work, referral sources will send you more patients. Unless you have clear reasons for pursuing a doctorate, being an LCSW from a balanced to clinical heavy program would be a better bang for your buck/time.

 

[Dahresto]

LCSW is certainly the "fastest"
Which is best is dependent on your goals.